Puerto Rico

Painting of Luquillo Beach

Puerto Rico can be divided into five distinct regions (the northern region; the eastern region; the central region; the western region; and the southern coast), each with unique characteristics and flavors.

Northern Region
The capital of the island lies within this region. San Juan is the centre of commerce and is also the main port of entry. This is the most populous and economically diverse region in the island.

Eastern Region
This region is home of El Yunque, known as the Caribbean National Forest, is located in the rugged Sierra de Luquillo, 40 km southeast of San Juan.

Central Region
The central region is characterized by the Cordillera Central that rises to heights between 3,500 and 4,389 feet above sea level. The cool climate all year-round and rainfall of this area turned this region into an important agricultural center.

Western Region
Hundreds of miles of coastline make this a popular beach region, most of the island's top beaches are located in this region. This region is known for its diving and world famous surfing.

Southern Region
This hot and humid region is by far the driest in the island, with only 36 inches of rain a year.

View of the Caribbeans Islands

Grenada is called The Spice Isle: Cinnamon, cloves, ginger, mace, allspice, orange/citrus peels, wild coffee and nutmeg are all important exports.

Grenada Island has a rain forested interior. Wonderful Caribbean beaches line the coast and outstanding scuba diving surrounds the island. St George’s is the largest town and has one of the most picturesque waterfronts in all of the Caribbean.

Carriacou, an island truly on island time. This petite isle has a relaxed air where endearing locals and an eclectic village life add to the sublime atmosphere. Over on Petit Martinique even less happens – and the locals like it that way.

Guana Island off the coast of Tortola is one of the last remaining privately-owned islands left in the Caribbean.

Some of Guana’s seven white-sand beaches are only accessible by boat. And with three (3) surrounding reefs, fabulous Caribbean snorkeling is available.

Considered by scientists to have one of the strongest concentrations of flora and fauna in the world, Guana is a designated wildlife sanctuary with mountain trails and a range of endangered species. High elevations offer incredible views Guana’s biodiversity.

The Riviera Maya is famous for large scale all-inclusive resorts and smaller boutique hotels on or near the beaches. A major attraction throughout the Riviera Maya are coastal and reef aquatic activities dependent on the coastal water and the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

The beautiful beaches and fantastic weather are two of reasons that Riviera Maya coastline is a big destination for tourists and vacationers. Riviera Maya boasts the ultimate beach weather. The beaches of Cancun and Playa del Carmen are simply stunning and the crystal clear waters are perfect for swimming, snorkeling or diving.

The island of Saint Martin. It has 37 beaches total, with hotels holding property on most of them. Beach Bars and Cafes are very popular attractions on the island. They offer exquisite cuisines with European and Caribbean inspiration. Frozen cocktails are also a trendy treat to keep down the heat.

Maho Bay beach. The beach is situated at the end of the airport's runway, meaning large aircraft fly just feet over your head. Just beyond Maho Bay is Mullet Bay; some say it has the nicest beach on the island, with food and drink vendors and beach lounger rentals but few facilties.

Saba: It is not a reef island, it does not have the sandy beaches most notable in the Caribbean, but rather mostly cliff faces and rocky shores. The island, however, attracts tourists for the diverse and vibrant ecosystem and the unique diving experience (pinnacle diving, wall diving, etc...).

Bonaire is a Caribbean island East of Central America and North of Venezuela. The island is great for scuba diving, snorkeling, fishing, windsurfing, kite boarding, mountain bike, sea kayaking, sailing bird watching.

Antigua and Barbuda: Antigua the southern and larger island; Barbuda the northern island of the main pair. Redonda a small uninhabited island 54km to the west of Antigua. Saint John's - Capital of the island of Antigua and Barbuda. Condrigton a town on the island of Barbuda.

