Wild Spring Break Stories, Hot Videos, Thongs, Bikinis, & Exotic Destinations!

Summer Swimsuit with Aurora Ferdandez

2005-10-11T21:11:00.000-07:00

Toasted Bred Chain, Quizno's Offers a bite

2005-10-06T08:07:00.000-07:00

For the best Cancun & Puerto Vallarta Parties, You want to take these with you!

2005-09-11T18:53:00.000-07:00

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Find out more gift ideas for her at Allbikini's Lingerie and Intimates

Ladies, you can surprise your guys with these cute Shopgiftshop: Guy's Sexy Underwears and more

2005-09-10T08:32:00.000-07:00

What people are wearing on the beach these days. It's a new lifestyle
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What's In, What's Hot

2005-09-04T17:07:00.000-07:00

The Hottest Looks on Costa Rican, Brazilian, Jamaican, Cancun & Puerto Vallarta Beaches

2005-08-25T17:47:00.000-07:00

Did you know that Nike Liked "Big Butt," "Thunder Thighs and Shoulders?" Every Summer Beach wear!

2005-08-22T23:17:00.000-07:00

2005-08-20T19:46:00.000-07:00

Enjoyuing the beach!
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What Australian Women and Designers are presenting in their collection

2005-08-19T09:01:00.000-07:00

20th Century Beach Wear Seen on a California Beach: The Evolution of Beach Wear!

2005-08-19T07:09:00.000-07:00

For the history of clothing, check wikipedia.com

Tears from Gaza Strip: Protesters Get Dragged out of Synagogues Kicking & Screaming

2005-08-19T01:15:00.000-07:00

Masked Palestinian Militants rejoice over the recapture of their land which will be part of the Palestinian state. Israel wants to show the world that it's serious in working a peace agreement with its neighbors and brothers. Yes, despite all the fightings, hurt, losses of lives, they have been brothers since biblical times. Once again, Israel is making headlines all over the world. This time, they want to have a fresh start by getting out of the land they conquered in the 1967 war.

The Versatility of a Burqua, Tunic worn by Muslim Women for religious purposes

2005-08-18T21:18:00.000-07:00

Enjoying the beach, Palestinian women are having a good time. There's no one way to enjoy the beach! The point is to cool off and stay true to one's culture, traditions and customs! They don't need a micro bikini to cool off.
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2005-08-13T23:39:00.000-07:00

Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas is in trouble with this type of graphics. The video game is now for adults only. The new rating does not stop consumers from snapping up their copies.
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Hot Swimwear people are wearing on the beach

2005-08-10T14:58:00.000-07:00

2005-08-08T01:53:00.000-07:00

Beachwear you can wear: There's no reason for you not to be on the beach this year! Everything goes at Spring break. Wear what you feel comfortable in.
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Best Suntan Pictures at Miami Beach and South Beach.

2005-08-08T01:35:00.000-07:00

From San Paolo, Brasil, Ipanema beach, to Negril, Jamaica and Cancun Beaches: Bikinis You Can Safely Buy to enjoy A Suntan!

2005-08-08T01:29:00.000-07:00

If you are going to the beach this year, here's what you can buy to be chic, upscale and comfortable

2005-08-08T01:25:00.000-07:00

2005-08-07T16:21:00.000-07:00

Sarees are all the rage in the fashion-savvy Indian communities. Find out what's hot that you should know about. Find out what Indian people, Indian Americans are wearing at parties, weddings and formal attire occasions. Hot Indian Clothing: Sarees, Sari and Lehenga etc.. Source: In the Raw located in Capitola near Santa Cruz.
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2005-08-07T16:16:00.001-07:00

A personal touch to bikini wear.
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2005-08-07T16:16:00.000-07:00

Customized bikinis are coming.
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2005-08-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

The new trends in bikini wear. You will most likely see them on a beach near you.
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2005-08-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

Cartoon submitted by a reader of the site.
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This Summer's hottest Micro Bras and Micro Bikinis

2005-07-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

2005-07-26T07:54:00.000-07:00

A beautiful exotic swimsuit I would like to add to my collection. I have seen it at Daytona Beach. It received a lot of attention from some of the ladies. It's the new hot color.
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Bras, Dressy Bras, and Sports Bras at South Padre, Texas, Daytona Beach, Miami Beach Spring Break

2005-07-20T19:06:00.000-07:00

How Comfortable Are You In Your Bra? Well-fitting Bras Give Women Relief & Pleasure

No, this is not about the joke on the Seinfeld Show. It's not about buying a bro for a bra. It's about talking about intimate lingerie that does not always fit well. According to bra specialists and lingerie experts, most women wear ill-fitted bras and they don't even know about it.

What do Oprah Winfrey and Nicole Kidman have in common? Besides the obvious bra both women wear, they can joke about bras that don't fit them. Appearing on the Oprah Winfrey Show, Nicole joked about how she was not comfortable in her bra and had to borrow her assistant's pair. What a revelation it was! Women do share some of these things. The audience and Oprah laugh. Nicole Kidman could not stop giggling. It's also a huge statistic to consider the number of U.S. women who wear the wrong size bra. Oprah finds a solution to her bra problem. She found the Tisha T-shirt bra designed by Le Mystere.

Since that revelation on the show, lingerie, bra specialty shops can't keep the Oprah's bra in stock. Another consequence of the show is that more and more women are going to stores such as Macy, Gottschalks, Mervyn's, Burberry etc to get measured.

Oprah and Nicole may have inadevertently launched the career of many until now unknown bra specialists. Bra specialists use their experience to help women find bras that fit them. They look at the size of the cup, the snugness of the fit around the back. They check their inventory for bras that bind, straps that fall, breasts that spill over the cups, wires that pinch and the existence of back fat. Some bra specialists can tell which size a woman wears by looking at her back and breasts. That's what they do day in and day out.

There are a few things to consider if you want to find the right size bra for you or loved one. Make sure the bra does not move when you move and that your breasts don't spill over the cup sides or tops. Insure that your straps don't fall down even after adjusting.

How many bras should a woman have? Please don't limit a woman as to how many shoes she should have. Guys, don't get into this field. That's a woman's private territory. If you are a bra expert,give them the right consultation and encourage them to buy more. Ladies, keep in mind that as your body and weight change, your bra size can too. Have a bra for everyday activities, a sports bra and dressy bras.

In the end, have a bra for all seasons and occasions.

JLO's Bikini

2005-07-18T20:37:00.000-07:00

2005-07-17T10:27:00.000-07:00

The Greatest Bull Adventure: According to Reuters, this occurred on the fourth day of the bull run in Pamplona, Spain. Adventure travel is lots of fun and pain.
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2005-07-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

A great buy presented by Kelly: Buy this cut.
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2005-07-14T08:18:00.001-07:00

Spring Break Bikini Wear
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2005-07-14T08:18:00.000-07:00

Stuff magazine has the best pics for males. Grab your copy today!
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2005-07-14T08:16:00.000-07:00

Spring Break, Bikini dare, Surfing, Sand, Sea! The look of Spring Break is maximized by Vida Guerra.
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2005-07-07T06:31:00.000-07:00

The Naked Bull Run: Naked Protesters Joined the Famed Bull Run on the Streets and Corridors of Pamplona, San Fermin, Spain. It's a new addition to the annual festivities. Since 1591, the running of the bulls has been taking place. Then, it was mostly to take them to another arena. In the Western part of the US such as California, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, bulls are often moved from one pasture to the next. They often cross towns, highways and freeways. If you are a reader of Hemingway or Papa, you will find out about the San Fermin bull run in the novel, The Sun Also Rises. The naked animal rights activists drew a large crowd who joined and followed mostly for the show. Some of the campainers said they felt uncomfortable stripping, but that it was nothing in comparison with that of the animals that are charging through the streets to their final destination where they get killed in the bull ring. The protesters plan to steal the limelight from the famous Bull Run. They want to come back every year. Many of them come from Europe, Canada and the USA.
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2005-07-07T06:20:00.000-07:00

These annual festivities are organized in honor of the San Fermin patron saint in the Navarre region.
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2005-07-07T06:18:00.000-07:00

Pamplona Bull Run: This guy will be charged and gored. The bull is catching up with him around the corner, egged on by the observers.
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2005-07-07T06:16:00.000-07:00

