The Importance of Food While Vacationing

There is no doubt that food and dining can make or break your vacation.  Having to deal with crappy food or unsanitary dining conditions simply doesn't cut it when you are trying to have fun on your vacation.  The food you eat is very important.  It can set the whole cultural experience if you are visiting a foreign place.

Take for example, Mexico.  Of course the beaches are nice, but when in Mexico it is a must that you try out their unique food as well.  Who can visit Mexico without at least trying a taco or some of their famous chili?  You may also want to try out some of their more unique cuisine as well, such as their mole sauce or a Spanish paella.  Sampling and trying out new and delicious foods enhances your vacation experience.

It seems every country and culture has food or ingredients that are unique to that particular area or that they are famous for.  What is a visit to Tuscany without trying their wines or olive oil?  Who would want to travel to Jamaica without trying their famous jerk pork or chicken, or sample a pattie (which are all the range in the U.S. and Canada now) right from the source of the invention?  Italy, of course, is known for its pasta (and wines), France is known for its breads, wines and cakes, and even England has it own brand of food that you as a tourist may want to try (like their famous fish and chips, for one) or haggas from Scotland. 

Trying new food and dining experiences can really add a lot to your vacation.  Your dining experiences can take in the culture of the place, like eating with chop sticks in China, or eating with your hands in a community bowl in Indian cultures. 

When you are on your next vacation, don't be afraid to try the local cuisine.  You may be surprised at how good it is, and you may want to add that certain to your own menus at home, and when you do you will feel yourself back in that great place you vacationed in.

Here's a little cookbook to help you bring back a little from your Caribbean vacation:

That Caribbean Flavor Cookbook

New Travel Website

Hi everyone:  There is a new travel website you may be interested in.  It is Best Beach Destinations.  It has reviews of beach locations that you may be interested in visiting.  The newest article is "Ten Top Best Beach Destinations" where you can find information on some fantastic beaches, from South Africa to the South Seas, the Caribbean and more -- a very informative article.  Check out this new travel website and see for yourself.  Be advised though, it is a new site, but it seems to be constantly up-dated with new information.

New Travel Review Website!

Beautiful Beaches

If you are interested in travel (as I am sure you are if you are reading this blog) you may enjoy viewing this new travel website.  Its just new!  It's called Best Beach Destinations...and it is dedicated to reviewing beach destinations worldwide.  As I said, its just new--but the article keep coming.  Stay tuned to this site because I'm sure its going to be a good one.  It has a lot of possibilities.

To date, the site includes the best beach destinations reviews of Jamaica, Panama, Turks & Caicos, as well as some others.  It also has a good article on how to take great vacation photos.

Try this new travel website out...you might just like it!

Best Beach Destinations


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Venice - Put It On Your Bucket List!

We recently were fortunate enough to take a Mediterranean cruise.  Our last port on the cruise was in Venice.  I can't begin to tell you how much we enjoyed that unique city!  There is no place like it in the world and it is definitely worth seeing.  Here is a bit about Venice, but this article doesn't begin to tell you how you feel as you marvel in Venice's uniqueness!

Venice is one of the most intriguingly different places to visit on the face of the earth. Today the brilliance and influence of the long-ago merchantile sea culture has long since faded, leaving a town of tarnished glories, out of time and out of place but so beautiful it's hard to resist. I found visiting Venice one of the most memorable of experiences.


Venice is busiest in spring (Easter-June) and September/October and accommodation can be hard to find, as well as around Christmas, New Year and Carnevale (February). In high summer (June/August), Venice is crowded, and oppressively hot and sticky. The most pleasant time of year to visit is late March into May, with milder spring days and fewer crowds. September is the next best in terms of weather, but October is quieter. Flooding occurs in November and December, and winter can be unpleasantly damp and cold, but seeing Venice under snow is truly a sight to behold (although snow in Venice is a rarity).

So what is there to see and do in Venice? Do you mean besides taking a gondola ride through this magical city situated on its maze of narrow water canals? For the hopeless romantic that is a treat making any trip to Venice worthwhile. But, if you stick to the main tourist areas between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge it is a crowded place with many tacky souvenir shops. But the architecture, the history and the magnificent artwork makes it all worthwhile.

One of the truly impressive sights not to be missed is Basilica di san Marco, a magnificent Byzantine cathedral that many tourists “Ooh” and “Aah” over. The 11th-century exterior, with its soaring domes, spires, and statuary is only the beginning. Inside the basilica the interior walls and ceilings are covered with one and a half square miles of dazzling, painstakingly assembled mosaics, and other similarly impressive treasures are held inside, including the spectacular, gem-encrusted Pala d'Oro altarpiece. The original bronze Horses of San Marco are on display inside (the ones currently adorning the cathedral's facade are replicas) and were believed to be stolen from Constantinople's Hippodrome in 1204. The basilica still holds Mass at 7:00 a.m. and one can see the beauty of the early-morning light gleeming onto the mosaics.

Other churches sure to impress the tourist are the Dominican’s church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo and the Franciscans’ church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (generally known as I Frari). When the Dominicans and Franciscans arrived in Venice at the dawn of the Renaissance, they enticed parishioners by filling their churches with art, some of which rival exhibits in major art museums. The church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, begun in 1246, holds a polyptych by Giovanni Bellini, magnificent ceiling paintings by Paolo Veronese, and works by Titian and Lorenzo Lotto which were all commissioned as adornment. The Franciscans’ church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (1330) is also magnificent with Titian's extraordinary Assumption, with the Virgin Mary soaring heavenward above the high altar in a swirl of sumptuous hues, and his gracious Madonna di Ca' Pesaro dominating the left aisle, and Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child is one of his finest works.

The Gallerie Dell'accademia holds a viewable collection of valuable art from masters, including Paolo Veneziano, Mantegna, Giorgione, Titian, and Tintoretto. doesn't disappoint. Although the gallerie is presently under renovacations, it is due for completion in late 2007. When the Grandi Gallerie dell'Accademiahe is opened in their entirety the exhibition space will have doubled to almost 40,000 square feet and will display 650 works instead of the current 400. At present look for gorgeous narrative works like Bellini and Carpaccio's Miracle of the Relic of the True Cross on the Rialto Bridge, and Carpaccio's Life of Saint Ursula; both exquisitely detailed depictions of 15th-century Venice.