Antigua: there are many reefs off the eastern coastline and as a result, there is some pretty awesome fish to see. Snorkeling is also pretty good here, as the water is very clear, and it's a lot cheaper! Snorkeling on the Western side is spotty to non-existent. Some of the locals recommended Darkwood beach as a location with good snorkeling off right off the beach. While the beach is stunningly beautiful and gloriously uncrowded, most of the "reef" is actually just grass.

Barbuda hosts a huge frigate bird colony, making it one of the few places in the world to view frigate birds at very close range.

Caribbeans

There are many islands in the Caribbean and all of them boast beautiful scenery and beaches.

Bahamas:

The Bahamas are a truly a nature lover's paradise. The islands are formed of oolitic limestone which has been dramatically carved by wind and water to form breathtaking cliffs and overhangs. Although the soil is thin, it supports lush foliage that seems to grow from the rock itself.

The Bahamas' most popular activities is swimming and diving in the clear waters; lounging on white sandy beaches; and hiking and bird-watching in the national parks.

Bahamas beaches are incredibly varied. Six-mile long Cable Beach on New Providence Island is lined by shops, casinos, restaurants, bars, and water-sports operators. Cabbage Beach on Paradise Island is flanked by mega-resorts and can be crowded. Treasure Cay in the Abacos, a stunning, almost empty, 3.5 mile flour-white strip great spot for whoever is interested for solitude. Pink Sand Beach on Harbour Island is a popular spot for destination weddings. Gold Rock Beach is part of Lucayan National Park, a protected area that contains some of Grand Bahama’s wildest, most secluded, and gorgeous beaches.

Barbados:

River Bay, which is located in the north of the Island in the parish of St Lucy. River Bay is an extremely beautiful place to visit in Barbados. I had a great couple of hours there enjoying the views from the cliffs overlooking the bay.

Cotton House Bay would be a great place for a romantic picnic at the beach.

Brighton beach is much loved beach by many local people and tourists alike, and that it can be packed at the weekends, with loads of people enjoying themselves in the gentle and warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao:

The main island Curacao is considered as the commercial port since centuries. In the capital Willemstad you will find many colonials buildings from the 18th centuries.

Bonaire has become a top destination for scuba diving due to
it' s coral reefs.

The capital is Kralendijk and the village Rincon. The main attraction in Kralendijk are the pastel colored houses and the harbor promenade. Bonaire has also pink colored beach, known as Pink Beach, which is great or sunbathing.

Aruba has the best touristic infrastructure of all three islands.

The capital is Oranjestad with a population of 20,000 is rather quiet. The colonial buildings have Dutch and Spanish influence and are worth seeing. The Schooner Market is a floating market where sellers come from nearby Venezuela. The beaches in Aruba are considered to be the best in the Caribbean and the most beautiful of all is the Palm Beach where many hotels are built.

Fiji Islands

Nadi:

One of the largest towns and most visitors’ first stop on Fiji, Nadi is a culturally diverse city of 30,000. Nadi Beach is a wide strand, perfect for lazing in the sun and watching sunsets. Nearby Natadola Beach is Fiji’s most spectacular and is popular for swimming and body surfing. Places to visit in Nadi include Sri Siva Subramaniya, largest Hindu temple in the Southern hemisphere, the Sleeping Giant orchid gardens and Waqadra Botanical Gardens. Ferries leave Nadi for the Mamanuca Islands.

Hindu Temple at the southern end of the main street of Nadi. It is the largest in the Pacific and is very colorful.

Wailoaloa Beach, at a 1/2 mile long the beach located in the northern area of Nadi. There are multiple beach clubs and resorts located on this stretch.

The Newtown Beach has public access as well, it is located about 10 minutes away from Nadi town by bus.

Nadi Garden of the Sleeping Giant. Originally started to make a place for the private collection of tropical orchids of Canadian actor Raymond Burr, this garden now houses many beautiful plants and trails for walking.

Denarau Island:
Is one of the most popular travel destinations in the Fiji Islands, with some of Fiji's most favorite resorts and hotels located here.. It is ideally situated for trips to the Mamanuca and Yasawa islands from the newly upgraded Port Denarau Marina.