Have shoes, will run for life: Pamplona, San Fermin Race with the pointy horned bulls. Gory fatalies and injuries on the streets every year. Every year, the fiesta is packed with runners and tourists. This is the ultimate high. According to AFP, balconies are full of observers and partyers.
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2005-03-30T20:10:00.000-08:00

Wild Animal Park in San Diego, CA
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2005-03-30T20:08:00.000-08:00

2005 Florida Spring Break: Schools of sharks infest the sandy beaches of Florida. Fortunately, there were no swimmbers and spring breakers in the waters. Here's what a shark's mouth looks like. It can be stretched. A shark's teeth can truly cause damage. Swimmers should stay out of the infested waters. Florida sharks also are on break.
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2005-03-05T16:24:00.000-08:00

Tourists are Waiting to catch a cable car!
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2005-03-05T16:22:00.000-08:00

Fun to take one of these cars! Don't wait too long to travel to San Francisco! The city is thinking about raising the fees.
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2005-03-05T16:20:00.000-08:00

Farmer's Market in San Francisco. Most of the fruits from the Central Valley of California are sold there. You are looking at the old Del Monte Building and Cannery!
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2005-03-05T16:17:00.000-08:00

Street Performers and other artists live on your tips. Enjoy SF and tip them!
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2005-03-05T16:05:00.000-08:00

Famous San Francisco Bridge. Read a nice poem about it in California Blossoms and Harvest Delights or California: a Breath of Fresh Air
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2005-03-05T16:01:00.000-08:00

Travel in Style in San Francisco.
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2005-03-05T16:00:00.000-08:00

Horse-drawn Carriage: If you don't feel like walking, you can pay a fee and get carried away in San Francisco. How about getting married in San Francisco? You can also rent one of these carriages.
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2005-03-05T15:57:00.000-08:00

Street Performance in San Francisco
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2005-03-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

San Francisco Bush Man: He is hiding behind the branch near the trash bin. He is looking for his scare victims. He preys on those who don't pay attention or those who are taken by the beauty of the city, its people, hillside and ocean. So much to see! Who would think about the BushMan? Then, he gets up right in front of you and scare the living Jesus out of you!
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Humpback Whale Watching in Samana Peninsula, Samana, Dominican Republic

2005-03-01T13:52:00.000-08:00

If February and March are for the whales in Samana, Dominican Republic, then spring break is for all of us, friends.

Our spring break was full of adventures. A group of college mates flew from Miami International Airport to Cap-Haitien, Haiti in the Northern part of the country. We stayed on the outskirts of twon and visited the world famous cruise stop, Labadi. The whole natural beauty took our breath away. The water was so clear that we could see everything that was in the ocean. We decided to check the hissling rock where a huge wave crashed and frightened two of our buddies. We did not have to worry about flying to the Capital to catch a plane. We made reservations with a local missionary flight company. The pilots flew from Port-au-Prince to pick us up in Cap-Haitien to fly over the Dominican Republic.

Our final destination was the Samana Peninsula where we wanted to check out the world famous humpback whales that come to enjoy the warm waters of the Caribbean. Well, we had to do our research on these large and beautiful creatures that attract so many visitors to DR.

If you want more information about the Caribbean region, its Taino history and culture, here's a good site, StJohn we found for you. Here's what you will read about whales in the DR.

"Whales also possess a highly developed brain and nervous system. Their brains are bigger, have more convolutions or wrinkles, thus more surface area and have a higher brain weight to body weight ratio than humans.

Every year, during the months of January February and March, the humpback whale comes to the Bay of Samaná in the Dominican Republic and to the Silver Banks located just north of the island in order to reproduce in the warm shallow waters there. They spend the rest of the year in one of five areas of the North Atlantic: the Gulf of Maine, the Gulf of San Lorenzo, Terranova, Labrador, Greenland and Iceland. The ones that travel the furthest from the Caribbean, those that summer in Iceland, travel about 3,000 miles beginning in November and average about six knots.

Humpback whales average about 45 feet long and live for about 40-50 years and are presently in danger of extinction. The Dominican Republic is a non-whaling nation and the Dominican government protects the species while in their waters."

Enjoy your time watching whales in the Dominican Republic.

2005 Toyota Avalon

2005-02-14T17:31:00.000-08:00

One of the pillars of Toyota's success has been to respond to the needs of the market. When Toyota fans and owners make suggestions in the surveys, Toyota engineers listen and take their advice into the drawing board. Based on the 2004 Toyota Avalon, one could say that one of the company's flagship cars needed some redesigning touches. That's what you are going to find in the 2005 Toyota Avalon.

2005 Toyota Avalon is a great car to drive

I spent about 3 hours with a Toyota Avalon, the Touring model a few days. The following review is the fruit of my observation. What I found out was a four-door sedan that will turn heads on the freeway. Here's a list of things you should remember when you venture out into this car lot to take a spin:

1. The 2005 Toyota Avalon is very powerful: Toyota has greatly improved the sedan's engine. Instead of equipping it with a Camry engine, the new Avalon spots a brand new 3.5-liter V-6 engine which is actually used in the latest Toyota 4Runner SUV, Tacoma and Tundra pickups. On the highway, I had a quick response. It sounded like a car that young car enthusiasts (guys who like to tweak their car) would want to drive and cruise in. There's no doubt that it will appeal greatly to the leading young professionals and even the younger crowd.

2. The 2005 Avalon is sportier: It has the first dual-exhaust system on any U.S. Toyota sedan. Well, let's just clarify for our readers that there's one pipe that runs back most of the way. Then, it splits into two pipes close to the rear of the car, giving you the impression that it is a dual pipe. Gee, how many people will take the time to look under the car? Toyota will get away with this with many consumers. No wonder that the car comes in four models. It has the Touring model, XL, XLS and Limited. The Touring model is step up the base model. That's why we said earlier that most young guys and gals will be attracted to the sportier models.

The Touring model has fake aluminum instead of fake wood trim inside. It has fake texture too. If you want to spend on a model with lots of bells and whistles, you may want to consider the Limited. It's very elegant and fancy. It is a luxury car with perforated leather upholstery and seat-ventilation fans. It comes with a smart key that lets you unlock and start the car if you are carrying the key fob. In terms of security, you will be able to rest in peace. Considering that thieves usually target Toyotas, this one will be a definite no-touch car. The thieves will have to pass on this one.

2005 Avalon: Bigger, bolder and longer
There's no doubt that you will first notice the length of the Avalon. The 2005 sedan is 5 inches longer than the 2004 it replaces. Some industry insiders and car fans are taking to calling the ordinary person's limo. It offers 41 inches of rear legroom. That's enough legroom to accommodate any 6 or 7 footer. If you take into account what most mid-size sedans are giving out, 36 to 38 inches, you'll soon realize that the 2005 Avalon is in a league of its own. Small cars like the Civic offer 32 inches. Talking about space, you can slide the front seats of the Avalon all the way back. You won't have to feel sorry for the passengers sitting right behind you. Toyota has done a good job of starting with larger foundation on which to put the latest Avalon. It offers lots of interior space.

Other details to keep in mind:

The Touring model starts at $29,140. The Limited starts at $34,080. In terms of safety, it has bags and bets, front-seat, side-impact bags; side-curtain air bags for front and back seats; driver's knee air bag; anti-lock brakes with brake-force distribution. This Avalon was manufactured at Georgetown, Ky.

Sources:

Here are two sources that are worth mentioning below:

To get more info, visit www.toyota.com. You don't have to take my words for it. Toyota is the source and ultimate authority in terms of information on all its vehicles.

http://www.usatoday.com/money/autos/reviews/healey/2005-02-10-avalon_x.htm

James R. Healey provides very detailed information on this car. As pointed out by one of our reviewers, Healey's review is the authority on the topic. I will advise you to always read many reviews before making up your mind on any car! The more reviews you read, the more features you will uncover.

Good luck shopping!

Magical Mexico: Mexico a la supernaturelle! Spirits, Santos and Curanderos

2005-02-09T21:56:00.000-08:00

Disclaimer: Say "No" to any faith healer who wants you to strip you naked for so-called healing benefits.

Whether you are on business or just visiting some friends in Mexico city, you need all the advice possible to remain safe in this megapolis. If this is going to be your first trip to this North American country, you need to be aware of a few safety tips. The idea is to remain aware of your surroundings and avoid getting into situations that may turn out to be detrimental to you. Unless you are with a native or somebody familiar with the Mexican culture, you want to stay away from "Curanderos."