Re-opened in spring of 2006, the Palazzo Grassi was formerly an art exhibition space owned by Fiat, the car manufacturer. The 18th-century palazzo, which overlooks the Grand Canal, was taken over by French luxury-goods magnate François Pinault in 2005 and refurbished by architect Tadao Ando. It now hosts major shows of contemporary art.

Peggy Guggenheim's personal art collection, turned down by London's Tate Gallery, was brought to Venice in 1949. The 20th-century collection moved into the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal. The collection, which grew to incorporate works by Dalí, Klee, Picasso, Mondrian, Duchamp, de Kooning, Pollock, and Man Ray, among others, is now a memorable must-see for modern-art buffs.

Piazza San Marco, an immense open public space of almost 40,000 sq. ft., was once known as as "the drawing room of Europe" when napoleon and his army descended on venice in 1797. the museo correr, in the southwest corner of the square, now houses a statue of napolen along with an impressive collection of historic globes, weapons, and artworks by tintoretto, vittore carpaccio, and antonello da messina. visitors can pay an the entry fee which gives access to other attractions around the piazza, like the museo archeologico and the biblioteca marciana (st. mark's library), with its collection of historic tomes. visitors can also visit the doge's palace, a huge gothic structure that was the nerve center of the venetian republic; and take the itinerari segreti guided tour to see the difference between the frescoed, gilded public rooms and the plainer offices where the real business was done. one of the piazza's two towers, the campanile, at 325 feet, is the tallest structure in venice and visitors can climb to the top for a breathtaking view over the city. the 15th-century torre dell'orologio (clock tower), unveiled in late 2006, is now open to the public and visitors can finally go inside.

I could go on and on about the many art works and magnificent architecture of Venice, but then I might not get around to telling you about the shopping that Venice is also famous for. As with any Italian city, Venice offers the big-name fashion labels of Fendi, Gucci, and Ferragamo and shops are located in the area immediately northwest of St. Mark's Square: Calle Larga XXII Marzo and the labyrinth of alleyways known collectively as the Mercerie and the Frezzerie.

Venice is truly a place you must see before you die.  Put it on your Bucket List!

If you like travel reviews and travel recipes, you may want to try this great ebook:  Tastes and Travels, available at:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DUMXJY

Travels to Costa Rica

We recently returned from a trip to Costa Rica.  Many of our family members and friends had visited there so we felt it was our turn to see just what the others were raving about.  Of course, we loved Costa Rica, but not for the things we normally love.  Generally we are fairly dominant in beach swimming and snorkelling activities.  Although these were offered, we were somewhat disappointed in these areas.  Don't get upset yet, though.  Let me tell you what we did love!

We travelled to the pacific coast of Costa Rica and stayed at the all-inclusive resort of Allegro Papagayo, which is about 30 km. from the Liberia airport.  The hotel was beautiful, but you had to be in fairly good health to traverse the steep hills going up and down to the restaurant and beach.  Alternatively, there was a shuttle bus that rode around the resort at about 5-8 minute intervals where you could ride instead of walk up the steep hills.  The scenery was gorgeous. 

Here is the view we had from our balcony window:

The best thing about Costa Rica is the nature and wildlife.  We saw an abundant amount of monkeys (which was a highlight for me).  There were two kinds of monkeys that resided in the area, the white faced monkey and the howler monkeys.  We saw both on the hotel grounds, as well as other wild ones in the trees on the roadside when we travelled off the resort.

We also saw other wildlife, such as many different types of birds, iguanas, etc.

There were many excursions available where we could explore the nature.  My husband went zip-lining, which was a highlight of the trip for him.  We also took a boat tour and went fishing (I caught a fish!).  There were river boat tours where you could see a lot more of the wildlife and nature in the area, as well as bird-watching tours and excursions to visit the volcanos, several of which are in the area.

One of the best things we loved about Costa Rica was the people.  They had to be the friendliest people of anywhere we had travelled before...and this was at the hotel as well as off the resort.  

O.K. Now about the beaches.  The sand was black sand because of the volcanic activity in the area.  We knew this beforehand so that was not a surprise and we didn't expect it to be like the pristine while beaches of the Caribbean.  But we were a little disappointed because you could not swim on the beach before about 3 in afternoon when the tides came in.  Also, the water was murky and did not lend itself well for snorkelling.  We did take a road day trip to visit other resorts and locations along the coast.  Although we saw a few areas of nicer beaches, they still did not measure up to what we would be looking for in a great swimming/snorkelling setting.

We would love to go back to Costa Rica and discover the Caribbean side and see what the beaches and swimming are like in that area (but we have been told to be careful because there is a lot of crime there.)

All in all, we did enjoy our trip, and you will too if you venture there, as long as you are concerned more with the natural aspect of the country instead of the beaches.  Here are just a couple more scenes to entice you to visit Costa Rica:

You may be insterested in reading my travel ebook "Tastes and Travels" which combines travel reviews and recipes of the different places outlined in the book.

You can get it at:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004DUMXJY



Jamaican Cuisine and Traditional Jamaican Food

Jamaican Cuisine is definitely unique and quite flavourful, bringing with it a blend of the island’s local harvest and spice. The island’s food is represented by Jamaica’s motto, “Out of Many, One People”. Jamaican inhabitants have come from around the globe, including the British, Dutch, French, Spanish, East Indian, West African, Portuguese and Chinese, who brought with them their own unique cooking techniques, flavours, and spices, blending them with the island’s bountiful harvest.

The original inhabitants of Jamaica were the Arawak Indians, who died out after the arrival of the Spanish in 1509, due to disease and overwork. The Spanish then began importing slaves from Africa to replace their workforce. The Spanish brought with them their own culinary influence. As well, many Spanish Jews also arrived during the Spanish rule and contributed their influences to Jamaica’s cuisine, such as a dish still popular today, escovitch fish.

In 1655 the English took over Jamaica from the Spanish and turned much of the land into sugar plantations. The English influenced the development of one of Jamaica’s most popular foods, the Jamaican Pattie, a spiced meat turnover that is the equivalent of the island’s hamburger. Many varieties of Jamaican patties are found in many grocery freezers today.

A century later, indentured labourers of Chinese and East Indians replaced the African slaves after emancipation. These immigrants influenced the curry dishes that grace nearly every Jamaican menu today, such as curry goat, chicken and seafood.

A point of interest is in the Jamaica population of the Maroons. The Maroons are people descendant of escaped slaves of the Spanish, fierce fighters who took to the hills and were never recaptured. They settled in a remote hilly region south of Montego Bay in Cockpit Country. The Maroons now live in a completely self-sustained existence off the land are known as the island’s greatest herbalists.

