Escape to Paradise - My Unforgettable Trip to Aruba
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Night Photo of Aruba |
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California Lighthouse Aruba |
Escape to Paradise - My Unforgettable Trip to Aruba
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Night Photo of Aruba |
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California Lighthouse Aruba |
The official language is Dutch, but Papiamento is widely spoken.
Weather Towards the end of January was hot and Humid
Bonaire is a special municipality of the Netherlands.
Image on the left shows the coast of Bonaire, characterized by a sharp contrast between the deep blue of the open ocean and the vibrant turquoise of the shallow waters closer to the shore.
After a good breakfast on my cruise ship, exited the ship and headed towards the cruise port, now I did not have a excursion planned ahead of time so basically I approached the Taxi counter, was told if there are four people they would charge USD 25 each for an island tour that lasted about three and a half hours. Within minutes there were 3 others wanting to go, was kind of surprised as most folks have booked shore excursions by the cruise ship company, anyways off we went.
The cab driver was also our tour guide and gave a commentary on the sites we passed by, our first stop was the surf and snorkel beach, we walked down the steps to the beach. Picture of the iguana by the steps.
We continued on and our next stop was the lake. Salinas are natural saltwater lakes. Goto Lake is the largest natural saltwater lake on Bonaire where flamingos have their breeding grounds.
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Franciscan Church |
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Ljubljana Slovenia Dragon Bridge |
On my cruise from Galveston Texas to Aruba Bonaire, and Curaçao, the three westernmost islands of the Leeward Antilles in the Caribbean Sea, after 2 days of sailing Montego Bay Jamaica was the first stop. The weather in January was hot and humid.
Montego Bay |
Had booked a City tour shore excursion with the option of ordering lunch which was Jerk. Jerk is a traditional Jamaican way of seasoning and cooking meat, typically pork or chicken, the cost of the tour including jerk was 62 USD. The tour was 4 and half hours and included a tour guide, the guide went over how Montego Bay was a hub for the trans-Atlantic slave trade and sugar cane plantations. Rum originated in the West Indies, and Jamaican rum is known for its full-bodied flavor. Sugarcane was a major part of the economy in the 1600 and 1700 hundreds and these days the biggest economic income generator is Tourism. Also most of the tour stops were tourist souvenir shops.
The tour passes through the rich and poor parts of the town, and Sam Sharpe Square, due to narrow streets and traffic issues the bus did not stop a the square, next we went by Rose Hall Great House. It's not a traditional haunted house attraction, but rather a beautifully restored 18th-century mansion with a dark and chilling history that fuels its haunted reputation. Annie Palmer, the White Witch of Rose Hall. was a real woman who lived in the house in the 19th century, but the legend surrounding her has grown over time. Stories depict her as a cruel mistress who practiced black magic, and murdered her three husbands. She was Irish.
Now it it was time to eat, the meal included Chicken Jerk, sweet corn bread and a drink. Jerk is cooked over a pimento wood fire, which imparts a smoky flavor to the meat. The meat is often placed on a grill or on racks above the fire, allowing the smoke and heat to penetrate it.
Chicken Jerk Jamaica |
After lunch we drove towards the hip strip in Montego Bay, the guide had to bring Famous Reggae star Bob Marley, no tour in Jamaica is complete with the brief history of him. And we were at our last stop The Margaritaville resort which was damaged by waves and required a complete rebuild. It is a restaurant, and some of the folks went there to have a few drinks. There were street vendors trying to sell me bracelets and souvenirs, avoided them.
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Boardwalk at Lady Bird Lake |
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Texas State Capital |
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Home Slice Pizza on Congress Ave |
Nestled at the southern tip of Greenland, Nanortalik is a charming town known for its stunning landscapes and rich history. One of the best ways to experience this breathtaking region is through an iceberg boat tour. The boat tour was a shore excursion organized by my cruise company.
Setting Off from Nanortalik
As we embark on boat tour, the excitement builds. The colorful houses of Nanortalik fade into the background as we venture into the open waters. Our guide and boat driver, a local expert, shared insights about the area’s geography, history, and wildlife.
