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.
King’s Wharf
King's Wharf is small and simple, but don't let that fool you. It is a beautiful port destination, and if you look closely, you can find all of the amenities that you would on any other island in the Caribbean. King's Wharf combines glorious beach weather and interesting historical locations, making it the perfect getaway from the everyday grind.
Bermuda is the ideal location to escape the stress and strain of everyday city life. This pleasant little island is one of the premier honeymoon spots in the entire world. The citizens are friendly, and you will not be victimized by constant hounding on the beach. You will be respected and treated politely, and the environment is stress-free and lacks the ever-present vendors that exist on virtually all other islands in the Caribbean. Bermuda is the best location for sunning and swimming, as the sun is bright and the waters clear and tranquil. If you are a big wave surfer, the waters outside King's Wharf are not for you. However, if your interest lies in snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing, you have come to the right place.
The inhabitants of Bermuda, and King's Wharf in particular, stay true to the British customs that they have followed for centuries. However, in the past couple of decades, the region has become a lot more Americanized, but in a positive way. Bermuda has some of the best golf in the world, and every pro golfer that has played a round on Bermuda has come away satisfied.
Lisbon
Lisbon is a diverse and outrageously enjoyable city that demands a look. It is already a very popular tourist destination, but it will no doubt continue to have an increasing amount of visitors as the years go by. It is not a quiet town, but it is not as sprawling or congested as some of the neighboring capitals. Lisbon is the capital of Portugal, and with a population that hovers right around one million, most of the other famous European cities are much larger. This is just fine with the citizens of Lisbon, who prefer their city remain somewhat secluded and protected. This is one of those places to which you must be sure to bring all of your high performance photography gear. But even if you aren't a seasoned shutterbug, buy a disposable camera and snap as many shots as you can! The landscape, horizon, and glorious sunsets here are unparalleled, and the unique architecture will not be seen anywhere else on earth. Even the cobblestone streets are remarkable, built on hillsides, making for a roller coaster-like view of the city or the river at any given time.
In 1755, an earthquake and tidal wave completely destroyed the city, and after that a complex of parallel streets was constructed in between the two main squares. The Alfama is a Moorish sector that is found to the east of Lisbon, and Bairro Alto is located to the west. Lisbon is full of tremendous sights and a fantastic array of top-notch museums. The squares are ideal locations for picnicking and people watching. The weather here is excellent, with hot summers, warm springs and autumns, and cool winters. The more time you spend in Lisbon, the more you will fall in love with it, so keep that picture of the kids handy to remind you of home or you may never want to leave!
Vigo
Galicia is a Celtic-like region located in the mysterious northwest of Spain. It is green, dense, and misty, with destinations ranging from tranquil beaches to incredible mountains and medieval villages. Vigo is a small, subdivision of Galicia, and is situated on the picturesque western coast of Spain. This is Spain's most Atlantic territory, and perhaps the most fascinating area in the entire country. Galicia stretches from the isolated Castilian plains to the gorgeous seacoast. Vineyards can be found everywhere, and the wildest mountain range in all of Spain, the Picos de Europa, is located here, as well.
Spain's northwestern region is so scenic that it is not odd to see tourists holding multiple cameras. The lush diversity of Galicia is breathtaking, and it remains somewhat isolated from foreigners. Typically, travelers to Spain wish to be amidst the bustle and party life of Barcelona and Madrid, but to miss Galicia is to miss out on seeing one of the purest forms of intrinsic geographic beauty in the entire world. The nearby city of Santiago de Compostela is home to a cathedral that supposedly houses the remains of St. James the Apostle. For over 900 years, travelers and pilgrims have visited this ancient, historically significant location. Shrines, churches, and hospitals of the past are scattered throughout the northwest.
Gallego is the official Galician language, and it is closely related to Portuguese. The majority of road signs are in this form of Castillian Spanish. Several distinctions such as this differentiate Galicia and the northwestern region from the rest of Spain.
Harwich
Harwich lies between the Stour and Orwell Rivers in central England. Harwich emerged on the scene in 1150 as a crowded and noteworthy town, and began to grow as fishermen and laborers flocked to the town for work. Once serving mainly as a gateway to the River Thames and as an industrial port for imports and exports, Harwich has blossomed over the decades into a wonderful tourist retreat known for its friendly residents and relaxed atmosphere.
Today, Harwich bustles with industry and a population of over 18,000. But it also boasts of quaint shopping areas, delightful eateries and the old world charm found in its many historical sites. Residents of Harwich take great pride in their land, and it shows. It is a modern day place that has seamlessly preserved its past in the form of landmarks and educational tours that allow visitors a look at Harwich's history. Harwich is known throughout England for the care its citizens take in maintaining the beauty of their surroundings. The commitment of the community is evidenced in the numerous social clubs and societies aimed at strengthening Harwich's close-knit feel. Crime is low here, and the sense of community continues to bridge generations, as young and old alike express an admiration for their town's interesting past and promising future.
Harwich locals have formed numerous groups, such as the Harwich Society, which work to sustain and restore popular sites like the lighthouses and various murals that adorn the town. Visitors to Harwich will face the pleasurable challenge of deciding which sites to see, and because there are so many, there is truly something for everyone. From the historic High Lighthouse to the Navyard Wharf, this quaint and elegant yet rustic and pastoral town will enchant you.
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