As seen from above, Jamaican food is influenced by its history. “Bammie”, a toasted flat cake eaten with fried fish today, was made from the cassava grown by the Arawaks. The Maroons, slaves who were always on the run, devised a way of “jerking” meat (through spicing and slow cooking pork) that is popular in Jamaica today. Breadfruit, yams, root vegetables and ackee were brought from Africa to cheaply feed the slaves. It is said the breadfruit arrived with Captain William Bligh on the Bounty. And, as mentioned, the Chinese and East Indians brought with them their contributions of exotic flavours in their curry and other spices.

Added to the contributions of the foreign influences, indigenous vegetables, such as cho-cho (a squash-like vegetable) and callaloo (similar to spinach) are also popular in Jamaican cooking today, along with the island’s fruits of bananas, coconuts, mangoes and pineapples. Among the more exotic fruits popular in Jamaica are guineps, pawpaw, sweetsops and the star apple.

The native pimento tree brings allspice to many Jamaican dishes, as do ginger, garlic, nutmeg, and the Scotch Bonnet peppers, which are considered some of the hottest peppers on earth. The Scotch Bonnet is essential to making the jerk pork, jerk chicken and fish for which Jamaica is famous. The Maroons marinated meat for hours in a mixture of peppers, pimento seeds, scallion, thyme and nutmeg, and then cooked it slowly over an outdoor pit lined with pimento wood. Jerk stands can be found all over the island today offering tourists and inhabitants alike the unique spicy flavour famous all over the world.

Negril, located on Jamaica’s western shore, is famous for its “hippie” era. Hippies set up a colony there and enjoyed a laid-back lifestyle and “ganja”. From here, vegetarian meals abound.

Middle Quarters, an area of the south coast, offers dried peppered shrimp which is sold by the bag. Stamp and Go (saltfish fritters eaten as an appetizer) and mackerel Run-Down (pickled fish cooked in seasoned coconut milk until the fish just falls apart or literally “runs down”), as well as boiled green bananas and yams are served over the whole island.

Jamaica is also quite famous the world over for its Blue Mountain coffee, which gets its name from the Blue Mountains where the coffee beans are grown. The coffee industry in Jamaica began in 1725, when the governor brought seedlings from Martinique and planted them on his estate. Mountains cover approximately four-fifths of Jamaica, with the Blue Mountains reaching a height of 7,400 feet. The coffee is planted on terraces along the mountain slopes, 1,500 to 5,000 feet above sea level, and which is often shaded by avocado and banana trees.

Traditional Jamaican food includes Jamaica’s national dish of saltfish and ackee, an island breakfast dish. Ackee, when cooked looks and tastes much like scrambled eggs. Ackee is poisonous until it is ripe and is always served cooked.

Rice ‘n peas is also a popular island dish, but is not really peas but beans (usually red kidney beans.) Other traditional Jamaican food dishes include red pea soup (again kidney beans, salted pig tails, beef and vegetables), hard dough bread, fish tea (a fish bouillon), Johnny cakes (fried or baked breads), mannish water (a spicy soup made from goats’ heads), bulla (a spicy bun), stew peas (a soup of red peas or gungo peas), Solomon Gundy (an appetizer made of pickled fish) and festival (a type of bread).

As one can see, Jamaica offers a vast variety of dishes influenced by the island’s history. From British, Spanish, African, East Indian and Chinese, Jamaican cuisine is quite flavourful and often spicy, and is a culinary experience that all will enjoy.

Or if you are interested in cruising, why not try Fun Vacation Cruise Choices also available on Kindle (only $2.99!)

Or get the new e-cookbook available on Kindle, "20 Best Jamaican Recipes" only $2.99!)

Travel Article - Family Fun in St. Thomas

If you are like most other American families, you and your family may be taking a summer vacation this year. If you are planning a summer vacation, have you already selected a summer vacation destination? If you have yet to decide where you and your family will vacation, you are encouraged to consider the family fun that you and your family can have in St. Thomas, Virgin Islands.

St. Thomas is most known for its tropical weather. The island is located in the Virgin Islands. Many individuals mistakenly believe that St. Thomas, and other islands located in the Caribbean, are only for couples looking to schedule a romantic vacation. St. Thomas is known for its romantic environment and atmosphere, however, the island is not just limited to those looking to experience a romantic getaway. In fact, there are a number of “family friendly,” activities that you and your children may find exciting.

When visiting St. Thomas, you will have to make overnight accommodations for the length of your stay, most often made at a quality resort. The good news for families is that there are a number of popular vacation resorts that are designed with adults and children in mind. The resorts are often referred to as “family friendly,” resorts.

The activities and events that can be found on a “family friendly,” resort will vary. Different St. Thomas resorts offer various onsite activities, facilities, and services. Despite the fact that no two resorts are the same, there are a number of common activities that you may find available at most “family friendly,” St. Thomas resorts. These activities may include, but are not limited to, swimming, boating, fishing, sunbathing, and playing outdoor sports.

In addition to the above, many “family friendly,” resorts offer kid’s clubs or onsite childcare centers. You and your children may find these facilities beneficial, in more ways than one. If you are looking to receive a few private minutes with your spouse or you would like to spend time alone relaxing by the beach, you can easily drop your children off at an onsite childcare center. The childcare centre focuses on quality children’s activities while babysitting at the same time. While onsite childcare centers are nice, not all St. Thomas resorts have them. If you need childcare clubs or services on your vacation, you will want to search for a resort that offers the service onsite.

St. Thomas resorts are not the only locations in St. Thomas that can be considered “family friendly.” If you and your family wish to shop, dine, and sightsee, you can easily do so. Along the shoreline and inland there are a number of restaurants, shopping centers, and historical landmarks that focus on families.

While shopping, sightseeing, and dinning is important, there are additional activities that you and your family may enjoy. St. Thomas has a number of different museums. If you are interested in incorporating education into your vacation, you can easily do so. In addition to inland museums, St. Thomas is also famous for its focus on underwater discoveries. You and your children may find it exciting to learn about the animals, plants, and treasures that can be found deep down in the ocean.

With a small amount of research and planning, you can easily schedule a St. Thomas vacation. With an unlimited number of exciting activities, services, and facilities available, a St. Thomas vacation is likely to please everyone in your family.

