San Juan
Puerto Rico has managed to combine its long storied history
with the status of a top-flight resort island, and has done so in a masterful
way. With approximately 300 miles of coastline, the island attracts beach lovers
from around the globe. And with over 500 years of history, there is so much to
see and do here besides soak in the tropical sun's rays.
The Taino Indians, who called the land Boriken, which means,
"the great land of the valiant and noble Lord", originally inhabited
Puerto Rico. When Christopher Columbus arrived in 1493, he was greeted by the
natives, who showed him all of the gold nuggets in the land and told Columbus he
was free to take as many as he wanted. Originally, the Spaniards named the
island San Juan after St. John the Baptist, and the city Puerto Rico, or
"rich port." The two names were eventually switched. In March 2, 1917,
President Woodrow Wilson signed a law stating that Puerto Rico was now a US
territory, organized but unincorporated, and all Puerto Ricans were thereby
American citizens.
San Juan, Puerto Rico's capital city, stands as a microcosm
of the islands rich duality. Old San Juan has buildings still standing from the
days of the early Spanish explorers. At the same time, gigantic hotel and casino
complexes, appealing to the high-rolling jet set, dot other parts of San Juan.
San Juan is easily broken up into several smaller sections,
each with its own character. Geographically, San Juan Island, which contains Old
San Juan and Santurce, bound Condado. South of Condado is Miramar, which is
located right on the lagoon. East of Old San Juan is Puerto de Tierra, and
finally there is Isla Verde, a little detached from the rest.
Remember that Puerto Rico is part of the United States, so
American citizens do not need passports to enter and exit the island. Another
advantage American travelers have is duty-free shopping, so feel free to hunt
for all the good values found in San Juan's many shops.
Casinos are almost as plentiful as beaches here. It could
take weeks to experience everything there is to do here. The beautiful beaches,
the exciting water sports, the fine dining, and the great shopping blend
effortlessly with the island's rich history to make Puerto Rico the shining
star of the Caribbean.
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.
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. Thomas
St. Thomas was discovered by vacationers shortly after World
War Two, and tourists have been flocking to this island paradise ever since. It
is one of the most popular spots in the Caribbean, and its capital, Charlotte
Amalie, is the busiest shopping center in the islands. St. Thomas is a wonderful
mixture of the beauty of nature and the efficiency of a powerful trade center.
There is always so much going on in Charlotte Amalie that you can't help but
let the excitement get to you. The fun and enjoyment of this bustling young city
is incredibly contagious, and it will add a certain zest to your already
phenomenal trip to St. Thomas.
More than ten cruise ships a day steer into the port at St.
Thomas, and because of successful tourism, the standard of living in St. Thomas
has been raised considerably. The island is only twelve miles long and a mere
three miles wide, but you will think it is gigantic when you start investigating
all that there is to see and do. Thanks to U.S. government programs, this island
is the most developed out of all of the U.S. Virgin Islands. This is an
additional reason to visit and adore St. Thomas. The locals are eager to assist
you on your travels, and they are incredibly friendly and responsive. The
national language is English, and the currency is the U.S. dollar, and both of
these factors contribute in making St. Thomas an even more ideal vacation spot.
In addition to the busy shopping and cultural center located
in and around Charlotte Amalie, over half of the island is the environmentally
protected Virgin Islands National Park. It is quite refreshing to see a
collection of individuals who care so deeply about nature and their
surroundings. This area is simply gorgeous, as is the rest of the island.
Numerous engaging activities await you on St. Thomas, and the shopping is
marvelous. The island is safe , and you will be made to feel right at home in
this comfortable and warm tropical hideaway
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