The Mamanuca group of islands is located just a few kilometers off the western side of Fiji's main island of Viti Levu. It is one of Fiji's most popular resort destinations with a number of beautiful islands and reefs. With names such as Treasure Island, Beachcomber Island, Tokoriki and Vomo to name a few, these islands instill a feeling of palm tree fringed beaches and pristine blue lagoons.

The Yasawa Islands is one of Fiji's most popular destinations for the travelers looking for the white sandy beaches and tropical island resorts. These islands are located just off the north western side of Viti Levu and are easily accessed by boat transfers and cruise ships from Denarau Marina and Loutoka.

The Coral Coast stretches along the beaches of Fiji's main island linking Natadola in the West to Waidroka Bay in the East. It has one of the largest fringing coral reefs in the world. Dotted with stunning white beaches and ringed by a turquoise coral reef and a deep blue Pacific Ocean the Queens Highway meanders through stunning scenery, Fijian villages, sugar cane fields and lush hills.

Taking the Queens Highway north out of Nadi, past the Sugar City of Lautoka, you will quickly find yourself on the stunning northern coastline of Viti Levu, known as The Sun Coast.

A largely undiscovered area of rocky mountains rising up against tropical seas and magnificent coral reefs, dotted with only a handful of resorts. This area is simply breathtaking.

The underground aquifer where the world-famous 'Fiji Water'.

Vanua Levu is the second largest island in Fiji and is similar in nature to the main island of Viti Levu. However, the friendly island is far less populated and developed than its larger sister. The main area for tourism is around the southern town of Savusavu and the finger that protrudes pointing towards Taveuni. North of the finger, across Natewa Bay (the largest bay in the South Pacific), is the undeveloped region of Udu Point where small fishing villages line the coast.

Taveuni is one of the most popular destinations in the Fiji Islands. Taveuni has magnificent reefs, mountains, rain forest, volcanic formations, mangroves, abundant wildlife and flora, as well as one of the friendliest people on earth.

Pacific Harbour is the "Adventure Capital of Fiji" and is two and a half hour drive from Nadi Airport by the scenic 'Coral Coast' road and only 45 minutes from Suva.

Suva City is the political and commercial capital of the Fiji Islands and is the South Pacific's largest and most cosmopolitan city.

The Lomaiviti archipelago is a group of islands between Viti Levu and the Lau Islands.

This traditional and remote island lies about 100km off the main island of Viti Levu. Kadavu is a rugged island almost 60km in length and 14km wide with high volcanic peaks, rolling hills and many indented bays. There are few roads on the island and travel by small boats is the easiest and often only way to get about. The dense rain forests offer good hiking trails, some nice waterfalls and several endemic species of birds including the colorful and noisy Kadavu parrot (kaka) and the more elusive whistling dove, honey eater and fantail. Life in Kadavu boasts a very traditional culture with its 12,000 inhabitants living in 70 small fishing villages around the coast, isolated from the world. Village visits from all seven resorts on island can be arranged.

Fiji Cultures and Cuisine

The Fiji culture is a colorful nation filled with a mix of music, dance, family, food, craft and their love for sport, especially rugby.

This musical nation is bought together by singing, you often hear the lovely sound of their songs echoing around the villages. The people also have strong religious beliefs, the ceremonies influenced by music and singing. Dance is also a very important part in both the Fijian and Indian cultures.

Music of Old Fiji consisted of various chants which often told a story or preserved information to be passed on from generation to generation. With the introduction of European and Asian cultures Music in Fiji has evolved and songs sung in the Fijian vernacular are popular but so also are songs in Indian and English. Some local artist mix all three languages and traditional instruments from each culture making for a very unique musical experience.

The Fijian food is a fusion of flavors of both the cultures, the coconut and root vegetables of the Fijians and the spices and curries of the Indians.

In general, native Fijians and the Fijian-Indian populations use their hands to eat. Meals are eaten on the floor while the family sits on mats.