Tastes and Travels Ebook This great new travel ebook offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try). Get your copy TODAY and read about the travel experiences you want to travel to!

Or if you are interested in cruising, why not try Fun Vacation Cruise Choices also available on Kindle (only $2.99!)

Beach Vacation Ideas

Nothing in the world beats a family beach vacation, whether it's at a deluxe resort in Hawaii, and all-inclusive vacation spot in the Caribbean or a simple campground on a sandy beach near your home town. Beach vacations are one of the top travel destinations many people choose for their family vacation.

Below, are some beach vacation ideas you might consider for your next family vacation:

Caribbean Beach Vacations

1. Families flock to Jamaica and the Dominican Republic for the all-inclusive vacation filled with all kinds of water sports, kids clubs and, of course, great beaches.

2. At some resorts the kids programs are outstanding, with separate leaders and activities for many different age groups. This allows parents the freedom to enjoy their own beach time separately from their kids.

3. The majority of hotels in the Caribbean also offer spectacular swimming pools, and some resorts even have water parks.

4. The prices can be low to high, depending on the resort rating and the time you travel. Prices will drop from May to December, but if you book at the last minute you are sure to find a great deal somewhere. Be aware that hurricane season is in the May - December months as well, but most resorts offer weather guarantees.

Mexico Beach Vacation

Even though many tourists zip down to Mexico and do their own thing at a condo or small hotel, beach vacations at all-inclusive resorts are still the best way to go for families. All-inclusive means all-inclusive, with your plane fare, shuttle to-and-from the airport, meals, snacks, drinks and activities all included in one price.

The Riviera Maya, which offer the best of Mexico’s beaches, is an hour south of Cancun. It is reputed to have the second largest barrier reef in the world. It also has many activities for families to explore outside of the resort. You can rent a car, hire a taxi, or even take a public bus.

Hawaii Beach Vacation

When you go to Hawaii, you shouldn't expect to find all inclusive resorts in the Aloha state. Hawaii is known for lush luxury resorts, such as the Grand Wailea on Maui, or the properties on the Big Island's Kohala Coast.

To find more affordable options in Hawaii, the Waikiki Beach area is breathtaking, fun for the entire family, and offers several different lodging options.

Beach Camping

Of course, the above are beach vacations that you have to travel a far distance to. You can also enjoy the beaches in your own area. Beach camping is a great way to spend a low-budget beach vacation for the whole family. You simply have to take your tent and camping equipment and enjoy the great outdoors.

With plenty of options available to you and your family vacation ideas on the beach are always something to look forward to. There are many beaches out there. All you have to do is find the one that fits your needs - and your budget.

Tastes and Travels Ebook This great new travel ebook offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try). Get your copy TODAY and read about the travel experiences you want to travel to!

Vacationing in the Fall

If you are one of the lucky people who are flexible in their vacation times, taking a fall vacation can mean a great bargain for you. There are often a number travel deals that you can take advantage for the best use of your vacation dollars. Many of the top summer destinations usually become great fall bargains. The weather is usually still pleasant (maybe even a little better without the really hot humidity) and the crowds have dissipated. Why not take a look at Cape Cod or Martha's Vineyard during this time of year. Or Hawaii is typically a bargain in September.

Europe may be a bargain during this time too. Many European cities are empty of the summer tourist crowds and are hungry for visitors. The weather can be great too. Look for special deals on packages that combine airfare, hotel and transfers along with a tour or two. Even colder European destinations can be a special bargain so look for great deals to Russia and Scandinavia around this time of year.

Another great idea for a wonderful fall vacation is to look for repositioning cruises. This is when cruises lines move their ships around from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean to follow the sun worshiping crowds. Most Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean and Bermuda cruises, for instance, are offered in the summer when the weather is the best in those regions. For cruises to South America, the preferred time is winter (our winter, when it's summertime in the southern hemisphere). The Caribbean is warm year-round, though since hurricane season stretches from June through November, the optimal time to cruise the islands is winter and spring, though many ships are there year-round. In Asia, since much of the cruising region is near or just north of the equator, temperatures are very warm year round, though the wintertime months are slightly more comfortable.

To be in all of these places at the right time, ships reposition from one region to another, typically between seasons, during the months of September and October and April and May. The repositioning ships’ cruises are often deeply discounted because most don't include a whole lot of port calls. Many are two to three weeks in length, with a long, lazy stretch at sea crossing the Atlantic, Pacific or Indian oceans—perfect for people who just want to relax.

If you are one of those lucky people who can take their vacation in the fall, you can certainly see that there are a lot of vacation options that can save you money big time. If you are short on vacation dollars, vacationing in the fall with one of the above options may give you the wonderful vacation experience you are looking for.

Tastes and Travels Ebook This great new travel ebook offers reviews on various travel destinations and has articles on the cuisine of each place (as well as recipes that you can try). Get your copy TODAY and read about the travel experiences you want to travel to!

Venice - Sights & Attractions

Venice is one of the most intriguingly different places to visit on the face of the earth. Today the brilliance and influence of the long-ago merchantile sea culture has long since faded, leaving a town of tarnished glories, out of time and out of place but so beautiful it's hard to resist. I found visiting Venice one of the most memorable of experiences.

Venice is busiest in spring (Easter-June) and September/October and accommodation can be hard to find, as well as around Christmas, New Year and Carnevale (February). In high summer (June/August), Venice is crowded, and oppressively hot and sticky. The most pleasant time of year to visit is late March into May, with milder spring days and fewer crowds. September is the next best in terms of weather, but October is quieter. Flooding occurs in November and December, and winter can be unpleasantly damp and cold, but seeing Venice under snow is truly a sight to behold (although snow in Venice is a rarity).

So what is there to see and do in Venice? Do you mean besides taking a gondola ride through this magical city situated on its maze of narrow water canals? For the hopeless romantic that is a treat making any trip to Venice worthwhile. But, if you stick to the main tourist areas between St. Mark’s Square and the Rialto Bridge it is a crowded place with many tacky souvenir shops. But the architecture, the history and the magnificent artwork makes it all worthwhile.

