Archive for the ‘Destinations’ Category
One of the most used departure ports for cruise ships in the Caribbean is San Juan in Puerto Rico. We decided to arrive a day early to San Juan in order to see some sights before our cruise ship departure. San Juan, known as ‘La Ciudad Amurallada’ (the walled city), was founded in 1521 and is the oldest city under the US flag. During the 16th century, the Spanish used it as a point of departure for expeditions to the New World. Fortifications in the Old San Juan section of the city repulsed numerous attacks from the English and the Dutch during those years. Today, Old San Juan is a charming seven square block commercial and residential area with cobblestone streets.
The cruise ship terminal is actually located near the south side of Old San Juan so instead of booking a hotel in the beach resort area of San Juan, we decided to book one right in the old section for close proximity to the terminal as well as the local sights. The $17 US taxi ride from San Juan’s airport to Old San Juan was about half an hour. During the ride, I was impressed by how developed the city was compared to many other cities I’ve visited in the Caribbean. The beach high-rise hotels along the north side of San Juan were visible from the highway. Our stay for the night was at the Hotel Milano which is right on Calle Fortaleza, which is one of the major commercial streets in Old San Juan. The hotel was clean and comfortable but not luxurious which was okay with us as the price was very affordable. Its quality was probably comparable to a Travelodge or Days Inn. A very pleasant surprise was the free continental breakfast at the hotel’s rooftop restaurant. It gave a nice view of the neighborhood from the top.
We spent the day and evening walking the many cobblestone streets and alleys in the area. There are over 400 restored colonial buildings from the 16th and 17th century here. There were also several plaza squares and parks. One of the nicest services offered in Old San Juan is a free shuttle bus which covers two different routes through the district. There was a bus stop about 1/2 block away from our hotel which was very convenient. Riding on the shuttle buses through both routes gave us a good overview of Old San Juan. We were able to stop off at several points of interest including the huge El Morro fort. After our visits to each attraction, we just had to
wait for the next bus to come by to continue our tour. In the evening, we did get lost while walking since many of the streets look very similar. But with our map, we eventually found our way back to the street where the Hotel Milano was. We decided to dine at one of the nearby restaurants for authentic Puerto Rican cuisine and were not disappointed. My lady especially adored the two different plantains we ordered.
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Ahh, Roma. It should be written in every person’s destiny that they shall travel to the Eternal City at least once in their lifetime, to experience the romance, the history and the charm that is the capital of Italy. A short break in Rome may seem like a compromise, but in reality, even a few days is enough to experience a wonderful slice of life so different to one’s own existence. To sit and ponder life’s mysteries while enjoying affogato in a piazza, or to throw coins in the Fontana di Trevi and wish for a return to this magical place, are moments that justify making the journey for a short break in Rome.
Whether you are Catholic, Jewish or Buddhist, stopping by the Vatican both inspires and humbles; if not for the religious significance, then to marvel at the historical nature. Exploring the Coliseum, you will learn about the magnificent gladiators who fought for fame and glory there. Back on the streets, you will dodge haphazard fleets of Fiats and Ferraris, whilst checking out the fashionistas who seem to loiter at every corner to see and be seen. Even a short break in Rome will transplant untold fascination into your heart.
Accommodation choices vary from tiny hole-in-the-wall overnighters to grand hotels that you won’t want to leave, even to go sightseeing. Depending on the time of year you choose to take your short break in Rome, you could save significant sums of money, or you could be at a disadvantage. Similarly, planning in advance could serve you well, whereas sometimes, last minute deals are irresistibly affordable.
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What drive people to choose villas for their holidays? Peace, serene, complete privacy and stay off the beaten track are the main reasons. Villas are situated in the countryside offer beautiful natural landscape around them as well. These tendencies involved the enchanting island of Bali in the late 90s.
The financial crisis in 1997 affected the whole of the Asia Pacific region – people didn’t want to spend money. But Bali had a mini building boom. This was largely thanks to a domestic market that saw the island as a safe haven – people started moving their businesses and families here, buying land and then building on it.
In this sense, the financial crisis played a part in kick-starting the villa movement. Bali’s built environment is changing. From concrete building condominiums-like owing planted tropical gardens to the serene, small resort villas style with its natural and friendly surroundings. It was in the late 90s that the concept really caught on, with a raft of boutique style properties springing up based on private accommodations with their own plunge pools and other amenities.
I worked as a tour guide for many years in Bali, and many guests asked me about places which offer serenity and complete privacy for a very restful vacation. I went around and checked out the island in order to gain a resort or villas which appeal to my guest’s desire. I found some nice resorts or villas are situated either in countryside or at coastal areas.
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Copyright 2006 Tom Dinic
As the state capital of New South Wales (http://www.visitnsw.com.au) in Australia, Sydney is certainly full of rich history that any traveler would like to discover for themselves. Established in 1788 when Briton Arthur Phillip claimed Australia for England, Sydney has grown to be one of the more famous cities in the world, boasting over four million people for the population.
Situated along the Sydney Harbor, Sydney is known as the ‘Harbor City’ in which travelers and residents can enjoy such sights as the Sydney Opera House and Harbor Bridge. A previous host of the Summer Olympics, Sydney is certainly creating a destination for the travelers of today and the future.
The indigenous Australians (http://www.dreamtime.net.au) once roamed the lands of Sydney and the surrounding areas for approximately thirty thousand years. And while their numbers dwindled before the arrival of Arthur Phillips, they still inhabited the area and made their homes in the region.
In the past, there were three different languages spoken in Sydney: Darug, Dharawal, and Guringai. Many of these languages also have separate dialects for various tribes and clans. These languages are all but gone now, but rock carvings remain to tell the stories of these ancient peoples.
In 1770, James Cook was the first to see Australia and note its existence. This led to the British convict settlement as founded by Arthur Phillip. Founded in Sydney Cove, this settlement was named after the British home secretary. A few years later in 1789, a virulent disease spread over the land, killing the indigenous populations—many believe that this was the result of smallpox.
By 1820, there were few aborigines left and the period of civilization began: the education and Christianization of the natives. With the leadership of Governor Macquarie, the city of Sydney began to take a more organized form. Roads and wharves were constructed and local development was rapid. People began arriving from Britain and Ireland in order to find a new life for themselves.
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