What are Curanderos exactly? If you do any traveling to Latin America and the Caribbean Basin, you will encounter a few variations of this group of people who enjoy excellent status in their respective countries. For the most part, they know the properties of herbs, grass roots and leaves to concoct strong potent to heal the ill. For these reasons, they tend to occupy a position that is near a medical doctor here in the US or any first-world country.

In Cuba, for example, the natives have their own sort of faith healer. The practitioners of this religion-based healing worship spirits. They claim to communicate with spirits to help the living. Healing becomes a result of the intervention of the dead and strong her-based medications. In Haiti and Jamaica, they also have spirits called loas that are worshipped. The faith healers work for the benefits of the living. By now, you must know about the voodoo phenomenon widely publicized by Hollywood. For example, in Haiti, the faith healers are called "hougans." They serve with two hands. With one hand, they can do good. They can provide medications to heal those who are sick or those against whom bad spirits were cast. With the other hand, they can provide potions strong enough to kill any enemy. It's like a sword with two blades.

What do some curanderos do? Beware of the illegal stuff A few years ago, I was visiting a good friend in Mexico city when I was invited to watch a curandero in action. I had only been there for a few days when my friend took me to a ceremony. I was surprised by the number of people who came to seek help from bad spirits. They also came for many reasons.

I ran into a middle-class couple who were there to get blessed so their business could flourish back in the Houston area in the US. Actually, these people truly believed what the healer could do for them. Then, I was invited to be in a room with the healer and a young, beautiful woman who wanted to find out why she could not conceive. The healer started asking her questions, sometimes very private. The unfortunate woman started saying that she was not treated well by her husband because he thought she was at fault. "My husband keeps saying that if I don't give him a son, he is going to find another woman who can..." Any way, it was a lot of trauma in that room. The healer became privy of a lot of social problems which he was supposed to fix. He is a general fixer in a sense.

At least, that's the power they thought he had. Well, some people, practitioners were willing to dish him any amount of money to get what they came for. There was the case of a father who brought his sick daughter to get treated. The examples could continue. What I found out was that in the most remote villages where medical doctors are scarce, curanderos seemed to conduct a prosperous business. They are the kings of the hill.

Stay away from any crooked curanderos... While I was there, I also heard of reports about some crooked healers who make any demand of their patients. They usually are prone to take advantage of foreigners and those who don't know too much about the real purpose of faith healing. Some even go as far as stripping their patients of their clothing and asked them to perform some sexual acts with them in order to take out the evil spirits. Some of these types of abuse of authority and power occur even in the US where there is a large concentration of Mexican immigrants.

Actually, just a few weeks ago, I read in the newspaper from California that some faith healers were apprehended for having sex with young girls. Don't fall for this scheme besides paying good money for a service! While visiting the beautiful country, stay safe. Mexico has a lot to offer to you! Take advantage of the pleasures, but don't be a victim!

Cancun is for Romantics, Spring Breakers and Wedding

2005-02-09T21:52:00.000-08:00

I don't know what you value more. If you care about being in place that looks paradisiacal, then think about Cancun. You can't get any better place to vacation other than Cancun. You are now reading about a place that the most famous go to to vacation. While you are there, you may run into some old names of the Hollywood establishment or some gorgeous New York supermodels. Now don't feel panicked, just say and keep going on your way. Hit the sand and the ocean. The Cancun experience is all in the attitude. When in Cancun, put on your vacation, carefree look and the rest will just be history. You may end up making some great contacts that you will take back to your place of origin. Bear in mind that the source of your luck may be just a walk down the beach.

If you are thinking about going to Cancun to have fun, try to go at Spring Break. You will have the time of your life. It can not get any better than that. For the best hotels, you will probably stay at one of the hotels with a Kukukilkan address. You will have the best sight. There is nothing wrong with this especially if you are there to surprise your loved one with a proposal. Hey, it's all in the act and the planning you put into it! The food is great and so is the beach.

Note that Mexican authorities have taken drastic measures to guarantee security of tourists. They have increased the presence of guards all over the area. The authorities can't afford to lose this money-making machine which the tourism industry represents. No matter what, be alert; don't leave your guards down. Be with a buddy if you know you are going to pass out. Your mighty dollar will give so many beers.

I recommend Cancun to you and your partner! Bon voyage, mes amis!

Mexico: What you need to know about Puerto Vallarta

2005-02-09T21:50:00.000-08:00

There is no doubt that Puerto Vallarta is a paradise on Mexican soil. It is easily accessible from any US cities. By the way, the name sounds so familiar that it has become part of the local lingo. Long ago, I figured out that going on vacation, honeymoon, or just a weekend getaway is just one part of the whole game. The most important thing is our attitude. Do you have a Spring-Break-like attitude? When going on vacation, do you feel as if you were going to meet with the dream person of your life on a first date? If you get disappointed, don't lash out Keep your perspective and find the beauty in small things. Reengineer yourself by recreating yourself. This is why I want to give you this list of facts about Puerto Vallarta.

1. Depending on the time you go there, it can be hot and humid (95 degrees and up) What else to expect? You are in a tropical land.
2. If you go in September, you will encounter the rainy season. It can rain like cats and dogs. You can have a short time to be noticed. The sky starts getting cloudy (dark-rolling clouds start and soon rain will pour down just like any Caribbean country.)
3. The best months to travel there are November-April. The weather may be in the 80 degrees. That reminds of most Caribbean countries I have been to. The breeze is great on your skin.
4. June and September are the best months to travel to P.V. in terms of saving. If you are cost-conscious, that's the time to find the best hotel deals.
5. Be aware of the code of conduct and business repertoire of most drivers. They are after your mula. You may get scared by their driving skills. In the end, you will get to your destination. These guys know what they are doing.
6. Street vendors: You will find out that a lot of children are peddling or selling all kinds of stuff including gums etc. Some of them may be in your face...Hey, look at them as being as street smart, they have to survive in a poor country.
7. Souvenir vendors: If you go to the Central Market, you will run into a lot of them. They sing out to get your attention. If you can't handle them, tune them out. It's a different marketing skill. Up to now, you are having fun!
8. Go to the Malecon at night. It has lots of bars, nightclubs and discos where you can dance at. Here are some of the names: Zoo bar, Christines. Hard Rock Cafe, Planet Hollywood and countless US enterprises are also there.
9. For the beer lovers, Corona bottling plant is right there. Beers are pretty cheap.
10. Don't forget to go to North Beach if you want to have a grand 'ole time. Relax amidst the rich and beautiful!

Jamaica's Best Kept Secret: Negril

2005-02-09T21:42:00.000-08:00

There is nothing like spending Spring Break in a place like Negril, Jamaica. Depending on whether you want to stay at the Hedonism II with its well-known clubs, night life, bars and friendly staff, you will find lots of fun right on the beach and the surrounding areas. Back in 1993, one of my uncles living on the island described the place to me in these terms, "a young man's paradise where partying and meeting new people on the exotic beach environment are key to the central ingredients..." Since that time, I made several visits to Jamaica until he left the country for England in 1998 like many other Jamaicans.

In fact, Jamaican authorities claim that about 2.5 million people inhabit the island. But, you have to realize that more Jamaicans live overseas than on the island itself. This does not mean that they not attached to their homeland. Each time they have a chance to go back, they just buy their tickets and go enjoy the beauty of their country. It's the same exotic, sensuous beauty of the wild that attracts countless tourists from, say, Canada, Europe, the United States and neighboring Caribbean countries. Parallel to all the hotel and resort properties, beach homes of some of the most famous Hollywood stars on the island and all the attractions appealing to your senses, you will find the striking poverty level of many Jamaicans. Despite Jamaicans' relative success at educating its citizens, (other Caribbean don't come near Jamaica's high literacy level), poverty is the lot of many Black residents. Now, it may make better sense that

Tourism accounts for a big chunk of Jamaica's GNP. Most Jamaicans benefit one way or the other from the tourist's dollar. In turn, the money helps the local economy despite the presence of many foreign-owned resorts and hotels and international chains that tend to stash this money in overseas banks.