Awe-Inspiring Icebergs
One of the highlights of the tour is the chance to see magnificent icebergs up close. These natural wonders come in various shapes and sizes, often glistening in shades of blue and white. The boat navigates through the fjords, allowing you to appreciate the scale and beauty of these floating giants.
Stunning Photo Opportunities
The unique beauty of the icy landscape provides endless opportunities for photography. Whether it’s the shimmering icebergs, the rugged mountains, or the charming town itself, you’ll want to capture every moment. Don’t forget to take some time to simply soak in the scenery!
A Memorable Conclusion
As our boat tour comes to an end, we returned to Nanortalik with a newfound appreciation for this remarkable part of the world. The combination of breathtaking natural beauty, and rich cultural experiences makes an iceberg boat tour a must-do when visiting this enchanting Greenlandic town.
Tips for Your Tour
Dress Warmly: Even in summer, temperatures can be cool. Layer up to stay comfortable.
Ask Questions: Engage with your guide to learn more about the area’s ecology and culture.
With its awe-inspiring scenery and immersive experiences, a boat tour from Nanortalik promises to be a highlight of your Greenland adventure. Don’t miss the chance to explore this incredible region!
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Memorial Fountain |
Sydney, Nova Scotia, is a picturesque town located on Cape Breton Island, known for its rich history and vibrant culture. This was the first stop on my cruise from Boston to Greenland.
Outside the port where the ship docks there are several Taxi drivers eager to show you the Town, as a solo tourist the prices were high, for a group of 3 or 4 people they would be reasonable. So decided to venture on my own and walked along the Sydney Waterfront a leisurely walk along the waterfront boardwalk, with beautiful views of Sydney Harbor. The area features benches, public art, and picnic spots.
Situated on the Sydney waterfront is the Big Fiddle is an iconic 60-foot fiddle sculpture, a tribute to Cape Breton's musical heritage. It’s a great photo opportunity!
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Big Fiddle |
Continued my walk past the street musicians and came across the Merchant Mariner Monument.
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Merchant Mariner Monument |
This bronze statue commemorates the brave merchant mariners who served during World War II. The sculpture shows four figures, representing different aspects of their service
The monument also features a plaque that provides additional information about the history of the merchant marine and their significant contributions during the war. The inscription on the plaque reads
"We were the forgotten service. We were the unsung heroes. We were the merchant mariners."
From the harbor walk I ventured into the town saw a arts and craft fair, the fair was nothing to write home about. The downtown area is not too far from where the ship docks, walked along George Street which is a popular downtown location with shops, restaurants, and cafes. Came across Highland Arts Theatre. It is a historic building that was originally constructed as a Presbyterian church in 1911.
Tired from all the walking, headed towards the Port of Sydney where the cruise ship was docked, there are all kinds of souvenir Shops on the way, bought a couple of T-Shirts, and was just in time to get some lunch as the buffet closes at 3 PM on the ship.
St. John's is a Hidden Gem of Canada
Was on a cruise from Boston to Greenland and had a stopover at St John's on the way back to Boston. The plan was to explore the city on my own, and it was raining so had to go with Plan B which is no plan. As I ventured off the ship and walked across the pier a person approached me with a city tour for US $60. Took his offer and 10 minutes later I was on the tour bus and off we went to our first stop
Signal Hill
Signal Hill is a prominent hill overlooking the city of St. John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada
Scenic views, The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city, harbor, and the North Atlantic Ocean.
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Cabot Tower |
Above Picture is The iconic tower, located on Signal Hill, there is a gift/souvenir shop inside the Tower.
Quidi Vidi Village
Our Next stop was Quidi Vidi Village which is a charming fishing village and a must-visit destination for anyone exploring St. John's, offering a glimpse into the city's maritime heritage and natural beauty.
There is Quidi Vidi Brewery, selling craft beers. Now the bus tour passes through several historical and tourist sites. Sites like Jellybean Row which is one of the most iconic and charming features of St. John’s, Newfoundland. This vibrant street is famous for its brightly colored row houses, which have become a symbol of the city.
Cape Spear Lighthouse National Historic Site
This was our 3rd and final stop, it was still raining. This lighthouse is the most easterly point in North America, offering stunning panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean.
The visitor center provides information about the history of the lighthouse and the surrounding area.
On a Rainey Day the tour was worth every penny and turned out to be peachy.