Miami
A destination of vast diversity, Miami's year-round warm
weather attracts visitors from all over the world to its beautiful beaches,
modern architecture, and vibrant nightlife. Two million people call Miami home,
but another 10 million come to visit every year.
The Spanish were first to arrive, and it is understandable
that their influence should be felt first and foremost. Miami was colonized by
the Spanish in the 1500?s, then used as collateral in negotiations with the
English that ended the Seven Years War. Spain gained Havana back in exchange
for Florida. In 1783, England traded Florida back to Spain for the Bahamas, and
Spain ruled Florida as a colony until 1821, when Florida became a state.
Miami now is world famous for its beaches, 35 miles worth,
from South Beach to Sunny Isles. Whether you want to sunbathe, swim, or just
people watch, there are enough different beaches to suit your fancy.
But there is so much more to the city. A wide range of
museums and parks can be found here. They add a refined sense of culture to the
glitz and glamour of Miami's world-renowned nightlife.
Of course, if shopping is your main objective, Miami has more
than enough shops and boutiques to suit your needs. That's without even
mentioning the many upscale shopping malls and sidewalk stores that dot the map
What sets Miami apart from most other tourist destinations is
the blend of people who call it home. Nowhere else in the world will you see so
many people from so many different cultures. Large communities of Cubans and
Haitians mix with retired "snowbirds" from New York and Canada.
It's hard to take in all that Miami has to offer in one
day, but here are some of the highlights.
Aruba
Aruba, the "A" in the ABC islands (B for Bonaire, C for Curacao) is a small Caribbean Island measuring only 20 miles long by 6 miles wide. Yet, don't let its small size fool you. It is a complete tourist destination featuring breathtaking beaches, crystal clear and inviting waters, exotic restaurants and nightclubs, and a host of other activities sure to make your stay an unforgettable one.
Once part of the Netherlands Antilles, Aruba became an independent nation in 1986. It has a storied history in the 20th century largely based on oil, for its refineries supplied oil to the Allied forces in World War Two. These past decades, however, the livelihood of Aruba's 100,000 residents depends largely on tourism. Locals are friendly and welcoming, as evidenced by a verse in their national anthem that speaks, The greatness of our people is their great cordiality.
Aruba features a landscape that is rather unique from its Caribbean counterparts. Here you will find a land of cacti jungles, inland deserts, tropical birds, isolated bays and coves, all in a temperate setting; a climate that averages 82 degrees year-round with very little humidity. A moratorium on large-scale building has ensured that the number of large resorts is kept to a minimum, ensuring that the pristine beaches and attractions will remain that way for decades to come.
The city of Oranjestad is a thriving capital that is a welcome mix of Caribbean, Spanish and Dutch influences. Here you will find lovely restaurants, bargain shopping galore, ritzy casinos, and opportunities to take part in many local adventures, such as horseback riding, kayaking trips, parasailing excursions, and so much more.
When the sun sets over this Caribbean wonderland, you will delight in knowing that the nightlife is ready every day of the year to satisfy you reveling urges till the break of dawn. World-class bars and discos, along with a different themed party every day of the week will ensure that you will never tire of the vibrant city of Oranjestad and the surrounding lands of Aruba.
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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