One of the truly impressive sights not to be missed is Basilica di san Marco, a magnificent Byzantine cathedral that many tourists “Ooh” and “Aah” over. The 11th-century exterior, with its soaring domes, spires, and statuary is only the beginning. Inside the basilica the interior walls and ceilings are covered with one and a half square miles of dazzling, painstakingly assembled mosaics, and other similarly impressive treasures are held inside, including the spectacular, gem-encrusted Pala d'Oro altarpiece. The original bronze Horses of San Marco are on display inside (the ones currently adorning the cathedral's facade are replicas) and were believed to be stolen from Constantinople's Hippodrome in 1204. The basilica still holds Mass at 7:00 a.m. and one can see the beauty of the early-morning light gleeming onto the mosaics.

Other churches sure to impress the tourist are the Dominican’s church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo and the Franciscans’ church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (generally known as I Frari). When the Dominicans and Franciscans arrived in Venice at the dawn of the Renaissance, they enticed parishioners by filling their churches with art, some of which rival exhibits in major art museums. The church of Santi Giovanni e Paolo, begun in 1246, holds a polyptych by Giovanni Bellini, magnificent ceiling paintings by Paolo Veronese, and works by Titian and Lorenzo Lotto which were all commissioned as adornment. The Franciscans’ church of Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari (1330) is also magnificent with Titian's extraordinary Assumption, with the Virgin Mary soaring heavenward above the high altar in a swirl of sumptuous hues, and his gracious Madonna di Ca' Pesaro dominating the left aisle, and Giovanni Bellini’s Madonna and Child is one of his finest works.

The Gallerie Dell'accademia holds a viewable collection of valuable art from masters, including Paolo Veneziano, Mantegna, Giorgione, Titian, and Tintoretto. doesn't disappoint. Although the gallerie is presently under renovacations, it is due for completion in late 2007. When the Grandi Gallerie dell'Accademiahe is opened in their entirety the exhibition space will have doubled to almost 40,000 square feet and will display 650 works instead of the current 400. At present look for gorgeous narrative works like Bellini and Carpaccio's Miracle of the Relic of the True Cross on the Rialto Bridge, and Carpaccio's Life of Saint Ursula; both exquisitely detailed depictions of 15th-century Venice.

Re-opened in spring of 2006, the Palazzo Grassi was formerly an art exhibition space owned by Fiat, the car manufacturer. The 18th-century palazzo, which overlooks the Grand Canal, was taken over by French luxury-goods magnate François Pinault in 2005 and refurbished by architect Tadao Ando. It now hosts major shows of contemporary art.

Peggy Guggenheim's personal art collection, turned down by London's Tate Gallery, was brought to Venice in 1949. The 20th-century collection moved into the Palazzo Venier dei Leoni on the Grand Canal. The collection, which grew to incorporate works by Dalí, Klee, Picasso, Mondrian, Duchamp, de Kooning, Pollock, and Man Ray, among others, is now a memorable must-see for modern-art buffs.

Piazza San Marco, an immense open public space of almost 40,000 sq. ft., was once known as as "the drawing room of Europe" when napoleon and his army descended on venice in 1797. the museo correr, in the southwest corner of the square, now houses a statue of napolen along with an impressive collection of historic globes, weapons, and artworks by tintoretto, vittore carpaccio, and antonello da messina. visitors can pay an the entry fee which gives access to other attractions around the piazza, like the museo archeologico and the biblioteca marciana (st. mark's library), with its collection of historic tomes. visitors can also visit the doge's palace, a huge gothic structure that was the nerve center of the venetian republic; and take the itinerari segreti guided tour to see the difference between the frescoed, gilded public rooms and the plainer offices where the real business was done. one of the piazza's two towers, the campanile, at 325 feet, is the tallest structure in venice and visitors can climb to the top for a breathtaking view over the city. the 15th-century torre dell'orologio (clock tower), unveiled in late 2006, is now open to the public and visitors can finally go inside.

I could go on and on about the many art works and magnificent architecture of Venice, but then I might not get around to telling you about the shopping that Venice is also famous for. As with any Italian city, Venice offers the big-name fashion labels of Fendi, Gucci, and Ferragamo and shops are located in the area immediately northwest of St. Mark's Square: Calle Larga XXII Marzo and the labyrinth of alleyways known collectively as the Mercerie and the Frezzerie. For slightly less central but more uniquely Venetian shops, check out our recommendations below.
To see the real Venice, one can venture off the beaten track to shop in the real markets and experience where the local people live.

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The Bahamas

Made up of over 700 small islands and cays, the Bahamas are a great Caribbean island destination spot for travelers. These islands are located east of Florida in the United States and North of the country of Cuba and make up their own English-speaking country. Tourists from around the world love to visit the Bahamas and it is a popular travel spot for honeymoons and weddings. The Bahamas are an international destination with fantastic world-class resorts (including the famous Atlantis resort), renowned gourmet dining, duty free shopping, Vegas style casinos, all set within a glorious location with colonial charm.

The Bahamas are one of the most prosperous countries in the world because of their success with tourism and with financial institutions. Recently, urban renewal programs have been launched to keep the island safe and high-end for travelers. The country has the third highest per capita income in the West and is the most successful country in the Caribbean. The climate in the Bahamas is beautiful and comparable to the Florida climate enjoyed in cities like Miami and Fort Lauderdale. Although the islands are highly susceptible to hurricanes, they typically have very tropical and pleasant weather, influenced heavily by the waters of the Gulf Stream.

If you are traveling to the Bahamas from the United States, the closest island is Bimini, known as the gateway to Bahamas. Here, they cater to tourists. Andros Island, which is to the south of Bimini is the largest island in the chain. The largest city in the Bahamas is the capital, Nassau, which is located on the island of New Providence. Other larger islands in this chain include Eleuthera, Cat Island, San Salvador, Crooked Island, Exuma, Acklins, and Long Island.

A number of great festivals take place in the Bahamas where you can enjoy activities like the Crab Fest on the island of Andros and the Pineapple Fest on the island of Eleuthera. This is also the birthplace of the rhythmic musical genera junkanoo, which is played heavily at festivals. Rake and scrape, calypso, and hymnals are also important music elements in these islands.

If you decide to travel to the Bahamas to visit one or more of the great islands, you will have a variety of activities from which to choose. There are water sports like sailing and jet skiing to help fill your days, or you can relax on the beautiful sugary white sandy beaches with the waves of the clear ocean waters lapping at the shores. A variety of tourist attractions and tours can also be a part of your Bahamas vacation.

Be sure that you book your trip well in advance to get the best prices and to be sure you have the chance to do everything you want to do while traveling in this Caribbean paradise.

