Montego Bay
The word Jamaica conjures up strong images in everyone's
mind. Whether it's visions of impeccable Caribbean beaches or the thought of
smoke wafting away from Bob Marley's lips, this small island has made a large
impression on the world's stage.
Jamaica's history is similar to that of other Caribbean
islands. In 1494, Columbus sailed into Montego Bay and named it Fair Weather
Bay. Soon after, the Spaniards came here to hunt wild hogs and export lard. The
bay became known as Manteca Bay, (Manteca is Spanish for lard) and eventually,
Montego Bay.
Jamaica lies 90 miles south of Cuba, and trails only its
neighbors Cuba and the Dominican Republic/Haiti in size, weighing in at 4,400
square miles. Inland, Jamaica is lush and green, with a mountain range that
contrasts sharply with the coastline.
Montego Bay is the second largest city in Jamaica, trailing
only Kingston, but it may be the king of tourist destinations. Situated on the
northwest side of the island, Montego Bay is the usual entryway for airline and
cruise passengers from the United States to enter Jamaica. Those who come here
find immaculate beaches, world class resorts, top-notch golf courses and tennis
courts, and five-star restaurants.
Mo Bay, as it is affectionately known, got its start as a
tourist destination in the early 20th Century. As early as 1908, the
city advertised itself as a haven for weather-weary Americans, but it didn't
catch on until the 1940?s, when the mineral springs of Doctor's Cove Beach
started to attract the affluent traveling class.
In recent years, Jamaica's image has taken a bit of a
beating, as some tourists have bristled at overly aggressive vendors and a
rising crime rate. Some of the more affluent private resorts have taken to
forbidding their guests from leaving the resort without a guide. Of course, this
means that some people aren't getting the true feel of this island nation.
Travelers to Jamaica need not feel unsafe. As long as you
take the same precautions that you would take in any major American city, you
will have little to worry about. On the whole, Jamaica's people remain
friendly and hospitable, and they are proud to welcome you to their island
paradise.
Bonaire
Bonaire is the marine life capital of the Caribbean, a "Diver's Paradise" full of deep sea treasures. For both diving and snorkeling, Bonaire is one of the premier locations in the entire world. In fact, it is said that it is easier to scuba dive in Bonaire than anywhere else on earth. Bonaire, French for "good air," is in fact not a French Island. This luxurious paradise is fifty miles north of Venezuela, and is the middle island in the ABC Netherlands Antilles chain (with Aruba and Curacao being the A and C).
The first human inhabitants of Bonaire arrived there over a thousand years ago. They were an Arawak tribe who sailed from Venezuela and lived uninterrupted for 500 years. In 1499 Europeans arrived, and then in the early
1900's oil was discovered in Venezuela, so Bonaire became a primary refining center.
Bonaire's beaches are uncrowded and intimate. The island is a mere 112 square miles, and varies between three to seven miles wide. It is shaped like a boomerang, and so comfortable that you will feel like the island is your own personal resort.
Diving is the main attraction for visitors of Bonaire, but you will find that there truly is much more. The animal and marine life alone is enough to fascinate and perplex even the most seasoned traveler. Among the most exotic creatures on the island are giant iguanas, blue-tailed lizards, wild donkeys, fluorescent lora parrots, and feral goats. Per square foot, there is more cacti in Bonaire than anywhere except the deserts of the southwest and Mexico.
The friendly locals of Bonaire are a perfect complement to the beauty and tranquility that envelops all that inhabit the island. A cornucopia of ancestries, you will find people of African, Dutch, and South American descent. Expatriates from the U.S., Australia, and Britain can be found as well. The majority of
Bonaire's inhabitants live in or around the capital city, Kralendijk. Kralendijk is located on the West Coast of the island, home to the majority of the nightlife, exploratory sights, and dining facilities. Bonaire combines relaxation, excitement, and beauty, truly a marvel of nature. This miniature landscape may be geographically small but it is simply wonderful.
Barbados
Barbados is a gorgeous tropical paradise set far away from
most other Caribbean islands. It is nearly 1000 miles east of the Netherlands
Antilles chain. In 1536, during a quest for fresh water, the Portuguese
"discovered" Barbados. They gave the island its current name, which
translates to "the bearded ones." This name was derived from their
observation of local fig trees that have roots resembling thick beards. Despite
the Spanish name, there is virtually no Spanish influence that remains. The
British landed a century later, and ruled the island until 1966. It was at that
time when Barbados claimed its independence. The English culture, however, is
alive and well, and this can be observed by the sport of choice on Barbados.
Cricket is the featured game, and, in per capita terms, there are more Barbados
born world-class cricket players than any other country in the world.
The capital, Bridgetown, is a marvelous city full of bustling
activity and breathtaking surroundings. The island itself is 21 miles long and
14 miles wide. Barbados is quite flat, and the highest point is Mount Hillaby at
1,115 feet. Sugarcane is the crop that has sustained Barbados for decades. The
valleys and hills are blanketed by acres of this sweet plant. The people in the
city of Bridgetown are especially friendly and hospitable, and they had better
be, because tourism is the island's most profitable industry. Unlike some of
the other Caribbean islands, the government of Barbados is stable and the
business community sophisticated. The population is 260,000, and a great number
of them live in or around Bridgetown. The perimeter of Barbados is gorgeous
white-sand beach, and the interior is comprised of exquisite rolling hills and
flat grasslands.
