Travel to Roatan, Honduras

Roatan is the largest and most developed of the three Caribbean islands that make up Honduras, Central America. It is a simply idyllic paradise with turquoise clear waters, various sand beaches and clear blue skies that makes an ideal vacation spot.

Roatan Island is only four miles wide and thirty-three miles long. It has a paved road running down 75% of the length of the island that leads to the various beaches, destinations and attractions that the island offers. The fantastic landscapes that the vacationer can enjoy while traveling down the highway is truly impressive.

The island is surrounded by an impressive coral reef that is considered one of the largest in the world, which is part of the large Meso-American Barrier Reef. Travelers can enjoy the marvelous underwater world with snorkeling and scuba diving, or by taking a tour on a glass-bottom boat or riding in a mini-sub. Viewing the marine life and old shipwrecks found in the reef environment is not to be missed.

The capital city of Roatan is Coxen Hole, where visitors would arrive via the sailing port or international airport, but it is not the main tourist centre of the island. French Harbor, which is the second most important town in Roatan hosts the most recognized restaurants and has great shopping, nightlife and hotels.

West End, located on the western side of the island, is one of the tourist spots to see with beautiful beaches, restaurants, hotels and attractions for tourists. Here the visitor can rent a motorcycle to tour the island, take a kayak to paddle among the ocean waves, shop in the many souvenir shops, or dance the night away in the lively nightlife activities.

West Bay offers its own beautiful beaches with calm, peaceful waters and glittering white sands. This three-mile long stretch of white sand is considered one of the prettiest in all Honduras. Sandy Bay has beach hotels and restaurants for the sun-loving tourists, as well as a research centre, The Institute of Marine Sciences, to explore. The tourist visiting this area can enjoy a dolphin show, windsurfing or even just relax with a soothing spa treatment.

A vacationer to Roatan could enjoy learning about the Garifuna people who first settled the island in 1797. Every year on November 12th an exciting festival is held to celebrate the event. A visit to Politilly Bay in Punta Gorda is a great attraction to enjoy with dancing and music of the Garifuna culture.

Oak Ridge, and Afro-Antillean community, is very picturesque and is known for its tradition of building houses on the water. Local tours include water taxis to the mangrove swamps so vacationers can view the wildlife.

Paya Bay in Roatan is perhaps the most visited place for a Roatan Island vacation. It is close to Oak Ridge and is known for its white sand beaches and sparkling clear waters.

A ferry that connects Roatan to the mainland of Honduras runs twice daily allowing the visitor more sightseeing options. Roatan also has a recently completed dock capable of docking large cruise ships.

With the spectacular white sand beaches and the majestic reef surrounding this island, Roatan makes for a great vacation spot.

If you would like a chance to learn a little more about various countries and their unique cuisines, why not try my new Ebook: Tastes and Travels Ebook It offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try).

The Attractions of Turks & Caicos

The Turks and Caicos Islands are situated approximately 575 miles southeast of Miami and 39 miles south east of Mayaguana in the Bahamas. Turks and Caicos Islands have one of the longest coral reefs in the world, making it a very desirable diving destination.

The white sandy beaches cover 230 miles in total and are surrounded by crystal clear waters. The islands are relatively flat but depending on the island, the terrain can vary from sand dunes to lush green vegetation. There are eight major islands: Salt Cay, Grand Turk, South Caicos, East Caicos, Middle Caicos, North Caicos, Providenciales and West Caicos. The people on the islands are known for their friendliness. East Caicos and West Caicos are uninhabited.

Turks and Caicos gets its main revenue from the tourist industry. The fishing industry also continues throughout Turks and Caicos. On the islands of Providenciales and Grand Turk you will find International style hotel accommodations, each one has its own unique set up and surroundings. Native dishes are served along with international cuisine, you will find this at most of the restaurants. More casual and serene accommodations can be found on the other islands and smaller cays.