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Traveling in the Cayman Islands

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If you are planning to travel to the Caribbean for your next vacation, you have many islands from which to choose for your destination. On such island that makes a beautiful place for a vacation is the overseas territory of the United Kingdom known as the Cayman Islands. If you love scuba diving, this is an especially great place to visit since is the world’s leading underwater diving tourist destination.

The Cayman Islands are made up of Grand Cayman, Cayman Brac, and Little Caymen. These islands are located in the western portion of the Caribbean Sea. The Cayman Islands are about 150 miles from Cuba and about 480 miles from Miami, Florida. Cayman Brac and Little Cayman are sometimes known as the “Sister Islands” and are about 90 miles east of Grand Cayman Island, which is about 75 square miles. The islands are made up of large coral heads and is home to a number of exotic birds, fish, and land animals, including the endangered Blue Iguana, as well as The Grand Cayman Parrot and Cayman Brac Parrot which are found only on these islands.

Tourism accounts for most of this island’s revenue so while you are visiting these islands, the people there will surely cater to your every need. World famous scuba diving is found here because of the clear waters and the proximity to the Cayman Wall. You can swim beside string rays and a number of other amazing sea creatures while traveling in the Cayman Islands, as well as explore shipwrecks.

Outside of the water, you can check out popular spots like the black limestone fields, hiking trails, lighthouses, and museums. One specific spot that tourists enjoy visiting is Hell, a small spot with a sign indicating that you are in Hell where you can take pictures. Another great tourist attraction is the sea turtle farm.

Cayman Sea Salt Co is also located here, as well as a number of financial institutions. In fact, many business men travel to the Cayman islands because this location is one of the world’s leading offshore financial centers.

Before you head to the Cayman Islands, it is important to understand a bit about the islands and make sure your paperwork is in order. You’ll need a passport to fly there, and maybe a visa, depending on where you live. Camping is illegal in the islands, which many do not realize when leaving, and if you are caught camping, you will spend time in jail. It is also important to make sure that you can show a return flight ticket.

Visiting the Cayman Islands can be lots of fun if you’re ready. You will not be disappointed if you make the Cayman Islands your next Caribbean vacation spo

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The destinations cover lots of Caribbean locations (along with a couple of other locations around the world) with a load of information on what to do and what is exciting. Then the book goes onto to the food culture in that destination...and gives great-tasting recipes for you to try at home!

There are even some general articles on cruising and travel tips, as well as articles on cooking tips.

Would you like to learn about Jamaica? How about the Cayman Islands? Or how about Panama? Would you like to find out about Italian cuisine and then find recipes like Italian Wedding Soup or Stuffed Eggplant? Would you like to know how to make Curry Goat or Cuban Pork with Mango Salsa (from Cuba)? Would like to learn travel tips like "Purchasing Art on Vacation" or "Travelling with Kids"? All this is found in this new ebook...and much more!

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).

Travel to Honduras

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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.

A Caribbean Wedding

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 Caribbean islands have long been a favorite honeymoon destination for newly married couples. The weather there is sunny all year round and wedding couples can enjoy a number of wonderful vacation activities together, like taking tours, trying water sports, or even just lying in the sun. In the past few decades, it has also become very popular to travel to the Caribbean for the wedding itself, not just for the honeymoon. There are both advantages and disadvantages to doing so.

First, you must consider who you want to have present at your wedding. By law, you will probably be required to have a certain number of witnesses, and you may not be able to imagine your wedding without your father to walk you down the aisle or your best friend as your best man. Remember that every guest you want to be present at the wedding will have to be flown to the island. In many cases, the guests will not be able to afford this trip themselves and you will have to pay for all or at least some of it. If this isn’t in your budget, it may not be possible for you to have everyone present at your wedding ceremony. The cost of a Caribbean wedding where you pay for everyone attending is definitely a disadvantage. It is becoming more of a trend, however, for the guests to pay for their own way.

Remember also that you will probably be vacationing for your honeymoon wherever you hold the wedding. While it may be nice to have friends and family around for the wedding, you might wish they would disappear after the wedding. Your guests may also remain at the vacation location as part of their own vacation so if you want some private time, an all inclusive couples only resort may be what you need for them to stay out of your way.

However, one of the main advantages is also that you are already in the location where you’ll be honeymooning. Travel is stressful and not a good way to start a new life together, so instead, you can just jump right in to paradise. Not only that, but your wedding will be a very memorable romantic event because the beach background overlooking the sunset and ocean. The location creates a great chance for that romantic wedding you are looking for, as well as some great photo opportunities. Many couples love the island scenery, so a Caribbean wedding may be perfect for you.

If you decide to have a Caribbean wedding, use your travel agent or contact a wedding planner from the specific island to which you will travel. He or she can help make sure that your big day goes smoothly and that you will have the time of your life on your honeymoon. They will also ensure that you will have all the paperwork you need, and will take care of co-ordinating your guests vacations as well.

Traveling to Naples, Florida

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).

When traveling to Florida most people think of Miami, Fort Lauderdale or Disney. But there are other great places to visit in Florida and Naples is one of them. Naples is located on the Gulf of Mexico and is an area where nature abounds alongside its cosmopolitan core.

Beach and sun lovers can relax on over seven miles of Naples’ spectacular white sand beaches. They can soak up the tropical sun, frolic in the turquoise Gulf waters or dolphin watch off the long Pier.

Golf and sports enthusiasts will love Naples too. Naples offers the highest ratio of golf courses per capita within the United States, with over 35 golf courses in the area. Major state, national and professional golf tournaments have been held here for decades and well-known golfers like Jack Nicholas and Arnold Palmer have been known to frequent Naples’ courses. And, what may be a bonus to some or an obstacle to others, is the wildlife one can see while playing golf here as eagles, osprey, alligators and other wildlife abound.

Naples also offers surprisingly good tennis opportunities for the avid tennis player as well. There is year-round sailing, jet skiing, boating and wind-surfing. And with so much of Naples’ activities centered on the water, fishing plays a major role in Naples’ attraction. The tourist has the option of leisurely throwing their line off the newly-remodeled Pier or charting a boat for and exciting day of deep-sea fishing.

Although Naples offers an abundance of cultural activities in its metropolitan area, with the Philharmonic Center for the Arts in Pelican Bay, the Naples Playhouse, dinner theatres, open air concerts and the like, being right next door to the Everglades offers tourists a wealth of opportunity to view nature.