If you are familiar to the Negril beach scene, you will encounter what has come to be known as
"rastitutes" or "Rent-a-Dreads." They are hard-bodied, young male entertainers who go about the
beach meeting unattached female tourists. They strike a conversation with them and offer to be
their guides to the local spots. All the while, they are bombarding them with terms of
endearment. They have rehearsed their sweet-talking skills and succeeded to bed the most
reluctant, unsuspecting female tourists, Spring Breakers who just want to take in the beauty of
the island and it has to offer. You can imagine how this setting makes for a fling, a romance.
After all, it is a romance on a foreign soil. Some of these guys claim to have children by women
from most International countries. Their goal is to strike a relationship with a female who will
go back to her home country and continue to write and send money to them on the island. It
should be said that if they had not been lucky with their pricey charms which could be perceived
as harassment, they would not continue to labor.

No matter what, you will have the time of your life in Negril. You will fall in love with the
music, Reggae and laid-back attitude of the people. You will enjoy the flora and fauna of the
place. You will be able to go hiking, bike-riding and horse-back riding in the coffee plantations.

Santiago de Cuba: Secret Revealed

2005-02-09T21:39:00.000-08:00

The tall graceful palms sway in the soothing breeze from the ocean. The whole air about the historically important Cuban town is as exotic as mysterious. Santiago de Cuba is known as Havana's rival in literature, music and politics. Unlike Havana, it has a true Caribbean flavor to it. It has the oldest palaces and museums you can ever find in Cuba. For example, you can go to Casa de Diego Velasquez, Museo Municipal Bacardi. Towards the end of the last century, the battles for the independence of Haiti pushed a lot of French Planters and well-off Haitians to relocate to that part of Cuba. The Haitian revolution that started in 1791 also saw lots of these people heading to the Philadelphia area, Louisiana, specifically New Orleans. Due to its closeness, Santiago de Cuba was the preferred destination for lots of them.

Due to its isolation, Santiago de Cuba played an important role in the movements against the Batista regime. It is now known as the "cradle of the Socialist revolution."

If you visit Cuba, don't forget to go to Santiago de Cuba. You will be in touch with a flourishing past marked by great architecture and many other historical artifacts.

Bon voyage, mes amis!

Where to Find Cuba's Hottest, Coolest Beaches

2005-02-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the town that time seems to forget. For its historical buildings, it has been recognized as one of UNESCO's sites. Well, coupled with the embargo that Cuba has been under, Trinidad has plunged into deeper isolation for the most part of this century just like the rest of Cuba. Infrastructures, penetration roads were not place for a long time there.

When you visit Trinidad, you will get a sense of the history of the region. Many colonists who fled Saint Domingue during the wars of independence relocated to Trinidad. They proceeded to build their sugar cane-based empires. Their businesses boomed until the wars of independence devastated the area. The most important and imposing monuments in Trinidad are the baroque church. The sugar cane industry boom brought lots of wealth during the colonial times.

Take a look at the town's baroque church towers, Carrara marble floors, wrought-iron grills and run-down mansions. The people who inhabit these mansions can't afford to repair them. When you see them, you can tell that they were nice to look at in their hey days.

If you are citizens of the US and intend to go to Cuba, remember to get a permit first. Then you will be able to enjoy the back country.

Visit El Museo Historico Municipal. Also, pay a visit tot the Taller Alfarero which is a ceramics workshop where traditional techniques are still used. It will be worthwhile.

Don't worry about whether you will fit in. The Europeans have been going to Cuba en masse. They have never had any problem. Outside its political situation, Cuba remains a paradise that many Americans have not discovered yet. Ernest Hemingway had a house and lived there. Cuba is so close to Key West.

Enjoy Cuba and Trinidad. You will find in Trinidad a pristine area untouched by commercialism and overcrowding

Spring Break in Cuba: Who Can Go There; Cuba's First Day After Castro

2005-02-09T21:35:00.000-08:00

Practically anybody as long you can justify your visit and stay within the boundaries of the law of the United States if you are an American citizen. According to the Trading with Enemy Act of 1963, American Citizens cannot spend money relating to Cuban travel unless they are licensed to do so.

This is where you can apply for a travel license if you fall under these categories: a journalist, a government employee traveling on official business, a relative of someone leaving on the island or a member of an international entity of which the U.S. is also a member.

Don't feel left out yet. If you can show that you are traveling for humanitarian, scholarly and cultural purposes, you can get a license. Once you get there, you can enjoy the country's resources: the crystal-clear water of the ocean, the white sanded beaches, the tropical fruits, the snorkeling, the diving, the bars, the nightlife and the resilience of the proud Cuban people... and so on. Dance to the Salsa. Cuban music is hot. The next wave of Hispanic musicians's crossover will probably be the Cubans. Bring your gear, and a sense of fun and lots of generosity!

Don't make a mistake. If you are an American and travel to Cuba without a license, you may be fined a hefty sum if you get caught. You will end up paying close to $250,000 and a civil fine of up to $50,000. It is not worth it at all. Contact the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control. You may also contact companies that specialize in organizing tours to Cuba. They may sometimes use another third world country such as Mexico, Bahamas etc. Enjoy the Country that most Americans have yet to discover! Remember to follow the laws of your country. For those of you who are not Americans, make your reservations for the next flight out.

CUBA'S WATCH: NEW DEVELOPMENTS & GOOD NEWS FOR MANY OF YOU!

New developments: As of December, 4, 1999, direct flights to Cuba from the US resume for Cuban Americans, artists and others.

Old Havana, Cuba: Travel Adventures, Daily Life and Other Observations

2005-02-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

Hats off to the spirit of the Cuban people for their resilience! After 40 years of economic trade embargo, they still smile and dance. After all, life goes on. The first thing that will touch your heart as you start walking around is the zest for life, the desire to survive in a harsh environment. Never will you be able to forget the old days of glory of the city when ships loaded with American weekenders used to disembark at the various ports.

The 1940s and 1950s are only memories for a lot of those who used to hop over to gamble, drink the best liquors and get back to the US in time to go to work on Mondays. The best US shows and programs were also scheduled in Havana. If one missed them here, they could always catch them up over there. Long gone are these days! The remnants of these days linger in the various grandiose buildings. A lot of them are in ruin, but thanks to UNESCO, a large group of them have been renovated. They currently house some foreign embassies.

Let's think about a few years from now

What can Americans do?

Here, the point is to abide by the laws of the US government, American citizens!.

It is a fact that most Americans can't go to Cuba because it is still illegal to do so. The American trade embargo has been in existence for about 40 years now. President JFK declared it as a result of the Cuban Missile crisis. However, if you are part of a music, art, press or church association, you can go there. You will have a set amount of money you can spend there too. The way to arrange this type of travels is to get your passport and permit from the US authorities. More and more, Americans travel to Cuba through a third country such as Bahamas. They also fly there from Cancun, Mexico. While the Americans' presence on the islands is limited due to the embargo, many Canadians and European citizens can be found in large numbers. Who can resist such a paradise? It is like the last frontier in terms of virgin space! The beauty of the country and the warmth of its people are like fine wine. If you go once, you will never hesitate to make it your annual destination.

For a moment, just think about all the business opportunities that are lost. Think about all the best development sites that are being gobbled up by citizens of other countries in regulated relation with the socialist government. Any American business persons should set up a plan to enter Cuba after the lifting of the embargo. It is true that more and more, various US administrations seem to lean towards lifting it. A few delegations have been to the island to study the impact of the lifting of the embargo. Of course, you would see the country returning to its glorious days. Economic developments would abound.

Against the above backdrop, think about Old Havana in the millennium

Old Havana

Hotels such Prado, Inglaterra, and Hotel Plaza convey a lot to the foreigner. If you decide to walk downtown, you will find out that the city exudes an air of serenity, grandeur, and optimism despite all the ruins that it has fallen victim of. The Soviets are long gone. The subsidies have long stopped. A new tactic had to be used by the government. It had to adopt tourism to make money. The mighty US dollar reigns there. At any moment, you can find young cubans, adults approaching you with some cigars for sale. Very good but poor artists will offer their art works to you on the streets. They want to have access to the dollar. If you are a man vacationing in Old Havana, you will receive many offers from the members of the oldest profession in the world. Young, strikingly beautiful women will attempt to seduce you. It's the sale of flesh! Don't think about taking them to your hotel rooms. Very rarely will they pass the guards! Some tourists know how to bribe them, and they pretend they don't see these women. The law is that local people, natives are to stay off-limit when it comes to tourist sites and hotel rooms. In the midst of all of this melee, you will soon understand that the true Cubans are very entrepreneurial. They will adopt capitalism in a heartbeat!