Grand Turk is the capital of Turks and Caicos and the financial center of the islands. It has the second largest population of around 3,720 people. Grand Turk is one of the main historical points of Turks and Caicos. There are many old buildings and ruins, along with The Turks and Caicos National Museum. Grand Turk's main attraction is diving, with many dive operators and schools. It caters to novice snorkelers and experienced divers alike and the major income for the island is dive-orientated tourism with the island’s outstanding protected coral reef.

Located on Grand Turk, Cockburn Town is the administrative capital and the historic and cultural center of the islands. It was believed to be where Columbus landed during his discovery of the New World in 1492. One can tour the town itself on a walking tour. Bermudan style architecture representative of the salt era of the 18th and 19th century line Duke and Font Streets. Two of these buildings are now popular inns. Other buildings make up the governor's residence, other government offices, the public library, churches and private residences and fraternities.

A popular tourist spot to visit is the Turks and Caicos National Museum where a central exhibit tells the story of the Molasses Reef Wreck, the oldest European shipwreck discovered in the Western Hemisphere (dated around 1505). The museum also outlines the rich cultural and natural diversity of the islands. Other historic sites include the Lighthouse which offers a spectacular view of the island, the prison, Fire Hill and the Hawks Nest Anchorage. It is well worth hiring a taxi and driver/guide to tour the island to give you first-hand information on the history and places to see.

Another interesting attraction we witnessed during our tour was an abundance of feral horses and donkeys inhabiting the island, roaming free.

Providenciales, or more commonly called "Provo", covers an area of 38 miles and is the most developed island in Turks and Caicos. Provo, with a population of over 6,000is found on the west side of the islands and offers all modern conveniences, including superb hotels, a casino and a Golf Club. Provo is considered a great destination for those who want to escape their busy schedules and relax. Provo has the largest non-native population made up of Haitians, Dominicans, Canadians, Germans, French and Americans. The growing population is mainly due to the completion of the airport in 1984, which is capable of dealing with large planes.

The most beautiful beaches are found on the north of the island, near Sapodilla Bay, along with a long coral reef rich in aquatic life. Towards the south of the island, Chalk Sound, offers a large lake with striking turquoise water and an array of small cays. South Dock found east of Sapodilla Bay is the island's commercial port and has the capability to deal with containerized goods.

The two main and oldest settlements on Provo Island are Bight and Blue Hills, both of which have a real Caribbean feeling. Provo shops offer a good range of boutiques at Turtle Cove and downtown one can find a range of retail shops, business offices and travel agents. Provo is the main island for hotels and resorts, with many accommodation and recreational facilities options available.

A great attraction to the islands is the varied and bountiful wildlife and sea creatures they offer. The islands are arranged around the edges of two large limestone plateaus called the Turks Bank, that has deep offshore waters which serve as major transit points for Humpback Whales, spotted Eagle Rays, Manta Rays and Turtles. From late December through April, it is believed that as many as 2,500 Humpback Whales pass through the shores on their annual migration to the Mouchoir Bank. During the summer, divers may encounter many Manta Rays cruising the face of the walls, and encounters with dolphins are not uncommon.

Bordering the edges of the islands are lines of coral reefs and some of the most impressive walls of coral in the Caribbean. From the legendary walls of Grand Turk, West Caicos and Provo's Northwest Point to the historic wrecks south of Salt Cay, a dozen world class walls have become important for the serious diver.

The same rich waters are used by anglers fishing for Tuna, Wahoo and Blue Marlin. Also, the salt ponds and inland marshes serve as excellent feeding grounds for resident and migratory birds. One can be on the lookout for Great Blue Herons, Flamingos, Osprey, Pelicans, Egrets, Terns, Frigates, Boobies and other water birds. As part of the National Parks system more than twelve small cays have been set aside and protected for breeding grounds.

On some of the less disturbed and smaller islands of Little Water Cay or Great Sand Cay one can find the Turks island Iguana, which is endangered and delicate. It thrives on these deserted islands, away from the influence of man. These islands are also protected by the National Parks system.

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A beach vacation to the Turks and Caicos Islands would truly be a memorable experience. It would be wonderful to visit each island, but even if you were only able to see one, the beauty and pristine beaches would make it a worthwhile vacation.