There are several excursions and safaris into the Everglades that begin in Naples. The tourist can take in the wild mangroves and delight in the viewing of alligators, manatees, dolphins, bears and a never-ending array of birds on their airboat tour. They can visit Big Cypress State Reserve or the Everglades National Park, which is home of the world’s largest mangrove park. Or they can stop at Museum of the Everglades or the Smallwood Museum for a cultural bend to their nature experience.

The shopping in Naples also won’t leave the serious shopper wanting. There are several select shopping centers with fashionable shops, art galleries and bistros, and the downtown shopping is within walking distance to the beach. And every spring Naples holds the Naples Spring Arts Festival where artists from far and wide exhibit and sell their works.

Naples is a place that appears to have everything going for it. Tourists will not be left wanting when they visit Naples, whether they are looking for a relaxing beach experience, an activity filled vacation or a nature escape. Visit Naples soon and see for yourself what others are raving about.

Visiting Jamaica

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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).

Jamaica is one of the most beautiful of the Caribbean Islands, as you will see if you ever are fortunate enough to vacation there. Their beautiful white sand beaches and distinct Island culture make it a place worth visiting.

The tranquil beaches surrounded by crystal clear ocean waters make it an ideal spot for sun-lovers and water sport enthusiasts alike. The visitor can indulge in fishing, wind surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, or swimming. They can hire fishing boats or sailboats for further adventure, or there are also many other attractions that can keep the Jamaican vacationer happy.

Evening entertainment offers fine dining at your resort, or more leisurely choices at local bars, roadside stands or hotspots. Of course, trying the spicy local flavours that Jamaica is famous for, such as jerk pork, curry chicken or a hot Jamaican Pattie, is not to be missed. They also offer wonderful seafood dishes, from lobster to crab delicacies. Try them all, and follow it up with a smooth rum punch made with true Jamaican rum.

Nightlife in Jamaica is certainly ‘hopping’ with their unique reggae music. Vacationers can sway to and fro to the beat of famous Jamaican artists like Bob Marley at the local bars and nightclubs.

Meeting people in Jamaica is easy because of their warm, friendly people. Jamaican’s come from a rich, diverse culture blended from around the world. Their motto “Out of Many, One People” sums it all up. The language spoken in Jamaica is English, but you will often hear slang or “Patois” which often sounds like a foreign language. The commonly heard phrase of “Irie mon” simply means everything is cool or good.

Jamaica has its own currency, the Jamaican Dollar, but US money is widely accepted.

The best tourist spots to visit are on the north coast. Montego Bay and Ocho Rios are the most popular, but Negril, which is located on the west coast, is also widely visited. A must-see in Ocho Rios is the famous Dunn’s River Falls, where visitors, lead by a Jamaican guide, can climb up a series of cascading falls. The location is certainly picturesque and vacationers can have fun experiencing the adventure of the climb.

Montego Bay, Jamaica’s second largest city and the original tourist hotspot, also features many attractions for visitors. They offer plantation tours, one of which is to the great Wyndham Rose Hall Plantation, and bamboo river rafting. There is charter fishing, cycling, golfing, horseback riding, scuba diving, or many other vacation activities, as well as the gorgeous beaches.

Negril has a wide expanse of pure white sand beaches perfect for lounging in the sun. It has been labelled the “Capital of Casual” and some of the beaches are even clothing-optional. Scuba diving in Negril is said to be Jamaica’s best, but other visitors can enjoy deep-sea fishing, parasailing, glass bottom boat trips, catamaran cruises or other water activities. And, an exciting place for visitors is the famous Rick’s Café where you can relax with a drink and watch the cliff divers, or better yet, be more adventurous and brave the cliffs yourself.

Visiting Jamaica’s sparkling azure waters and beautiful white sand beaches is a must on any vacationer’s agenda. And, experiencing the unique culture of this Caribbean Island is one a tourist will not easily forget.

Choosing a Family Cruise

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Cruising doesn’t have to be just for singles or adults. There are many cruise lines that offer many amenities geared towards families with children, and even some cruise lines (like Disney) that are especially geared to children. In fact, most cruise lines welcome families with children. Cruise ships can be an ideal setting for a family vacation.

Be aware, however, in some cases, traveling with infants or pregnant women may be subject to some restrictions. Some cruise lines may require a physician’s letter to state that the mother-to-be or baby are in good health and fit to travel, or that the pregnancy is not high-risk. Other cruise lines may have age restrictions for infants, or restrictions on the mother’s gestation time. It is best to check the guidelines for the ship you wish to travel on before booking.

Cruising today can offer families a lot of bang for their buck while vacationing. Many ships are designed with kid-friendly facilities and services in mind. Many have supervised activities for children, dedicated children’s areas, children-only swimming pools, and special counselors and babysitting services that allow parents kid-free time for themselves. Some ships even have youth programs for older children, with planned activities to help them meet other children their own age. Some ships even have special age-appropriate discos for traveling youth.

The cruise ships of today have numerous activities aboard that children love. They have swimming pools and water slides, movie theatres, bowling alleys, skating rinks, rock climbing walls, etc. as well as games, craft lessons, and other activities for children. Parents will not find it difficult to keep their children happy and occupied on any cruise ship.

Food aboard a cruise ship is also family and kid-friendly. While parents can enjoy a gourmet filet mignon and a vintage glass of wine, it isn’t hard for a child to find a slice of pizza or a plate of French Fries to munch on. Food variety onboard a ship is indeed vast. And, children can eat as much or as little as they want—good news for a growing young teenager!

There are also special cruise lines that especially cater to children. Disney has a line that provides activities for kids from sun-up to sun-down, with everything to entertain them from craft lessons to magic shows and everything in between. They also offer adult only areas for parents to seek refuge. These areas have adult-only pools or include activities like wine-tasting sessions.

Things to look out for when planning a family cruise? You may need to do a little research, however, as not all ships offer programs for children and youth. Although they may still allow children to cruise, parents may need to be prepared to look after and entertain their own children. Also you should find out about children’s discounts, how many children are allowed in a room with the parents, extra beds, cribs or cots, adjoining cabins, safety and security issues, and ratio of staff members to children. All of these could affect the cruise line you choose.

There are so many activities that children can enjoy aboard ship, and parents can also enjoy their own relaxing kid-free times as well. On the whole, a cruise can be a great way for a family to enjoy their vacation time.

Jamaican Cooking Plus Recipe

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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).