Paladares

For sure, you will get hungry after all of your sightseeing. Believe me, there lots to see and do there. You may be asked to eat lunch or dinner at a Paladar. It is kind of privately-owned restaurant where you can pay a modest price for your meals. Paladeres are often run by some families in their own homes. It is a good way for them to make a living. Don't hesitate to take advantage of your time by visiting the museums, churches, and palaces. Take pictures of the classic American automobiles. They could be made into a postcard from Cuba!

Enjoy your first vacation in Cuba! You are realizing that there was so much to do around here. How long will it take before you can freely go there? It is up to you!

Martinique: Europe in America

2005-02-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

How would you like to sample the Creole way of life in the Caribbean? Welcome to Martinique, a French overseas department since 1946. You are ready to embark on the most beautiful journey of your life on this beautiful island. You will find out a lot of interesting things about the birthplace of sensous Josephine de Bauharnais who became the empress of France. At the same time, you will understand why, meeting Josephine for the first time in a Paris salon, Napoleon went head over heels for this beatiful Creole woman.

A few comments on Creole

Any European who was born in the colonies was named Creole. This is why Josephine was a Creole woman. But Creole was what everybody else was and is. To fully embrace their creolity, residents of the island call each other Creoles. In fact, they speak Creole too. Besides French, Creole (patois) is the language spoken by the majority of people. By the way, Creole is also spoken on other islands such St. Lucia, Haiti etc. Kreyol pale, Kreyol konpran-n Kreyol se yon bel lang. Li chaje ak romans. (Translation: Once spoken, Creole is understood. It's a beautiful language. It's packed with romance.) In fact, some visitors to the island go as far as stating that Creole is the perfect language of seduction. Everywhere you turn on the island, you will be brought face to face not only with natural beauty but also the beauty of the people. The Creoles are fond to say that everything precious that Europe (France and England) had as valuables was left on the island. This beauty is the result of the intimate, unequal relationships that the owners, planters had with their slave females. In such a romantic setting fueled by the tropics and a vast blue tableau (ocean), all the ingredients for naughtiness existed. These European males, slave owners for the most part, could not resist the temptations caused by the demarche, the allure and forms of the black slaves and mixed or mulato females. That's enough for the origins of miscegenation on the island unlike many other places where slavery was in place as the norm of the day.

Creole as a language

For a long time, parents would forbid their children from speaking a language that has survived the humiliating days of slavery. This language, created by the many African tribes who spoke many languages and dialects in Africa, was a result of the Africans' ingenuity. It's demonstrated in the range of rich and pure sounds and vocalization. For a long time, the European masters have managed to make the African slave afraid of his being, silhouette, language and anything that was good in him. The worse scenario is that, in some sectors of the island, some of the current residents' mind is still colonized. They still refuse to be seen speaking such a beautiful language. By the way, this is long after the abolition of slavery on the island in 1848. Thanks to the efforts of many intellectuals and brave, concerned citizens, Creole is now taught in school besides French, English and any other languages. The once oppressed find their voices and language again! Creole borrows from foreign languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, English etc. To a great extent, the French influences are present in a larger percentage.

If you go to Martinique, don't hesitate to taste the Creole cuisine

What is any meal without good spices? Well, get ready to get in tune with yourself. Savor the food that comes from this melange of culinary styles and ingredients. Taste their crab calalou soup or conch pie. If you end up staying at Le Colibri, you will have a chance to try these delicatessen, (delicacies).

Exchange location with the Caribbean: No Winter season per se!

Now is the best time for you to enjoy the lukewarm waters of the ocean. The best thing is that you will be able to see where you are setting your feet in the ocean. As you are looking back on the shores covered with swaying coconut trees or palm trees, you and your partner will only have words of praise for each other.

The next time you are thinking about visiting a French-speaking country to brush up on your high school French, you may think of these French overseas territories. St Martin and Haiti are also French-Speaking places in the Caribbean.

Well, I guess you want to go for fun. You want to enjoy yourself first. The landscape is Gauguinesque. You may want to bring some watercolors and paper to paint in case you feel inspired. And believe me you will...

Make plans to enjoy the superb French Cuisine there with all its tropical crops and fruit. Yummy, this already sounds very appealing to your palate.

The people are great. The tour guides will take you to various sites. Above all, ask to visit the plantation where Josephine De Beauharnais's family plantation on the island. Go to your local bookstore and read about this American (Creole= for having been born in the colony of Martinique) woman who happened to turn the heads of the French men. Well, she did turn the head of the greatest Corsican-born French man. Napoleon Bonaparte fell head over heels for her...And she became the Queen of France.

St Kitts & Nevis: Discover One of the Caribbean Jewels

2005-02-09T21:28:00.000-08:00

Did you ever take some time to think about the country of origin of Alexander Hamilton, one of the great American statesmen? Remember all his contributions to the young country named United States of America?

Alexander Hamilton, a very competitive man who valued education a whole lot, came from these islands. These two islands were part of the British colonies. St Kitts & Nevis which form the country are the two smallest Caribbean islands in the western hemisphere. Now you can imagine how smaller of a country you can go to if Nevis decides to break away? That has been some mention of this lately. No matter what, the two islands coexist amicably.

Did you know that St Kitts & Nevis had something in common with California, yes California? It is not land mass, obviously. Agriculture is the answer. This explains why tourism is not the main tourist attraction over there. What this means is that you can go there to enjoy semi-empty beaches which are few. You can go there to rest. You won't go on vacation to come back needing to take another one to rest. Haha!

English is spoken on the island. Kittitians and Nevisians are avid ball players. They are very competitive. Cricket remains the national sport.

If you want to go there, you will fun some fun in Basseterre, the capital city. You will enjoy seeing the remnants of British architecture. All other tourists except US and Canadian citizens need a passport. However, they need to show proof of citizenship.

The country is warm year-around. You can find the best time in June-August. June is also the month when they hold the St Kitts Music Festival. When it comes to dancing, you will choose between Soca, Salsa and Steel band during the festival. And Carnival is held on December 24-Januarey 2. Lots of partying is going on!!! Don't hesitate to check out the thermal baths which are very popular in Nevis. You can travel around either by renting a car or traveling in the local bus system. You can also go between the two islands by using the ferry named Caribe Queen.

Santo Domingo Salsa and Merengue Dancing: Great Spring Break Destination

2005-02-09T21:26:00.000-08:00

Would like to go to one of the playgrounds of the Carbbean? You can choose to stay at a resort hotel and just stay right in the capital and have access to the people and more.

What comes to your mind when somebody mentions The Dominican Republic? For me, it's the crystal-clear beaches, the people, oh yes, the people, the tropical weather, the nightlife. This is where you may be wondering whether the whole country likes dancing Merengue and Salsa. If you go to the Dominican Republic, you will not leave it without learning how to dance and impress your friends and parents, spouse and co-workers back in your home country. As a frequent traveler to this Caribbean country sharing borders with Haiti, thus forming Hispaniola, I can tell you a few things about having a good time in the Dominican Republic.

Since growing up, I have been to this country so many times that I can't count any longer. It's a country where the mighty dollar still reigns. In other words, the dollar will go a long way. Above all, be ready to have fun, lots of fun when you get there. In order to take great advantage of your money, I would advise you to learn the language and learn the local manners. Bargain your way to a good deal! There is no question about this!

Now, a few things about the language and religion:

The DR is a religious country. Catholicism dominates. Most Dominicans speak Spanish, English, and other relevant languages. But Spanish is the official language of the country. Since you are a tourist, people won't hesitate to approach you and make you feel at home. While you are there, you can participate in many activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, parasailing, cave searching, playing golf. The country has some very well-known golf courses. Once again, do your homework before heading down there. If needs be, you can fly directly to a few golf courses. American Airlines have direct flights to them. Then, if you get hot, hit the beaches.

What a lot of men and men, thrill-seekers would like to know about: Are there men and women to spend time with to teach these Merengue and Salsa moves?

The answer is a big yes! Actually, if you did not bring your partner with you to the island, you may end up meeting one. The people (women in my case) are suave and beautiful. You will leave your heart behind.

If you have never been to this country, I will invite you to check it out someday. Besides dancing all night, there are the food, beverages, rum, rivers, the historic sites, the historic church and more. Enjoy it and take it all in!