Thai Cooking

Since this blog is about food as well as travel, I thought you might like to know a little about some international cuisines. This article is about Thai food.

If you would like a chance to learn a little more about various countries and their unique cuisines, why not try my new Ebook: Tastes and Travels Ebook It offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try).

Thai cuisines, or the cooking of Thailand, is know for its balance of five primary flavors served in a meal, either in each dish or overall. These consist of hot and spicy, sweet, sour, salty and bitter. Thai cuisine is made up from the four major regions in the country, the Northern Region, the Northeastern (or Isan), the Central Region, and the Southern Region. Each provides its own elements to Thai cuisine. For example, southern curries typically contain coconut milk and turmeric, while dishes from the Northeastern areas often contain lime juice.

Rice is a staple of Thai cuisine, as in most other Asian cooking. The jasmine rice popular all over the world today is indigenous to Thailand. A typical Thai meal is composed of a single dish or rice served with other complementary dishes at the same time. Steamed rice is served with aromatic curries, stir-fries, or other spicy dishes with chilies, lime, and lemon grass. Sticky rice, which is a unique variety of rice that contains starches that cause it to have a sticky texture, is also often served. Common Thai dishes may also include noodles which are typically served in a single dish or as a noodle soup.

Chopsticks are rarely used in Thai cuisine, and the food is generally eaten with a fork and a spoon. The people in the North and Northeast regions of Thailand typically eat sticky rice with their hands, making it into balls and dipping them in the side dishes served with the meal. Only the right hands are used to eat with.
Fresh, rather than dried, herbs and spices are typically used in Thai cuisine. The spicy condiments served with the main dishes can include dried chili pieces or sliced chili peppers soaked in rice vinegar, or other spicy sauces. Fish sauce can also be a major component in many dishes. It is very aromatic and strong tasting. As well, shrimp paste is also often used. It is made up of a combination of ground shrimp and salt.

In the South and Central regions, Thai dishes are often made with lime leaves, which add its characteristic flavor to nearly every Thai soup or curry. Garlic, galangal (an ingredient related to ginger with a soapy, earthy aroma and pine-like citrus-y flavor), lemon grass, turmeric and gingerroot are also frequent additions, as well as fresh Thai basil. A variety of spices and chilies are common elements in nearly every Thai dish.

Although common broccoli is often seen in Thai cooking here, gailan is typically served in traditional Thai dishes. Gailan (or Chinese broccoli) is green with a thick crunchy stem and a large, flat leafy end, which quite resembles a cross between traditional broccoli and cabbage.

Other common ingredients used in Thai cooking are cilantro (or coriander), curry pastes and powders, soy sauce, dried shrimp, five-spice powder, long beans, oyster sauce, Thai pepper, roasted chili paste and rice or tapioca flour. Five-spice powder incorporates the five primary flavors of Thai cuisine listed above and contains cinnamon, powdered cassia buds, powdered star anise and anise seeds, ginger root and ground cloves.

Thai cooking also has some unique offerings with various sauces and what would be considered exotic foods here. The Northern region offers raw beef dishes, fermented fish paste, and deep fried insect larvae. Commonly dishes from the Northeast include insects and giant water bug, or mang dah is popular.

Thai dishes can be quite unique but often are very tasty. There are becoming extremely popular choices throughout the world today.

Choose a Theme Cruise

An interesting way to go when you are choosing to take a cruise is to look for a theme cruise. Theme cruises offer the vacationer the option of indulging in a favorite hobby or sport, or even offer cruises geared to singles or kids. The themes can range from art or cooking to golf, or even special singles cruises. There are many different theme cruises available and the choices are constantly changing.

The cruiser on a theme cruise will be able to increase their knowledge on the particular theme offered. There are usually celebrity or guest speakers that host seminars on the theme, and even sometimes performances by noted entertainers.

The cruise lines typically hold workshops related to the theme as well. For instance, on a photography themed cruise, seminars would be held to advance the photographers knowledge, and then perhaps a workshop on developing photographs may be offered. A music themed cruise could offer a lecture on the history of the style of music, with special performances by celebrity entertainers.

