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!
Ocho Rios
Jamaica's name comes from an old Arawak word, Xaymaca,
meaning "land of wood and water." Looking around the island, it's
plain to see where the Arawaks came up with that description. The lush greenery
of Jamaica's inland contrasts perfectly with the pristine white sand beaches
along the island's northern coast. Ninety percent of the island's 2.5
million residents are of West African descent, with the remaining population
consisting mainly of small pockets of European minorities. The island 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.
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.
Ocho Rios is on Jamaica's north coast, 64 miles or an hour
and a half's drive from Montego Bay and two hours from Kingston, Jamaica's
capital on the southern coast.
This small city has become a hugely popular tourist
destination, with pretty much every major cruise line making a stop here. It has
embraced the economic boom that has come with the tourism industry, and everyone
is trying to get a piece of the action.
You may get the feeling that each person you meet here is
trying to sell you something, and to some extent that is true. The people of
Jamaica are poor, in general, and the little crafts they are constantly peddling
may mean dinner on the table that night. If you do not want what is being
offered, just politely and firmly tell them you are not interested. You need not
feel intimidated.
If you come to Ocho Rios during the month of February, you
will be treated to the Reggae Sunsplash Festival, celebrate the beautiful sounds
of traditional Reggae music as well as the fascinating Rastafarian heritage.
So enjoy Ocho Rios beaches and restaurants. Negotiate
yourself a good deal on some souvenirs, and allow yourself to get lost in
Jamaica's island beat.
Semarang
Located on the picturesque Java Sea, the port of Semarang is the capital of Central Java and a fascinating tourist destination. Home to 1.5 million residents, Semarang is Indonesia's fifth largest city and a true metropolis. In this thriving city, you will find a wealth of attractions and activities, including fascinating museums, incredible architectural sights in and around the city, delicious and diverse dining opportunities, unique shopping experiences, and so much more.
Semarang's history dates back to the 9th century, when it was known as Pergota. While the city initially took a back seat to the neighboring port of Jepara, it began to gain prominence in the 17th century, growing exponentially thanks to Dutch trade influences in Indonesia.
Semarang has truly come a long way from its humble beginnings, and it is a great melting pot of East Asian and European cultures. The Chinese quarter is a lovely, colorful enclave near downtown Semarang, in stark contrast to the Dutch commercial district, a quiet, forgotten region of Semarang that hints at the city's European past.
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.
Puerto Limon
Costa Rica, while only about the size of West Virginia, is a
country of amazing diversity. Everywhere you travel in this country spotlights a
different prominent feature. For those who have never visited, it would be easy
to group Costa Rica in with its Central American neighbors, and think this is an
unstable nation. Nothing could be further from the truth. Costa Rica has been
able to avoid the problems that have plagued other Central American nations such
as Nicaragua and El Salvador. In fact, Costa Rica does not even maintain an
army, having gotten rid of it over fifty years ago.
Puerto Limon is the capital of the province of Limon, on
Costa Rica's east coast, along the Caribbean Sea. The people of Puerto Limon
are a veritable stew of cultures and nationalities. Among the population of
225,000 are Jamaican, European, Chinese, and indigenous peoples. Of course, now
that they all call Costa Rica home, they are all "ticos," as Costa
Ricans are known.
Puerto Limon is a pretty lively town, with lots of people
using it as their arrival and departure point, and with the cruise ships making
many stops here. But truth be told, this isn't a tourist town per se, compared
to other destinations in the Caribbean Sea . Nevertheless, there are things to
see and do while you are in port.
From a climate standpoint, there are only two main seasons in
Puerto Limon. The Dry Season lasts approximately from December through April
with little rain. The Green Season, which runs from about May through November,
has a more tropical feel, with short late afternoon showers as a regular part of
the day. If you can stand the rain, it is much prettier to travel during the
Green Season, if possible.
Please remember that Puerto Limon is a port town. That means
that you should be on guard there, as you would in any town. Women of the night
are in business here, and with sailors always coming in and out of port, they
have a steady clientele. Women traveling alone should exercise particular
caution.
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