Find yourself in a Central American country which has lots to offer you with a "feel-at-home" type of feeling. You will find many American tourists, workers and expatriates there. They are just enjoying the great historical sites, great fauna and flora of the country. Don't be jealous now. You can do the same. Go to www.tourism-costarica.com, www.crica.com, Yahoo's C.R. page at www.yahoo.com/Regional/Countries/Costa Rica/
All of my friends agree with me that Costa Rica is truly a vacationer's paradise. So if you want to start making your travel plans, you need to keep this in the back of your mind. The dry season (and peak tourist sesaon) is December-April. As a result, the rainy season (what the tour books call the "green season" is a brief 7 months: May-November. When it rains, it rains every day without fail! Just like most Caribbean countries such as Haiti and Jamaica, most morning are sunny and clear unless there is a storm being built somewhere.
Spanish is the official language. English is widely used. Then you have the Indian dialects and Creole English. Costa Rica has a large biodiversity. It is home to 350,000 species of insects. Be ready to see families of white-faced monkeys, dozens of three-foot iguanas and numerous critters and birds. Bring your kayaks and hiking boots!
Thursday, October 13, 2005
Kayaking and Snorkeling in Dominica
Dominica can be described in a few words as follows: Lush mountainous interior of rainforest, waterfalls, lakes, hot springs and more than 200 rivers cascading over steep cliffs. While Dominica is not like the rest of the Caribbean islands in terms their white sandy beaches, it has its own attractions. For the records, Dominica has black sand wherever a little beach simulacre can be spotted. It is safer to say It has no beach.
Here is what you need to know if you want to head down to Dominica:
1. The French and British influences are strong there. But when you look at the names of the streets, the names of the monuments and the regions, you will realize that French dominates. The people can converse in English, French and Creole. In fact, they even have a Creole Day. Just like most other Caribbean islands, there is a harmonious fusion of the British, French and West Indian traditions as verified in the cuisine, the literature and countless other domains of Dominican life.
2. Out of all other places, I had the privilege to work with a Dominican student who was attending a seminar in Oklahoma in 1995. We became friends. She told me about the history of the Carib Indian population on her island nation. Dominica has the largest Carib Indian population out of all islands. She also told me about her own story and the survival story of her people. They represent only 4% of the population.
3. Roseau is the capital of Dominica. It seats the government that runs the affairs pertaining to Agriculture (banana and coconuts), politics and tourism.
4. Most visitors need a passport. But US and Canada citizens can only show proof of their respective countries' citizenship. Dominica's nearest neighbors are Martinique and Guadeloupe. Its fartherst neighbors are Venezuela in the northeast and Puerto Rico in the southeast.
5. Dominicans know how to have fun too. Reggae, Zouk and Calypso reign there. Don't worry. Before you leave the island, you will be able to make a few steps. Roseau is the place to be for the night clubs. While you are there, visit the Old market, Dominica museum, catholic cathedral and the botanical gardens. You may find hotels of luxury there. But you will good lodging.
Here is what you need to know if you want to head down to Dominica:
1. The French and British influences are strong there. But when you look at the names of the streets, the names of the monuments and the regions, you will realize that French dominates. The people can converse in English, French and Creole. In fact, they even have a Creole Day. Just like most other Caribbean islands, there is a harmonious fusion of the British, French and West Indian traditions as verified in the cuisine, the literature and countless other domains of Dominican life.
2. Out of all other places, I had the privilege to work with a Dominican student who was attending a seminar in Oklahoma in 1995. We became friends. She told me about the history of the Carib Indian population on her island nation. Dominica has the largest Carib Indian population out of all islands. She also told me about her own story and the survival story of her people. They represent only 4% of the population.
3. Roseau is the capital of Dominica. It seats the government that runs the affairs pertaining to Agriculture (banana and coconuts), politics and tourism.
4. Most visitors need a passport. But US and Canada citizens can only show proof of their respective countries' citizenship. Dominica's nearest neighbors are Martinique and Guadeloupe. Its fartherst neighbors are Venezuela in the northeast and Puerto Rico in the southeast.
5. Dominicans know how to have fun too. Reggae, Zouk and Calypso reign there. Don't worry. Before you leave the island, you will be able to make a few steps. Roseau is the place to be for the night clubs. While you are there, visit the Old market, Dominica museum, catholic cathedral and the botanical gardens. You may find hotels of luxury there. But you will good lodging.
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
The True Measures of Courage and Distinction
No one except his family members may remember his name. Very sick and too weak to walk, he was brought to the hospital where he was to share a room with me. For ever, I will remember his face and his sacrifices on behalf of all of us. For about a month, I had the whole room to myself. I first frowned the idea of sharing with somebody older and sicker than I was. But this old man whom I have learned to admire through his stories of the Vietnam War gave me another reason to live. As he knew he was at his last stage of his cancer battle, he moved me forward. Up to this day, I can only salute the spirit of this courageous Japanese-American Vietnam Vet for opening a chapter of the American history to me.
Having met his spouse and children during their many visits and stays at the hospital, after my discharge from the hospital and complete, I managed to stay in touch with them. It was time for me to resume my traveling routine. In 1994, I had the opportunity to travel to the nation's capital for a week to attend a conference. Before leaving, I phoned one of his children to inform them of my plan to visit some of the monuments. He made sure to ask me to look for his father's name on the wall.