Other activities aboard the ship also deal with the theme offered. A food and wine themed cruise could offer a wine tasting event. An art themed cruise could hold an art auction, or a cruise theme of a noted author could host a book signing event.

Theme cruises often offer guests the chance to meet and interact with special guests or celebrities of the cruise’s theme. Not only would the special guest or celebrity hold lectures, performances or demonstrations, but may also be involved in special luncheons or cocktail parties where they would inter-mingle with the regular cruisers.

Theme cruises also gear shore excursions to the theme of the cruise. For example, an art themed cruise may have excursions to visit famous museums or the home cities of world renowned artists. As another example, a golf themed cruise could offer cruisers the option of golfing at the finest golf courses in the Caribbean. Or a wine themed cruise may offer excursions to visit various vineyards.

Singles theme based cruises offer single travelers the opportunity to meet other single vacationers. Old or young, there are no set age limits on these cruises. Many ships also offer a same-sex room-matching program so that singles can share accommodations (thus saving on the room rate) with like-minded individuals. On these cruises, there are many onboard events geared to help singles meet others, such as cocktail parties, mixers, group excursion, games, and single-mingle dining. Some ship lines even offer onboard single chat sites to help the mingling process.

Other theme cruises can include: Health & Well-Being, geared with physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle in mind; History & Culture, with lectures from historians and related shore excursions to visit historical sites; Music, from Big Band to Up-to-date Pop music—with entertainment to match; Hobby & Sports, which changes regularly and can include various sports, or from photography to doll collecting; or even special event cruises, with a holiday theme of Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving, etc.

Going on a theme cruise and knowing that the topic presented is high on your interest list is a great way to enjoy a cruise. Theme cruises are very popular and usually sell out quickly.

If you would like a chance to learn a little more about various countries and their unique cuisines, why not try my new Ebook: Tastes and Travels Ebook It offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try). Also included is information on cruising!!

St. Andrew's Golf - Scotland

If you are looking for a bit of golf history, St. Andrews is certainly the first place that comes to mind. St. Andrews is reputed to be the place where the game of golf first evolved. Golf has been played there since approximately 1400 AD and is known throughout the world as “The Home of Golf”. It also seems to be the course where most golf fanatics dream about playing at least once in their lifetime. The course attracts hundreds of thousands of golf visitors from around the world.

The Old Course, which is the oldest golf course in the world, is a public course over common land in St. Andrews, Fife, Scotland. It is held in trust by St. Andrews Links Trust. The Old Course originally had 12 holes with 10 being played both out and in (making it a total of 22 holes). As golf play increased over the years, the first 4 holes (each of which had been played twice) were combined to make 2 holes. This then left a total of 18 holes, which has become today’s standard for golf all over the world.

The Old Course at St. Andrews offers some very unique features. The first is its huge double greens, with 7 of them sharing 2 holes each. The 1st, 9th, 17th and 18th holes have their own greens.

Another unique feature is that the Old Course at St. Andrews can be played in either direction, both clockwise and anticlockwise, although typically today the play is anticlockwise. In order to keep the tradition going, however, clockwise play is permitted at certain times during the year. For example, in 2008 clockwise play was permitted on the first weekend in April on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

The Old Course is also closed on Sundays to allow the grass to recover and let the course rest. On some Sundays, the townspeople of St. Andrews use the course as a picnic or park grounds. Generally, the Old Course is only allowed to be played on special occasions, those being: The final day of the Dunhill Links Championship, the final day of The Open Championship, the final day of the St. Andrews Links Trophy event and the final day of the St. Rule Trophy event.

The entire St. Andrews Links Trust is made up of six courses, including the Old Course, and a seventh course is in preparation by the Trust. St. Andrews Links Trust offers 99 holes of golf, two public clubhouses and an extensive golf practice centre. It is the largest golf complex in Europe and is open to anyone.

If you would like a chance to learn a little more about various countries and their unique cuisines, why not try my new Ebook: Tastes and Travels Ebook It offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try).