Jamaican cooking definitely has a unique style and flavor all its own. Today’s style of Jamaica’s cooking is represented by Jamaica’s motto, “Out of Many, One People”. Since Jamaica’s inhabitants have come from all around the world, including British, Dutch, French, Spanish, East Indian, West African, Portuguese and Chinese, Jamaican cooking represents this blend of cultures and has incorporated that together with the island’s bountiful harvest.

Jamaica’s original inhabitants were the Arawak Indians, who died out after the arrival of the Spanish in 1509, due to disease and overwork. To help with the workload, the Spanish then began importing slaves from Africa. The Spanish brought with them their own culinary influences, such as a dish still popular today called escovitch fish.

In 1655 the English took over Jamaica from the Spanish and brought their own influences into Jamaican cuisine. With them came the development of one of Jamaica’s most popular foods, the Jamaican Pattie, which is a spiced meat turnover that is the equivalent of the island’s hamburger.

A century later, after emancipation, indentured laborers of Chinese and East Indians replaced the African slaves. These immigrants brought with them the curry dishes that are present in nearly every Jamaican menu today, such as curry goat, chicken and seafood.

You can see that Jamaica’s food has been influenced by its history. “Bammie”, a toasted flat cake eaten with fried fish today, was made from the cassava grown by the Arawaks. The Maroons, escaped slaves who were always on the run, devised a way of “jerking” meat (through spicing and slow cooking pork) that is popular in Jamaica today. Breadfruit, yams, root vegetables and ackee were brought from Africa to cheaply feed the slaves. And, as mentioned, the Chinese and East Indians brought with them their contributions of exotic flavors in their curry and other spices.

As well as the contributions of the foreign influences, indigenous vegetables, such as cho-cho (a squash-like vegetable) and callaloo (similar to spinach) are also popular in Jamaican cooking today, along with the island’s fruits of bananas, coconuts, mangoes and pineapples. Among the more exotic fruits popular in Jamaica are guineps, pawpaw, sweetsops and the star apple.

The native pimento tree brings allspice to many Jamaican dishes, as do ginger, garlic, nutmeg, and the Scotch Bonnet peppers, which are considered some of the hottest peppers on earth. The Scotch Bonnet is essential to making the jerk pork, chicken and fish for which Jamaica is famous.

Jamaica’s national dish is saltfish and ackee, an island breakfast dish. Ackee, when cooked looks and tastes much like scrambled eggs. Ackee is poisonous until it is ripe and is always served cooked.

Rice ‘n peas is also a popular island dish, but is made not really with peas but beans (usually red kidney beans.) Other favorite Jamaican dishes include red pea soup, hard dough bread, fish tea (a fish bouillon), Johnny cakes (fried or baked breads), mannish water (a spicy soup made from goats’ heads), bulla (a spicy bun), stew peas (a soup of red peas or gungo peas), Solomon Gundy (an appetizer made of pickled fish) and festival (a type of bread).

As you can see, Jamaica offers a vast variety of dishes influenced by the island’s history. From British, Spanish, African, East Indian and Chinese, the cuisine of Jamaica offers a mixed variety and is very flavorful, often spicy, and is a culinary experience that all will enjoy.

Pumpkin Chicken Soup

2 pkgs. Grace’s Pumpkin/ Chicken soup mix
4-5 medium new potatoes
2 small onions
3-4 medium carrots, cut in chunks
5-6 chicken pieces (thighs)
1 large can pureed pumpkin, or 1 ½ cups steamed pureed fresh pumpkin
6 cups water
1 pkg. chicken bouillon powder
2 TBSP. cooking oil
Pinch each of Salt and Pepper
¼ of a country pepper (or Scotch Bonnet pepper), chopped very finely

In large stock pot, brown chicken pieces in cooking oil.

Wash and cut up potatoes into large chunks. Cut onions into chunks. Peel and cut carrots into 1” pieces. Add to stock pot.

Add all remaining ingredients to pot and simmer together for 1-½ hours. Serve.

Taking Vacation Photographs

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).

Vacations are very memorable experiences and as such should be remembered long after you return home. One of the best ways to remember the wonderful time you had on your vacation is with photographs. Every time you look at a picture you took on your trip you will your spirit down memories path in accordance with your unforgettable journey. These pictures you take are priceless and it is worth learning a few tips to make your picture-taking memories more rewarding.

When you begin to pack for your vacation, keep in mind the things you will need for your picture-taking excursions, such as:
• Camera, batteries (plus extras), memory card(s), battery chargers
• External flash (if needed), tripod, portable storage device
• Power adapter (if traveling abroad)
• Camera case—waterproof if you plan on going to a beach or wet vacation spot
• Underwater camera if you like to scuba dive or snorkel (even a cheap disposable one will get those unforgettable underwater shots!)
• Be sure your camera has a wrist-strap—you don’t want to lose your camera when you are handing upside-down in the rainforest treetops!

Make sure to charge your camera batteries before you leave home, and ensure that you clear your memory card. It is also a good idea to take an extra memory card with you. Don’t be afraid to shoot lots of pictures of the same subject – a digital camera can hold a lot of pictures and you can sort out the good from the bad when you get home.

Do a little research before you leave home about the spot you are traveling to and try to pre-plan some of the photos you may wish to take. You can research travel guides, books and magazines to help plan what pictures you may wish to include in your memory album. This may also be helpful not only in planning what type of shot you may wish to take, but may affect when and what time you travel to a certain location. Would you like a picture of misty sunrise over the Rocky Mountains? Or you can plan a shot of elephant feeding time at the San Diego Zoo—or maybe fireworks over the Eiffel Tower? Make a list of these potential shots and plan your trip accordingly.

Be sure to remember to include the human element when you are taking pictures on your vacation. Pictures of scenery are great, but since this is your vacation it should be a memory experience at the same time. Take pictures of your family and friends, and even some of the people you meet at the places you travel to. All of these elements add to the quality of the experience. And, try to get at least some pictures with you in it. There is always someone around to take a picture of you in front of that famous landmark—just be sure it is someone trustworthy not to run off with your camera. A good idea is to take along a cheap disposable camera that you can give to the passerby instead of your expensive one. This way if he does drop the camera or runs off with it you won’t have too much to lose. You may not get as good a picture quality, but it will still be a memory shot.

Always remember to take lots of pictures on your vacation. That time in your life is a one-time experience. You may return to the same vacation, but the time spent there will offer a different experience each time you visit. It is priceless to remember the great time you had through your vacation photos.