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!
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.
Manta
Once you dock at the Port of Manta and enter the harbor, you'll realize that you are in for an enjoyable stay. The area around the harbor is bustling and full of activity, but as you travel inland, the city mellows into a relaxing place full of great restaurants and small communities. This contrast adds to the personality of the city, and incredibly enough, the port of Manta is the busiest fishing port on earth. Because of the inordinate amount of import and export, the variety of cultures within the city is remarkable. The Museo del Banco Central is a fantastic museum that displays countless artifacts that have all been found in the region. Photographs show the progression of the port through the decades, and by looking around you can tell that great time and care went into building the museum's astonishing edifice.
Manta's beaches are spacious as well as beautiful, and are home to a wide array of wildlife. Frigate birds and pelicans occupy some of the area, but keep to themselves enough that they will never spoil your afternoon. Instead, they will provide entertainment as they hunt for their prey come dusk. Soaring and then diving to catch fish, they shoot through the air at incredible speeds. The surf in Manta is usually pristine, and often the beaches of Murcielago will have waves roll through that would impress even the most traveled surfer. There are a few truly great restaurants in Manta, and the nightlife is fantastic.
Lima
Lima is an extraordinary city nestled on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. It's an old city with an esteemed history. Ranging from fast paced activities to relaxing sightseeing, Lima has it all. In 1535, Francisco Pizarro founded Lima, and in its early days the city surrounded the Rimac River. For the next three hundred years the city was the capital of the entire Spanish South American Empire. Over the years, the city has mushroomed, and now Lima is home to around seven million people.
The hustle and bustle of Lima is found in the downtown sector. The area surrounding the Plaza Mayor is the most popular and busy region. This is where you will encounter the most aesthetically pleasing architecture, artwork, and museums. Other portions of the city are more entertaining and exciting, but this is the district that houses the educational and historical sights of Lima. They exist elsewhere within the city, but not in nearly as much of a concentrated fashion as they do here by the Plaza Mayor. Miraflores and San Isidro are the two nicest neighborhoods in Lima, as they are located by the sea and quite affluent. The restaurants and shopping in these areas are probably the best in Lima. The nicest parks are definitely close to the ocean, and a few in particular are absolutely gorgeous. In between the beautiful towns by the sea are small working-class areas of Lima such as Rimac, Brena, and La Victoria. Lima is a city best enjoyed by walking, and during the day it is safe to travel anywhere within the city. Peruvians love the outdoors, and on weekends you will see what seems like the whole country gathered in the Plaza to enjoy the warmth.
Arica
The beautiful city of Arica is as lovely as it is diverse. You can lie on the beach sipping an exotic drink, and hike the trails of the glorious Lauca National Park in the same day. The park's mountains reach heights of 14,000 feet, and offer hiking enthusiasts some of the most exhilarating trails that the world has to offer. The Cathedral of San Marcos is a fantastic man-made achievement, and the Salar de Surire National Monument is spectacular. Arica is found in the northernmost sector of Chile, over 1,000 miles north of Santiago. Only a few miles from the Peruvian border, Arica features a warm climate and a unique landscape that is sure to please every kind of tourist. 170,000 people inhabit the city, and Arica is one of the most affordable tourist destinations in South America. In addition, the city and its surrounding area are virtually rain free, experiencing the least precipitation of anywhere on earth. It also has an incredibly low crime rate, and is a wonderful blend of modern tourist attractions and ancient culture.
La Serena
Rarely does a town's name describe its ambiance more perfectly than La Serena, Chile. La Serena, or The Serene, is a town where everything feels slowed down. You have two choices upon arrival. You can spend the entire day on the beach and be perfectly content. Or, you can choose to sightsee, and learn about a city whose history dates back centuries. Juan Bohon founded the city in the mid-16th Century. Soon after, silver was discovered in the area, fueling an economic boom that attracted people from all over South America. Today, the city is home to about 130,000 people. It lies right along the Pacific Coast, about three hundred miles north of Santiago, Chile's capital.
Plaza del Armas stands as the city's center, both literally and figuratively. Surrounding the plaza are old churches, small shops, and municipal buildings. La Serena is a city in touch with its past, as the archeological museum and religious art museum highlight. It's also a town that takes advantage of its proximity to the sea, with a row of gorgeous white sand beaches butting up against one another.
Your ship will actually dock in the adjacent town of Coquimbo, but outside of some gorgeous beaches, the town pales in comparison to its neighbor. Get ready to enjoy the natural beauty and serenity of La Serena.
|