Ft. Lauderdale
The Seminole Indians were the original inhabitants of the
area now known as Fort Lauderdale. The city itself was named for Major William
Lauderdale, who led a group known as the Tennessee Volunteers into the area
during the Seminole War.
Fort Lauderdale began as an agricultural community, full of
citrus groves. By the 1960?s, the city took on a new identity as the place for
college students to come for spring break. Hedonism and public drunkenness
became the norm for much of the next twenty years, but the residents of the once
sleepy town decided to take it back from the rowdy youngsters. The police began
to make their presence known a little more, and soon Fort Lauderdale was off the
list of top Spring Break destinations.
Today, Fort Lauderdale is a little closer to its roots, with
a gentle breezy demeanor to it. You can still have a good time here, exploring
the 300 miles of waterways that led to the labeling of Fort Lauderdale as
"the Venice of America." There are places to rent boats, and plenty of
opportunities to take a boat tour around the city. Or, get really acquainted
with the water by snorkeling or diving in the Atlantic.
There is still plenty to do in and around Fort Lauderdale.
Take a water taxi to some of the area's best restaurants and bars. Stroll
along busy Las Olas and visit the eclectic shops and art galleries.
The sports enthusiast will get his fill here. Tennis courts
and golf courses are everywhere in Fort Lauderdale. It's just a matter of
deciding which one to play on. Choose from baseball, football, or jai alai. You
can even place a bet at the greyhound racetrack.
The nature lover can check out over 500,000 acres of Florida
Everglades, which are part of the Greater Ft. Lauderdale area. The Everglades,
which were formed by the constant overflow of nearby Lake Okeechobee, are home
to flamingos and alligators, among others.
Of course, if you're visiting Florida, chances are that you
will want to hit the beach, and there is ample space for everybody along Ft.
Lauderdale's beautiful coastline. There are over 3,000 hours of sunshine here
every year, so enjoy!
Curacao
The "C" of the ABC Islands of the Dutch Caribbean (Aruba & Bonaire comprising the A & B), Curacao is located just 35 miles north of Venezuela, and is the most populous island in the Netherlands Antilles. It is famous for its charming European culture, lack of over-development, friendly and hospitable residents, and inspiring natural beauty.
The island itself was first discovered in the 15th century on one of Christopher Columbus's expeditions. The Spanish empire ruled the island until 1634, when the Dutch took over and transformed this land into the charming getaway it is today.
Curacao, and the capital city of Willemstad in particular, has been transformed in recent decades into a complete tourist haven. Restored colonial landmarks, ritzy hotels, and wonderful shopping are all at your fingertips here, thanks to a revitalization phase on the island that has restored many prime tourist sites to world prominence.
A popular story told amongst residents of the island concerns a former governor of Curacao who supposedly suffered from intense migraines. Especially irritated by the color white, he ordered many of the buildings painted into the diverse pastel colors that we see in Willemstad and the surrounding cities to this day. You will delight in strolling through the colorful streets of Dutch style homes and buildings, creating a truly unique Caribbean cultural experience.
Be glad to know that once you have seen your share of the local architecture, there is much more to discover on this fascinating island. Terrific restaurants and nightclubs, world-class casinos featuring all your favorite games, diving and snorkeling outfitters, and scenic national parks all await you as you spend your sun-filled days in unforgettable Curacao.
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.
St. Lucia
Just recently, St. Lucia, and Castries in particular, has
become one of the most popular regions for tourists. The accommodations and
facilities are top of the line, and the restaurants and activities fabulous. The
majority of travelers reside between Castries, which is the capital of St.
Lucia, and the northern end of the island. The entire north side of the island
is comprised of white-sand beaches to dazzle even the most seasoned and
experienced traveler. The water is a glorious blue-green, and the atmosphere is
a majestic combination of beach and lush gardens. With the exception of the area
between Castries and the northern peninsula, the island is unspoiled and a lot
of it only inhabited by exotic animal life.
St. Lucia is a mountainous island of about 240 square miles,
and approximately 240,000 citizens reside there. Derek Walcott, native of
Castries, won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1992. He is extremely proud of
his hometown, but he does not write of his bountiful homeland, out of fear that
"everyone [will] go there and overrun the place." Unfortunately,
others are doing the writing for him, and the area is already bustling with
tourists.
Banana plantations, green-mantled mountains, valleys,
wildflowers, a bubbling-volcano, and interesting fishing villages are only the
beginning of this incredible paradise. The majestic Pitons, two 2,000 foot
mountains that rise from the sea in dramatic and breathtaking fashion, are a one
of the scenic wonders of the world.Taking a tour around the island is like
watching all of the best cinematography out of your favorite movie. The sights
and sounds will dazzle your senses and the beauty will boggle your mind. St.
Lucia is truly an experience that is a must for any Caribbean traveler.
The beaches and wide array of outdoor sports on St. Lucia are
marvelous. You could not ask for more activities and fun-filled events to occupy
your time. The best part about the island is that if you do choose to have a day
out of the sun, the shopping, dining, and indoor relaxation stations on St.
Lucia are magnificent.
St. Kitts
St. Kitts, the first English settlement in all of the Leeward
Islands, was in British possession until 1983, when this island, along with
Nevis, declared their independence and formed a tiny, two-island nation. The
pioneering and energetic spirit of a move such as this lives on, and is quite
recognizable in the demeanor of the islanders. Friendly and helpful, but not
likely to take guff, the citizens of St. Kitts are extremely proud of their
heritage and ancestry, as well they should be. However, British traditions, such
as the sport of cricket for instance, remain a strong influence on the
inhabitants.
For years St. Kitts suffered because they were basically a
one-resource nation, with all of their monetary revenue coming from sugarcane.
This made the health and wealth of the island extremely fragile, especially
considering its vulnerability to hurricane damage. Hurricane Hugo in 1990 caused
what was then thought to be permanent devastation. But through perseverance and
a rapidly growing tourist economy, St. Kitts rebounded stronger than anyone
could have thought. Travelers have just recently begun to discover the wonders
of St. Kitts, and as a result, tourism is expanding every year, and the economy
is at an all time high.
An interesting situation is brewing in St. Kitts, and it has
to do with its partner island Nevis. Nevis is attempting to break off their
partnership from St. Kitts, and as a result trying to steal a lot of the new
thunder that St. Kitts has acquired. As a result of the verbal war that is being
waged, prospective tourists can find great deals on St. Kitts as they compete to
control the tourism cycle in the Leeward Islands.
The natural beauty of the island remains unspoiled, so
hopefully you will have a chance to get there soon. Unlike many of the
neighboring islands in the Caribbean, St. Kitts is still relatively uncrowded,
and the white-sand beaches stretch for miles. The 18th century
architecture of St. Kitts is magnificent, and the extravagant man-made buildings
are complemented fantastically by the lush rain forests that encapsulate the
majority of the island. This is exactly what makes St. Kitts so incredibly
exciting. The diversity all around the island is amazing, as locals can be seen
shirtless wearing sandals, while others prefer to suit up in thousand dollar
linens, while sipping martinis in one of the posh dining facilities.
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.
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