Hot & Wild Caribbean Sex Nights: Whales and Tourists' Mating at Samana Peninsula

2005-02-09T21:23:00.000-08:00

The Amerindians whom we have learned to admire for their resistance were also named Taino. They could be found in Borinquen (Today's Puerto Rico), Haiti (Indian name: Bohio )or the whole island known as Hispanola and other surrounding islands. They were not impressed by the boats accompanying Christopher Columbus and his men. They received them with a flood of arrows shot straight at them. This is why Christopher Columbus ended up calling the peninsula "The Gulf of Arrows." But later on, he would say that these people shared with him what they had. He was more after gold which he stole from them. He also said of the women that they were the most beautiful his eyes have ever seen while writing to the Spanish Crown. It was not long before the it was decreed that the Spanish men could take wives among them. And that would go toward their extermination. In fact, these burly Spaniards who had arrived with all kinds of weapons including fast horses and an insatiable thirst for gold forcibly made these women their sexual mates. Tragedy started to occur in that part of the Americas. Sexual exploitation, forced labor in gold mines would later on decimate these Amerindians or most of them except for those who fled to the mountains of Bahorico and nearby
caves etc.

Samana Peninsula's past, present and future: A gorgeous area of the Dominican Republic!
Why should you care about knowing this and more?

Well, if you are the only one who has not set foot on Samana, you will now know that its attractions and activities beckon you. While you may not have had any clues about its gorgeous waters, waterfall (Salto del Limon) and the presence of a diverse group of people, tourists from Germany, Italy, France, Sweden, Spain, England, Belgium, Canada and the US have been singing its praises for quite some time now. Now, you can imagine how some of them end up living their most remote fantasies in that part of the Dominican Republic. Samana Peninsula has long been a great port of entry, region of immigration for humans as well as animals. Many Haitians, Jamaicans, Puerto Ricans and other islanders go through this area. For ages, humpback whales have made this warm body of water their home. They migrate to Samana Peninsula and stay there from January till March of every year. Whale watchers have been fond of watching these whales court and compete for the attention of the females. Pregnant whales end up giving birth there. They spend time getting their calves ready before the long journey back. All of this beauty and natural coupling can serve as a great backdrop for your own amorous enterprises. In fact, I have heard some infertile couples have managed to make the trek to Samana Peninsula and have become very fertile. And believe me, I have witnessed quite a few social interactions between all these nationalities in Samana Peninsula!
More than these ordinary reasons, you will enjoy a whole range of other activities too.

Activities to expect from most hotels and resorts in the area:

* Windsurfing

* Scuba diving

* golfing

* Horseback riding

* Bicycling

* Cave Exploration

* Cock fighting (See rooster fighting!)

It's such a shame that there is not much money and job creation to keep most Dominicans there. This way, they would not have to risk their lives trying to head to the US. It is such a beautiful place that most people would like to make it their home. You will enjoy your time in the Dominican Republic for sure!

Spring Break in the Dominican Republic: Why Go to the Caribbean

2005-02-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

The Dominican Republic occupies the other part of Hispanola. Its capital city, Santo Domingo, is one of the most enjoyable and liveliest cities in the Caribbean. As a matter of fact, many Merengue bands play there almost every night there. The people live and dance to the rhythm of this marvelous musical form. Get ready to learn from the very willing, polite and proud Dominicans who won't wait to be asked twice.

Here are 10 top reasons you want to visit DR:
1. You will see Santo Domingo as the oldest European city in the Americas. You won't get tired checking out its many historical sites. It is true that the country is poor and lacks good infrastructures, but you will get there.
2. Visit Calle Las Damas as the oldest street in the Americas.
3. Cathedral Santa Maria La Menor is the oldest church in the Americas.
4. All visitors need visas except US and Canadian citizens who can prove their citizenship and ID. European tourists can go too up to 90 days.
5. Merengue, merengue, merengue...yes, merengue.
6. The beaches along the northern coast. Get away from the city by going to Puerto Plata, Samana Peninsula, Macao, Bayahibe beach. If you want to stay around Santo Domingo, you can go to Boca Chica, but it can be crowded.
7. Bring your gear for diving, snorkeling and deep sea diving.
8. Transportation is facilitated by buses that take you to most regions. In the city, you can use the guaguas.
9. Baseball which was introduced by the American soldiers is the rage on the island. Sammy Sosa is the big guy and most famous athlete and son right now.
10. The people are great. They will help you get to your desired destinations. Check the caves and bars. Lots of them!
What are you waiting for now? Book your next flight to the Dominican Republic.

Curacao: Bienvenue, Welcome and Bon Bini Curacao!

2005-02-09T21:16:00.000-08:00

Located below the hurricane belt, Curacao is out of the rage of hurricanes which roam over most Caribbean islands. You can visit Curacao any time because temperature (82F) is never a problem. It has low humidity due to the constant trade of winds. Well, this means that you won't have to sweat that much and worry about being blown away alive.

The Curacaons are of mixed descent: African descent and mixed African and European descent. They speak Dutch, Papamiento, English and Spanish. You can see they are good linguists. Which means you will find lots of assistance. Visas are not generally required. US and Canadian citizens will only show proof of citizenship. Others will either show proof of citizenship and passports.

What to bear in mind when visiting Curacao. Top reasons:
1. Curacao is the most dominant of the Netherlands Antilles. The ABC islands comprise Aruba, Bonaire and Curacao. They are part of the federation comprising Bonaire, Saba, St Eustachius and the Dutch part of St Martin.
2. Curacao is not huge. It is 37 miles (60 km) from tip to toe and about 5 miles wide (8km)
3. Unfortunately, Curacao is not a cheap getaway. Be ready to spend some money at the local restaurants and boutiques in Willemstad. Savour Funchi and zarzuela, culinary words derived from colorful and exotic Papamiento widely spoken on the island.
4. Willemstad, the capital city, is a gorgeous city and rich with historical monuments. It is one of the rare cities placed on UNESCO's Heritage List. Be ready to enjoy Soca and Reggae at the local night clubs.
4. Visit Punda's Floating Market where merchants from Venezuela sell their fresh vegetables, seafood and other products.
5. Divers and snorkelers will get to see lots of marine wonders at the Underwater Marine Park off the southeastern coast. Huge coral reefs that will delight your senses are waiting to be discovered.
5. Visit Otrobanda and Fort Amsterdam. Take advantage of Hato Caves with its complex features of pools, waterfalls in the northern coast. They were a refuge for the 19th century slaves from the rigor of slavery. They ran away and hid there. Make sure to have a guide...Important warning...The caves are underwater!
6. Hikers can soak in the sunny weather of the country by going to Christoffel National Park.

No Spring Break Without Starbucks: Starbucks Fever Resembles Blog Fever, a Netflix Thing!

2005-01-24T20:33:00.000-08:00

Starbucks is not NetFlix even though both companies may share quite a few things. What they have in common right off the bat is a legion of loyal customers who have somewhat become addicted to their business model. These two companies have figured it out: Present a good product to the American consumer and you will be ready to rake in the greenbacks.

For many students, soccer moms, young sophisticated professionals, Starbucks has become a cult, a comfort zone and a refuge. "It's all in the taste," will say a professional. "It's the equivalent of a socially accepted drug of the 21st century," will admit another observer. What's clear is that Starbucks has been able to provide a good product and service to the coffee drinker.

More and more, students all over the country are creating a new trend. For years, alcoholic beverages have been the ingredients, the fuel of Spring Break in New Orleans, Panama City Beach, Miami Beach, Padres, Negril, Bahamas and even Costa Rica. Over the past few years, more and more students have been mapping out the Starbucks which is closer to their beach front hotel rooms. "They want to have that night raid." Those who choose to be sober and please MADD proponents now have access to Cappuchino, Frappuchino, Mocha and all other kinds of combinations. Right on the beach, they will have their favorite drink.

Fa from the Costa Rican, Vietnamese, Nicaraguayan farmers' hands that planted, nurtured and harvested these precious seeds, students on spring break will reap the benefits of mass production and refined marketing and advertising campaign.

If you want to know about Starbucks density, check out kottke.org or blogsnow.com. You can even find out how many starbucks facilities are in your area. You may be surprised by the high concentration of this business. Coffee at every corner! Is this Paris yet?

