Santo Domingo
Santo Domingo is the capital of the Dominican Republic and is
a vibrant urban center. No need to become discouraged however, because there is
an abundance of precious treasures anxiously awaiting to be explored. Anything
you could possibly ask for or dream up can be all found here. The golf courses,
plethora of water sports, and the world-class museums solidify its
position as a top cruise destination.
Christopher Columbus is generally celebrated and certainly well known in
North America. However, it is his brother, Bartolome Columbus, that is
recognized here in Santo Domingo. Bartolome founded Columbus City, which became
the very first European City in the New World. The historical references towards
the Columbus family in the form of monuments, statues, etc. are scattered
throughout this Spanish colonial city.
One of the most exciting things Santo Domingo has to offer is
its diversity. Here, you can have it all. The place to go for the perfect blend
of the past and the present is the Zona Colonial. Since it is the most historic
spot the capital has to offer, you can find the most brilliantly preserved
architecture here that dates back to the 16th and even the 15th
centuries! The Zona Colonial is home to the many "firsts" of the New
World. See how the very first hospital was organized and run. Study up at the
first university, monastery, nunnery and worship in the oldest cathedral.
Be sure to take advantage of the most exquisite beach
atmosphere at Boca Chica. Sit amidst the aisles of palm trees and submerge
yourself into the royal waters that are as blue as the larimar jewelry that is
sold here. Whether it is the calm of the white sands, the historic context, or
the club scene you are looking for, it can all be found right here in Santo
Domingo.
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.
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