There is no doubt that the Vietnam Veteran Memorial known as The Wall is a remarkable monument. Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors including family members, friends, fellow soldiers and just cultural and historic tourists. Having been there on a few occasions, I can understand why it has this kind of magnetic draw. A lot of these visitors have realized, over the years after their return from Vietnam, the extent of the sacrifices these men and women consented. As a show of their appreciation, visitors leave all kinds of things at the memorial. You can find letters, poems, metals and any other invaluable memorabilia. On one occasion, I saw a tattooed, robust, leather-wearing guy whose external parts or physical appearance would threaten anybody come to the wall. He approached the wall quietly and seemed to go to a specific name. He touched it and shook his head. Then, tears were running down under his dark glasses. He did not want to make a fool of himself. He turned around and disappeared in the crowd. By then, I was about to turn to the other side to check out the Women's Memorial. The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial is one of the most important attractions in DC. It evokes serenity, reflections and meditation. This may be why that people visit it year around. At any time, you will find lots of students from all over the country and the world.
Located between the Lincoln Memorial and Korean Memorial
I have remained impressed and overwhelmed by its layout. As you walk down the sidewalk, the wall tends to become larger until you feel wrapped by its sheer size. The extent of our men's and women's sacrifices is an increasing reminder of the more than 58,000 names inscribed---all kinds of names from various ethnic, racial groups showing this country's diversity even in moments of death. If you have time, you can read Native American, Hispanic, French-sounding, English-sounding, Asian last names on the wall. The wall is also a testament to the diversity of this country. It's a testament to the values that we all cherish: Freedom, democracy, dedication and courage.
If you intend to go to Washington DC, make plans to drop by the Vietnam Memorial. It's truly worth visiting. It's a masterpiece built in 1982 and designed by a Yale student who won a contest. You will enjoy your time in the company of thousands of others who have been there before you.
I understand that the Vietnam War is a hotly debated historic event in this country. No matter what, the Wall reminds each of us that our men and women did shed their blood there to defend the principles of democracy and freedom. Many of you may have strong opinions about the war and many other accounts, feel free to sound off here. Give your feedback in the comment section.
No one except his family members may remember his name. Very sick and too weak to walk, he was brought to the hospital where he was to share a room with me. For ever, I will remember his face and his sacrifices on behalf of all of us. For about a month, I had the whole room to myself. I first frowned the idea of sharing with somebody older and sicker than I was. But this old man whom I have learned to admire through his stories of the Vietnam War gave me another reason to live. As he knew he was at his last stage of his cancer battle, he moved me forward. Up to this day, I can only salute the spirit of this courageous Japanese-American Vietnam Vet for opening a chapter of the American history to me.
Having met his spouse and children during their many visits and stays at the hospital, after my discharge from the hospital and complete, I managed to stay in touch with them. It was time for me to resume my traveling routine. In 1994, I had the opportunity to travel to the nation's capital for a week to attend a conference. Before leaving, I phoned one of his children to inform them of my plan to visit some of the monuments. He made sure to ask me to look for his father's name on the wall.
There is no doubt that the Vietnam Veteran Memorial known as The Wall is a remarkable monument. Every year, it attracts thousands of visitors including family members, friends, fellow soldiers and just cultural and historic tourists. Having been there on a few occasions, I can understand why it has this kind of magnetic draw. A lot of these visitors have realized, over the years after their return from Vietnam, the extent of the sacrifices these men and women consented. As a show of their appreciation, visitors leave all kinds of things at the memorial. You can find letters, poems, metals and any other invaluable memorabilia. On one occasion, I saw a tattooed, robust, leather-wearing guy whose external parts or physical appearance would threaten anybody come to the wall. He approached the wall quietly and seemed to go to a specific name. He touched it and shook his head. Then, tears were running down under his dark glasses. He did not want to make a fool of himself. He turned around and disappeared in the crowd. By then, I was about to turn to the other side to check out the Women's Memorial. The Vietnam Veteran's Memorial is one of the most important attractions in DC. It evokes serenity, reflections and meditation. This may be why that people visit it year around. At any time, you will find lots of students from all over the country and the world.
Located between the Lincoln Memorial and Korean Memorial
I have remained impressed and overwhelmed by its layout. As you walk down the sidewalk, the wall tends to become larger until you feel wrapped by its sheer size. The extent of our men's and women's sacrifices is an increasing reminder of the more than 58,000 names inscribed---all kinds of names from various ethnic, racial groups showing this country's diversity even in moments of death. If you have time, you can read Native American, Hispanic, French-sounding, English-sounding, Asian last names on the wall. The wall is also a testament to the diversity of this country. It's a testament to the values that we all cherish: Freedom, democracy, dedication and courage.
If you intend to go to Washington DC, make plans to drop by the Vietnam Memorial. It's truly worth visiting. It's a masterpiece built in 1982 and designed by a Yale student who won a contest. You will enjoy your time in the company of thousands of others who have been there before you.
I understand that the Vietnam War is a hotly debated historic event in this country. No matter what, the Wall reminds each of us that our men and women did shed their blood there to defend the principles of democracy and freedom. Many of you may have strong opinions about the war and many other accounts, feel free to sound off here. Give your feedback in the comment section.
Wednesday, October 12, 2005
Welcome to SpringHolidayTravel, Corporate Latin America & European Travel
We encourage you to travel more. We, humans, don't stay in one place. We move from place to place for work, pleasure, family and in search of a better standard of living.
We travel just to meet people and see beautiful new places.
We travel just to meet people and see beautiful new places.
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