Grenada: The Spice of the Caribbean

2005-01-22T22:57:00.000-08:00

Are you in the mood to do some island hopping? Head to Grenada which is located not far from Trinidad and Tobago. You won't get out of the country without falling in love with the variety of spices the country produces. You have no reason not to become familiar with some good herbs. After all, this is the age of alternative medicine. Maybe it takes you to vacation down there to come up with the next multimillion-dollar business. I am not kidding you. Grenada's spice industry is strong and booming. It sets the island apart. The former British colonists introduced Nutmeg to the island after the devastation of their crops such as sugar cane by natural disasters in 1780. Tourism comes next. If Indonesia is the first largest spice producer in the world, Grenada is the second.

Here is what to expect when you do vacation down there:
1. Visit the local Nutmeg factories. Get a sense of how the production takes place, from the field to the factories and all the steps involved. You will get a chance to see how the crushing is done. You will have a better appreciation for nutmeg when you get back to your home country. Nutmeg is used in deserts, pumpkin pies and apple pies etc..Yummy!
2. Visit the most famous and slick resort area, Grand Anse with all its boutiques, warehouses etc.
3. With its picturesque hillside, the capital city is St Georges on the southwest coast. You will have lots of fun there. Tour the architectures, legacy of the French and British colonizations of the island.
4. Don't forget to visit Fort George, built by the French in 1705. The canons are still there.
5. Go to Fort Frederick and Fort Matthew. Fort Frederick is still in good conditions. The US invasion of 1983 to crush the anti-government, nondemocratic forces bombed Fort Matthew instead of Fort Frederick.

Antigua and Barbuda: Hot Celebrities Mingle with the Locals

2005-01-22T22:52:00.000-08:00

Whatever exotic type of taste you may have, Antigua and Barbuda will surely have something quite interesting to offer to you. If you decide to spend your vacation there, you will discover that it is one of the most beautiful Caribbean islands whose beauty, flora, fauna and maritime resources have been preserved. Wherever you turn, you will see the vestiges of colonialism. You will see the resilience of a group of people and their efforts to build the island state. Ever since some of my uncles used to live in Guadeloupe, I never missed an opportunity to go partying in Antigua whenever I would visit them. Those who have been to this set of islands always want to return. Among them, you can find celebrities you may recognize. When they want to unwind from their grueling lifestyle and the constant chase of paparazzi, they seek this hideaway. And as for refuge, they do find it on the large expanse of white-beach sands and crystal-clear waters.

Points Of Interest: Areas, sites and others you should not miss

A bit of history

* Shirley Heights/English Harbour is named after Sir Thomas Shirley who decided to place some cannons in the forts to protect the Harbor. This harbor was very important to the economy of the colonial island. It was an important repair shipyard for the English navy in the Caribbean. Until today, you can find the ruins of these colonial times. The huge stone pillars are still remnants of those very productive days.

* The capital city of Antigua and Barbuda is St John's. It has a great night life. Steel drum groups can play all throughout the night. When you get tired dancing, you can go to a fine restaurant for a sit-in dinner.

* Frigate Bird Sanctuary. Depending on when you are in the place, you can participate in the Classic Yacht Regatta & Yatcht Show between April and December of every year.

Activities You Can Participate In

Everywhere you turn on the islands, you will encounter beaches, sand, lots of them. In fact, the locals say that there are 365 beaches. This means you can spend your time visiting one beach a day. Well, you may not have that kind of time, but wherever you go on the island, you will enjoy the coral reefs, walls and shipwrecks. If you want, you can just go beachcombing, fishing, snorkeling, scuba diving or hunting. More and more tourists prefer to just hang around and soak up the sun. Traveling to Barbuda by plane will take you only 20 minutes. If you want to go there by boat, put aside three hours.

Some of my personal points of interests

Besides swimming and canoeing, I just like walking all around the place to check the boutiques and souvenir stores. At this point, you have to know how to bargain because all of the vendors will be after you to purchase their merchandise. It's a mad chase! Don't hesitate to bargain. You will get great deals in the end. If you enter a store, refrain from bargaining unless the store owner invites you to do so. I love trees. I take some time to explore them. For example, I am in awe of the bougainvillea, bermuda, hibiscus, bird of paradise, poinsettia and flamboyant tree. The flamboyant tree is my favorite during its blooming season. It adds to the beauty of any islands.

Unlike many islands where local resort owners and authorities invest so much money to keep the local residents away from the tourists, Antigua and Barbuda let people mingle. Whether you were a celebrity, you are still a human being. For sure, you will remember your vacation if you had met and interacted with a local resident. There is a great sense of democracy and egual rights on the beaches.

Enjoy your vacation in Antigua and Barbuda. Just like the song goes, start singing your way to islands by making your reservations and inquiring about hotel reservations. I have heard that the Royad Antiguan Hotel has rave reviews so far. I can't tell you much because I stayed with friends of family members.

Curacao Can Replace Phukett Island, Phi Phi: Bon Vini (Welcome to) Curacao!

2005-01-22T22:49:00.000-08:00

Martinique: French Overseas Territory

2005-01-22T22:46:00.000-08:00

How would you like to sample the Creole way of life in the Caribbean? Welcome to Martinique, a French overseas department since 1946. You are ready to embark on the most beautiful journey of your life on this beautiful island. You will find out a lot of interesting things about the birthplace of sensous Josephine de Bauharnais who became the empress of France. At the same time, you will understand why, meeting Josephine for the first time in a Paris salon, Napoleon went head over heels for this beatiful Creole woman.

A few comments on Creole

Any European who was born in the colonies was named Creole. This is why Josephine was a Creole woman. But Creole was what everybody else was and is. To fully embrace their creolity, residents of the island call each other Creoles. In fact, they speak Creole too. Besides French, Creole (patois) is the language spoken by the majority of people. By the way, Creole is also spoken on other islands such St. Lucia, Haiti etc. Kreyol pale, Kreyol konpran-n Kreyol se yon bel lang. Li chaje ak romans. (Translation: Once spoken, Creole is understood. It's a beautiful language. It's packed with romance.) In fact, some visitors to the island go as far as stating that Creole is the perfect language of seduction. Everywhere you turn on the island, you will be brought face to face not only with natural beauty but also the beauty of the people. The Creoles are fond to say that everything precious that Europe (France and England) had as valuables was left on the island. This beauty is the result of the intimate, unequal relationships that the owners, planters had with their slave females. In such a romantic setting fueled by the tropics and a vast blue tableau (ocean), all the ingredients for naughtiness existed. These European males, slave owners for the most part, could not resist the temptations caused by the demarche, the allure and forms of the black slaves and mixed or mulato females. That's enough for the origins of miscegenation on the island unlike many other places where slavery was in place as the norm of the day.

Creole as a language

For a long time, parents would forbid their children from speaking a language that has survived the humiliating days of slavery. This language, created by the many African tribes who spoke many languages and dialects in Africa, was a result of the Africans' ingenuity. It's demonstrated in the range of rich and pure sounds and vocalization. For a long time, the European masters have managed to make the African slave afraid of his being, silhouette, language and anything that was good in him. The worse scenario is that, in some sectors of the island, some of the current residents' mind is still colonized. They still refuse to be seen speaking such a beautiful language. By the way, this is long after the abolition of slavery on the island in 1848. Thanks to the efforts of many intellectuals and brave, concerned citizens, Creole is now taught in school besides French, English and any other languages. The once oppressed find their voices and language again! Creole borrows from foreign languages such as French, Spanish, Portuguese, English etc. To a great extent, the French influences are present in a larger percentage.

If you go to Martinique, don't hesitate to taste the Creole cuisine

What is any meal without good spices? Well, get ready to get in tune with yourself. Savor the food that comes from this melange of culinary styles and ingredients. Taste their crab calalou soup or conch pie. If you end up staying at Le Colibri, you will have a chance to try these delicatessen, (delicacies).

Exchange location with the Caribbean: No Winter season per se!

Now is the best time for you to enjoy the lukewarm waters of the ocean. The best thing is that you will be able to see where you are setting your feet in the ocean. As you are looking back on the shores covered with swaying coconut trees or palm trees, you and your partner will only have words of praise for each other.

Enjoy a few nights in Martinique.

Spring Break on The Cayman Islands

2005-01-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

The Cayman Islands has it all: Nice & slick resorts, boutiques, beautiful condos with bristling satellites, bankers walking down the main streets of Georgetown in swimsuits and talking on their cell phones. It is a true paradise on earth!