All of the facilities on Barbados, and particularly in
Bridgetown, are fabulous. The city of Bridgetown and all of the luxurious west
coast has been named the Platinum Coast by British vacationers. Fine dining,
scuba diving, sea excursions, and festivals are only the beginning of the
fabulous activities of Barbados. Museums and archaeological sights highlight the
rich heritage of the island, and so many of the locations combine education and
entertainment. The miles of exquisite beach offer every water sport imaginable,
and Barbados has a terrifically active nightlife. A combination of European and
strictly Caribbean influences create a diverse and fascinating ambiance
everywhere you go.
Dominica
Dominica is part of the Windward Islands. The Windwards are
made up of four main islands: Dominica, Grenada, St. Lucia, and St. Vincent and
the Grenadines. These islands are not considered to be the heavy tourist
attractions, as compared to their Caribbean neighbors, but this is a plus, as
they are far enough off the beaten path to afford the adventurous traveler the
pristine natural beauty this region has to offer.
Dominica has been inhabited for over 5,000 years, with
various native tribes calling the island home over the millennia. The original
settlers, the Ortoroid people, came, went and were replaced by the Igneri in
about 400 AD. They lived here peacefully for the next thousand years, until the
aggressive Carib tribe made their way up from South America and took over the
island in 1400. Christopher Columbus was the first European to find the island,
and he named it Dominica because he arrived here on a Sunday, November 3rd,
1493. As a result, the 3rd of November remains a national holiday
here.
Dominica offers some of the most unique and breathtaking
scenery in the world. The island only covers 290 square miles, measuring 29
miles from north to south and 16 miles from east to west. But the amount of
scenery crammed on to this tiny island paradise is enough to take up the better
part of a year, if only you had the time. Volcanic fissures form a perennially
boiling lake, the second largest such lake in the world. Rare breeds of bird,
including Jacquot and Sisserou parrots, make their home here. A local myth has
it that there are 365 rivers in Dominica, one to explore each day of the year.
You will want to pack good shoes for your excursion to
Dominica, as the best way to see everything there is to see here is by hiking.
Scuba divers will also be in paradise here, as some beautiful coral reefs and
rare fish can be seen in Dominica's mind-blowing crystal clear waters.
Most travelers spend the majority of their time in Roseau,
Dominica's capital city, which is located along the southwest corner of the
island. The rainforest is a little more inland, covering 17,000 acres in the
southern part of Dominica.
English is widely spoken, as it is the official language of
Dominica, but you'll be able to brush up on your French patois, if you are so
inclined. The Creole influence is heavy here, in everything from crafts to local
foods.
St. John's
Surrounding a small but beautiful harbor, and east of the Avalon Peninsula, St. John's, the capital city of Newfoundland, is the easternmost city in all of North America. The heritage and history of St. John's are inspiring, and in the beginning of the 16th century, Europeans started to pay particular attention to the bustling harbor. Because of its seaside location and close proximity to lucrative fishing sites, St. John's soon became famous, and attracted Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese sailors and fishermen. Explorer John Cabot sailed into the harbor of St. John's on June 24, 1497, which is the feast day of St. John the Baptist. Cabot founded the city and named it in honor of his country's beloved saint. St. John's is officially recognized as being the oldest city in North America founded by Europeans, and is Newfoundland's major commercial and financial center.
Even with a modest population of 100,000, the attractions in St. John's are varied and vast. Great restaurants, shopping complexes, and lively pubs line the streets, making for spectacular evenings for those who partake in the active nightlife. Northgale and The Cellar are the two premier dining engagements in St. John's, featuring exquisite cuisine and lovely decor. Signal Hill is an incredible landmark that charms everyone who visits, and the Newfoundland Museum is pleasantly informative. The trees and trails of Pippy Park dazzle the young and old, and the accompanying Fluvarium is an enchanting ecological wonder. The actual harbor itself is quite working class, and collections of oil tankers and huge sea vessels are always nearby. St. John's is known as the most colorful city in the province, and the vibrant trees and flowers of the protected areas certainly convinced me.
St. Martin
St. Maarten & St. Martin are two fascinating Caribbean
countries that share a single island of only 40 square miles in size. In the
year 1649, this Caribbean nation split in two; with the Dutch inhabiting the
southern portion of the island, and the French inhabiting the north. Today, a
peaceful coexistence between the two governments make both nations a charming
getaway that welcomes all visitors to bask in their ample beaches, fabulous
duty-free shopping, terrific nightlife, exciting casinos, and world-class
dining.
If you are looking for a destination to enjoy the quiet and
tranquility of the Caribbean, then you might be tempted to look elsewhere, for
in recent years, especially after the massive and impressive rebuilding projects
on the island following Hurricane Luis in 1995, St. Maarten/St. Martin has
become a tourist mecca. But locals are stilly friendly, attractions are
plentiful and affordable, and if you are drawn to a variety of water-sports and
sport fishing opportunities, then the island is perfect for you.
There are two capital cities on the island, one for the Dutch
side, and one for the French. Phillipsburg, St. Maarten is by far the largest
city on the island, and the number one destination for cruise-ship passengers.
Founded in 1763 by John Phillips, the city has evolved into a major port of
call. Stroll through the town and visit Front Street, where you can shop for
everything under the sun and enjoy some of the very best bargains anywhere in
the Caribbean. The city is a hustling and bustling capital that is the epitome
of the progress this island has made in recent years. As you head north to the
French side of the island you will come across Marigot, St. Martin. Here you
will be treated to a far more serene town that will remind you of a small French
seaside village.
If time permits, then a small drive to Grand-Case is well
worthwhile. Here you will find a quaint fishing village that has escaped the
over-development of other parts of the island. Instead, you can soak in the
beauty of the Caribbean surroundings in relative tranquility and dine on some of
the best local cuisine available.
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