Common food of Fiji:
Rice, taro, breadfruit, sweet potatoes, cassava, fish & coconut

Family is one of the most important parts of the Fiji culture. The Fijians often live in close nit villages with cousins, aunts, uncles and grandparents, all caring and providing for each other and the village as a whole community. Art and craft is also a large part of their villages and heritage especially for the women.

Fiji's arts and crafts reflect local adaptations of their Polynesian and Melanesian heritage. An indigenous art form is the Meke, which may incorporate the sea-sea (women fan dance) or a meke wesi (men spear dance). It is usually a narrative of an important event such as a war, a chiefly installation, or even a scandal. Some mekes are generations old, and form an important part of Fiji's oral history.

Each district of Fiji has its own form of meke, performed in the local dialect. Other forms of Polynesian and Melanesian dance art forms exist with most widely known being dances of Rotuma and Tonga. There are also various Indian dances and Chinese dances which are performed at relevant festivals marking important times for these communities which are now a part of Culture in Fiji.

As you will be able to tell the Fiji culture is a combination of both the Fijian and Indian groups, each bringing something unique and special to the country.

Fiji

Fiji was like a dream for me. My experience not only exceeded my expectations; it filled my heart with love and brought about a wonderful change within me. My time in the islands was nothing short of a miracle. I was blessed each day with the magic of beauty and simple, genuine people. I had found a home on the other side of the world and experienced the unconditional kindness of strangers.

Fiji has 322 islands, over a hundred of them inhabited. It lies midway between Tahiti and Australia, due north of New Zealand.

The population is incredibly mixed with indigenous Melanesian Fijians in a majority. Indo-Fijians descended from Indian indentured laborers account for 40 percent. Polynesians, Chinese, and Europeans make up the rest. Fiji's largest island Viti Levu hosts both the main international airport Nadi and the capital city Suva.

Dubai Marina, Dubai

One of the world’s largest, most particularly planned waterfront developments, Dubai Marina offers you the delight and vitality of a chic, urban lifestyle together with all the advantages of owning a home on the water. Unobstructed views across the marina, fresh sea breezes and the experience of a lifestyle most people can only dream about.

There are a multitude of experiences at Dubai Marina. The promenade with its international restaurants and boardwalk creates a dynamic area linking the towers, gardens and waterfront to create a truly enhancing environment. From fishing, jogging, yachting,energetic water sports, fine dining to socializing with your neighbor, the atmosphere is warm, refreshing and always inviting.

Holland

View of the Port of Rotterdam

We rented bicycles to tour Amsterdam's beautiful flat landscape and stunning architecture. We enjoyed exploring Amsterdam’s 165 canals and appreciating the serenity of its vivid public gardens and bustling flower markets.

Exploring Amsterdam, we discovered a diversity of interesting museums and shops: Amsterdam boasts an eclectic variety of museums, many of which are heralded as the best in Europe. Make sure you visit Amsterdam's famous Van Gogh museum and the Rembrandt House museum to see the work of two Dutch art masters. Amsterdam's Rijks museum and Cobra museum also host outstanding collections of traditional and modern art respectively.

Rotterdam is one of Holland's most beautiful cities. A former European Capital of Culture, its stunning architecture and vibrant live jazz cafes make it a popular destination with cultural explorers in Holland.

The Hague we found a city with an energetic international atmosphere that is the toast of Holland, with a stunning town center and some of Holland's most famous sculptures.

Exploring The Hague we certainly enjoyed the city's greener areas, such as the walled palace garden behind Noordeinde Palace..

Visiting Maastricht and we loved the unique mix of old and new buildings the city had to offer, as well as its plethora of museums and fun shops. Taking a trip to the Bonnefanten Museum, we enjoyed its important collection of old masters and contemporary art.

We also enjoyed to visiting Utrecht boasts a wealth of medieval architecture. When you travel to Utrecht, make sure you see the 112 meter high Dom Tower the tallest church tower in Holland.