Cartagena
Cartagena is the jewel of Colombia; a true vacation paradise on the shores of the Caribbean Sea that invites visitors to revel in its scenic and cultural splendor. The city is divided into several regions, each with its own unique character and charm. You will most likely be spending the majority of your time in the downtown area, home to the Walled City, the Puerta del Reloj, the beautiful Plaza de San Pedro, as well as many museums and fine restaurants. The San Diego region of Cartagena is home to the Escuela de Bellas Artes (School of Fine Arts) as well as some superb vistas of the expansive Caribbean Sea. The Getsemani neighborhood is the site of many picturesque churches, including the glorious Iglesia de la Tercera Orden.
Cartagena was founded in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia. Several years later, the Spanish empire decided to protect their new land from English, French, and Dutch pirates by constructing a walled fortress around the Old City. The remains of this fortress are still intact, but in the 16th century, it did little to deter invaders. Attacks by the French and British prompted the Spanish Empire to further fortify the city walls. Cartagena flourished in the 17th and 18th centuries as a major South American slave port, but today tourism is the backbone of the local economy.
However, in recent years, Cartagena has seen far fewer tourists pass through its port. In general, political upheaval in Colombia has prompted many prospective travelers to look elsewhere for an ideal Caribbean cruise destination. Yet throughout the turmoil, Cartagena has fared tremendously, and the city is still a scenic and safe haven for all international travelers. If you are planning on exploring the surrounding regions of Colombia, be sure to speak with knowledgeable guides before doing so. If you confine your stay to seaside Cartagena, you will enjoy Caribbean vacation life at its finest.
Cartagena
Located in southeast Spain, Cartagena is a small port city that has only recently begun to attract travelers. This quiet, beautiful town has managed to stay relatively tourist-free over the years, but the secret is out; Cartagena is a great place to see. Located 29 miles south of Murcia, the locals are friendly and hospitable. This magnificent city is known for having some of the best weather in all of Spain. Cartagena is warm and dry virtually the entire year. It is a fabulous place to visit anytime, but Cartagena is especially pleasant in the spring and fall. It has a mild climate that is perfect for traveling throughout the region. The weather almost never becomes too hot or uncomfortable, and the sights and smells of the land are marvelous.
In the 3rd century B.C., the Carthaginians founded Cartagena. The city possesses an extremely rich history and culture. It is also Spain's main naval base, in part because of its ideal location. Positioned right on the Atlantic, many of the country's cities and ports are quite accessible from Cartagena.
The landscaped squares of Cartagena are so magnificent that you can spend hours just sitting and looking. This is an enormously popular activity, and enjoying a Spanish snack while relaxing in one of the squares is a cherished pastime for locals and tourists alike. Do not be alarmed if you find yourself admiring one of the squares for much longer than you would have anticipated. Many of the boulevards in Almeria are lined with gorgeous palm trees, creating shade and a crisp, clean atmosphere. Cartagena has remained relatively unchanged over the decades. Modern apartment sections have been added to the suburbs because of all of the recent tourism. The buildings and religious structures of the city add to its wonderful culture, and a walking tour of Cartagena is great fun.
Tampa
Tampa may not have the sophistication of its more glamorous
neighbor to the south, Miami, but there is more than enough to see and do here.
Henry B. Plant is responsible for Tampa's growth. Plant built a railroad that
led into town, and Tampa began to flourish. Today, Tampa is one of the country's
busiest seaports. From its modest beginnings as a small port town, Tampa has
grown into a center of commerce for West Coast Florida, and this growth is
reflected in the diverse attractions the city has to offer.
Neighboring Ybor City actually sprung to prominence first,
thanks to the exploding cigar industry of the late 19th century. This
growth is evident even to this day, as 500 million cigars are produced here
every single year. Now, Ybor City, home to Tampa's Cuban community, has been
transformed into a lively dining and nightlife hot spot. A walk down 7th
Avenue between 15th and 20th Streets will have your toes
tapping.
There are enough diverse attractions in Tampa to enchant each
member of the family. For the sports enthusiast, catch a Tampa Bay Lightning
hockey game at the beautiful Ice Palace, or cheer on the NFL's Buccaneers at
Raymond James Stadium, home of Super Bowl XXXV. In the spring, visit the World
Champion New York Yankees, who train in Tampa. There's the Salvador Dali
museum in nearby St. Petersburg to add culture to your journey. Or, visit the
Florida Aquarium and learn of the wonders under the sea.
If you're traveling with children, Busch Gardens will be an
absolute must-see. From its collection of heart-stopping thrill rides to its
world class animal park, there is enough to see here to last you a couple of
days. But even if the kids are away, you can still play. There are plenty of
excellent restaurants, shops, and attractions that will stimulate your inner
child.
If your primary objective is a good tan, head over to St.
Petersburg and sample one of Florida's pristine beaches. Most of all, if you're
looking for a great place to spend the day, allow Tampa to enchant you.
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