There is not much of a difference between an American town and the capital of Cayman Islands. The only difference is the cool breeze blowing through your hair as you go from boutiques to boutiques shopping for watercolors, turtle skin-made items and many more on Elizabethan Square, Cardinal Ave., and Freeport Plaza. Bear in mind that the best boutiques are in Georgetown. In the background of all of this, you will hear the reggae beats of the likes of late Bob Marley on the streets. Young entrepreneurs, bankers smoking Cuban cigars go about their business. The country has been long known as a haven for bankers. There is a strong American presence there even though the British culture is present in many aspects of life. The people are of mixed African and European descent.

If you have plans to get married there, take a honeymoon dive to the coral reefs down there. They are majestic! You can make arrangements with the many resorts and hotels that litter the Caymans coasts. They will help you make the arrangements.

Here is what to keep in mind when going there:
1. English is spoken there.
2. No visas are required for US and Canadian citizens. Citizens from the Commonwealth, Japan, Israel and others need passports not visas.
3. Expect to find full-service resorts and five-star dining restaurants. Expect to spend between $300 or more at a high-scale hotel and $200 or more at a modest hotel.
4. The best time to go to Cayman Islands is Mid-December to Mid-April. It rains more in the Summer.
5. Seven Mille is the most popular beach in the country. It is gorgeous and sandy. However, it tends to be crowded.
6. Go there for these reasons: birding, fishing, submarine, walking and caving.
7. Seafood is abundant: codfish, marlin, mahi-mahi and conch.
8. Purchase as much as you can. Great watercolors are for a bargain...

Barbados: Do There As You Would in England

2005-01-22T22:42:00.000-08:00

Cricket remains the national obsession of this Caribbean country, named "Little England." You can observe all children trying to learn and play the game wherever you go on the island. From the time they can hold a stick, they get out of the house onto the field. They are motivated to become the next Garfield Sober who was knighted in 1975 by the queen of England. In fact, on a per capita basis, Barbados produces more world class cricket players than any other countries. When you visit Barbados, you can take it all in.

The Bajans (this is how the inhabitants of Barbados prefer to be called)are proud of their historical past. The people are great. They still have that sense of decor. When I visit my friends' residences, I just fall in love with the way they keep their houses. Among the locals, you will find that 90% of them are African descendants. Then you will find the English, Scottish and East Indian descendants. Just like the rest of the Caribbean during the slavery days, you will find a lot of racial intermingling. The beauty of this historical genetic sharing leaves everybody proud of their heritage.

When you visit Barbados, be ready to enjoy Calypso music, reggae and rock with a local flavor. Bring your scuba diving, snorkeling and swimming gear. Now if you like windsurfing, you will enjoy the Barbados Windsurfing Championship in January and the Caribbean Surfing Cup in November which the Independence month of the country.

Negril, Jamaica: Hot Caribbean Spring Break Destination

2005-01-22T22:38:00.000-08:00

What to Remember:

If you want a laid-back, party-laden place to vacation, Negril (Jamaica) is it! You will enjoy Jamaicans' friendliness and high confidence in their tourism industry.

Fort Lauderdale: Hot Spring Break Destination

2005-01-22T22:33:00.000-08:00

For many, the idea of going to Fort Lauderdale brings back memories of wild Spring Break festivals and carloads of students taking over the beach areas for a a week or so. For the locals, Fort Lauderdale means much more. It is their home they want the rest of the world to know as a decent place where families can bring their children to vacation.

Before the 1980s, it is clear that Fort Lauderdale was known mostly for its rowdy and bawdy Spring Break fests organized by students from all over the country. (For those of you who are not too familiar with these college students' activities, Spring Break can somewhat be compared with Proms for high schoolers or Quincenera in the Hispanic culture.

What used to make these all-night parties distinctly interesting was the level of wild behaviors caused by ear-drum-shattering, blasting music amplified by illegal substances and lascivious and sensual dance. The whole beach front can be left littered with beer bottles and other items. If you have not been to Spring Break, you may find it a little bit different these days.

Fort Lauderdale locals decided that they had enough of these raucous behaviors. Backed by the police force, they started discouraging these groups and carloads of students. They wanted to give a new image, more appropriate PR to their city. Police started cracking down on wild behaviors causing fights etc. These days, these brawls may occur in bars.
If you dress respectably, you can go about your business in all the fun/entertainment centers of the area.

No matter what, it is great to be in Fort Lauderdale for Spring Break. You can participate in so many interesting events. For example, there is the famous bikini contests. There is also the wet t-shirt contest without forgetting the volleyball tournaments. There is so much more you can do there. Snorkeling, diving, hiking, camping, water skiing are some of the activities you can participate in. In case you miss the Spring Break events, you can take advantage of the well-known Cajun/Zydeco Crawfish Festival in early May.

Enjoy your trip to Fort Lauderdale, the land of the Seminoles!

Daytona Beach, Florida at Spring Break!

2005-01-22T22:27:00.000-08:00

For many high school seniors and college students, Spring Break is somewhat of a rite of passage. It's the time of the year when all they burn a big part of their savings. Or it may be the time when they even go into debt just so they can be at Daytona Beach, Florida to mingle, walk the beach, scream, hit on members of the opposite sex and participate in wet bikini contests, mix soda with alcoholic beverages to drink and avoid being arrested and finally engage in all sorts of activities they would not otherwise participate in on normal occasions. Welcome to Spring Break as I experienced and witnessed it for five consecutive years

If you are thinking of spending Spring Break at Daytona Beach, Florida next year, you'd better put your acts together quickly. If you wait too long, you may not find a decent hotel or motel. And if there is some important race going on at the Speedway, then you will be in it for a shock. It is wise to make your reservations a few months ahead of time. Once these estrogen-pumped young girls and guys start arriving with the normal flow of regular tourists and race fans, the hotels and motels will go pretty fast. That was one of my friends' experience back in 1998.

What do you expect to see any Spring Break?

Depending on your age, you will probably be right there in the midst of the actions. Groups of unattached guys and girls cruising in their expensive cars or trucks with loud music and checking each other out get stuck in traffic. And that's the beauty of the whole experience for many of them. Guys have time to talk to the bikini-clad girls leaping in and out, standing through the sunroof of their cars. Others prefer to do this type of cruising in the back of convertibles. All the while, these guys are asking these girls to bare some favorite parts of their bodies for beads. Some of the girls who are not in the heat of the moment yet don't pay attention to them. Others who have already been to Daytona and are bawdier don't hesitate to flash their tits. A few of them go as far as to shake their breasts and touch their hair in a very lascivious way that is aimed at creating some reactions in the guys.

Spring Break is about attention, flirting, dancing and having a sense of freedom away from the constraints of own neighborhood and families

All throughout the days and nights, these young men and women will party. Or they will go from clubs to clubs searching for the hottest beat. They will sample music from all kinds of DJs. The clubs that pay Latin music will see their clientele increase. Bodyguards or security personnel will have to increase their vigilance. Some youngsters, wild teens who are not of age may want to sneak in and start drinking alcohol. A lot of them manage to have their share of alcohol any way on the beach despite the fact that they can be heavily fined if caught. Walking down the beach, you will run into groups of guys laden with beads and suntan oils offering to give back massage. And the girls, the wild ones, those who crave for attention from the buffed, well-built, football player-like guys. There appears to be no inhibitions. After all, the girls who are there are ready to participate in the Wild Girls Contests where lyrics such as shake that ... or back that ... up are being sung in the nearby loud, obnoxious boom box. If you have not seen the wildly advertised video, Girls Gone Wild, you may not have any idea of what it's like to be in front of this platform. Oftentimes, some of these guys and girls are right there in the midst of the parties and contests organized by MTV and others.

If you don't want to put up with these kinds of sights and crowds at Spring Break, then it would be easier for you to visit somewhere else. If you don't want to be stuck in traffic and mingle with wild teens and college students on crowded beaches, please find a new spot. But if you don't mind, go right ahead and make your reservations. The fun is great and so is the food. You can sample all kinds of foods there. If you want to go to a race for the first time, be there early. The fusion of these two events can be a real headache for you.

Enjoy your time at Daytona Beach, Florida! Buy souvenirs, take pictures or bring your camcorders!

http://beerandwine.blogspot.com: Spring Break Parties

2005-01-22T20:36:00.000-08:00

Read more about how beer and wine companies are working hard to find their way in the heart of partygoers and spring breakers.

Read about Constellation Brands: Booze, Beer and Wine