Updated 2/22/03

Warm greetings from a Floridian who prefers to vacation even farther south. I love traveling, especially in the Carribbean. My only regret is that I waited so long to go. Why the Caribbean? There is no water any bluer, no people any friendlier, and no place on earth closer to paradise (by my definition anyway). Here are some of the places we've been, what we loved about them, and links to more information if you're interested.

The people are friendly, the food is great and the diving is outstanding. This is truly paradise. If I could figure out how to make a living there, I'd be there in a heartbeat. 
We've been there twice, first in Oct 95 when we caught the opening night party for Pirate fest. Then again in Oct 97 for the whole week-long festival. Both time we stayed at Morritt's Tortuga Club (see link below). Can't wait for July. 

Local sights include the turtle farm, the Blow Holes, the Queen's Botanical Gardens, and Hell. But the main attraction is the sea. The Cayman's offer some of the best dive sites in the world and I took my first dive here. Even if you don't dive, it's a great place to snorkel. Just 20 yards off the beach on the east end was like being in another world. You can schedule a snorkle or dive trip to Stingray City, where you feed and swim with some very large stingrays. It is quite an experience. 

Pirate Fest is a week-long festival which begins and ends with a huge street party that nearly everyone on the Island attends, both Caymanians and tourists. Drinks flowed from the center of downtown Georgetown outward and music flowed from the four corners inward to meet in the ultimate island party... and I saw no violence and no one getting too far out of hand (try that in the US). In between, each township has a day where they show their local culture and crafts during the day, and put on a small local party at night. While we didn't make it to all of them, we got a pretty good sampling. 

The only down side of the island is the cost. This is an expensive island where the standard of living is pretty high. Gotta say though, it was worth every penny. Be sure to visit the Apollo 11 and hear Lammie. Local semiprecious stone is Caymanite, found only in the Caymans. Best buy is the black coral at Dr. Carey's. 

 

	Cayman Web World - Info and Links to the Cayman Islands
	=cayman.org= - Organizing your way to the Cayman Islands.
	Cayman Island Vacation Planner - Explore what the Islands has to offer.

Morritt's Tortuga Club

Ok. While technically not a "destination" it was still pretty close to paradise. Our cruise on the Seawind Crown was fabulous.  It is one of the smaller ships (only about 800 passengers) with more reasonable arrival times on the islands (arrive at 9ish instead of 6am-much better for late-night partiers!). A great mixture of cultures for the real travelers. About one-third European, one-third South American and one-third North American. It made even using the stairways an adventure; since we in the U.S. "drive" on the right. The islands below were visited while on this whirlwind tour of the southern Caribbean. 

Travelfacts: Seawind Cruises

Didn't see much of this island - basically the trip from the airport to the ship and back again, but I liked what I saw. The island for people who want a little of everything, from   nightlife to sealife. I want to go back and see more of it.
 
 

	Aruba - Official Travel Guide
	Aruba - What Not to Miss
	Dr Zeus 99's Aruba Page -- For a personal view.

One of my favorite stops, this little island features story-book Dutch-influenced buildings, a seaquarium, bustling towns, and friendly people. A must for the shoppers is the downtown duty free shops; one of the most extensive in the Caribbean. And, of course, the beaches. Best local drink? Curacao, of course! Tour the factory and get free samples. Oh, don't forget to buy a "Bon Bini" license plate. 
 
 

	Curaçao Home Page
	Caribbean-On-Line: Curaçao -- Island Facts.
	CyberSpace Curaçao - Links containing info from Curaçao.

Beautiful countryside and friendly people mark this island of two personalities. The Atlantic side is has high surf and dangerous tides; while the Caribbean side has placid beaches that are considered to be some of the best in the islands. Spent a couple of hours in town watching a game called street tennis, which is played with what looks like ping pong paddles, the core of a tennis ball, and a net that stands only 6 inches off the ground. We got to watch a game played between two local favorites. Be sure to see the local craft market near the docks. Don't forget the Banks beer.
 
 

	Barbados
	Travel & Tourism Encyclopedia - Barbados Holidays.
	A Brief History Of Barbados

This island is the quintessential "lush tropical paradise". The people of the island are still struggling to rebuild their economy and are very proud of their country and the struggles that they have overcome. In any case, no one will ever starve there. On nearly every tree is something to eat. The "can't miss" buy of the island has to be the batik cloth from local artisans. This island has incredible potential for the right entrepreneur. Local beer for you fans is Carib.
 
 

	Grenada Online Tourist Guide
	Grenada - Official Travel Guide
	Cribbean Online - More info on Grenada.

We spent our time on St Lucia taking an all-day catamaran tour. What a great trip. With stops at Marigo Bay, Soufrier, a walk into a volcano, a private beach, and a lunch sampling the local cuisine, it was the best tour offered on the cruise. The sight of the twin Pitons are impressive and the local atmosphere is colorful. A very satisfying experience. The free drink you will have available in bountiful quantities on the trip is a killer rum punch. 
 
 

	St Lucia On-line Tourist Guide
	St. Lucia - Simply Beautiful
	Official Guide to St. Lucia

FUTURE DESTINATIONS? 

• American Paradise: U.S. Virgin Islands 
• Excite Travel: Bermuda, Countries & Territories 
• TahitiWeb - The Internet guide to Tahiti web sites. 
• Info Bonaire - Bonaire's Home Page 
• Trinidad - Ron's Watersports

USEFUL TRAVEL LINKS 

• Orrin's Caribbean Index - The most comprehensive Caribbean links on the web.
• Passports - Applying for Them the Easy Way 
• Getting Around the Planet / O&A Currency Converter 
• Cyber Rentals Vacation Rentals 
• Timeshare Travelers World Marketplace 
• Afro-Caribbean Music 

CONTACT & FAMILY PAGES 
 
 

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