Explore The United States of America

Puerto Rico is one of the largest Caribbean islands in the Antilles, sharing with Cuba much of the history of conquest by invaders from South America and Europe, to induction of slaves from Africa, and to date under the protection of the USA, as a Territorial State. This modern day Caribbean Island is a popular tourist venue, offering natural beauty, historically confusing sites and overlaying a strong Spanish influence, a multicultural vibe all of its own.

The Island is of a number of different features from; rocky shorelines to sandy beaches, many coastal towns and innumerable villages, Spanish watch towers that are now lighthouses, El Morro Castle at St Juan is a 500 year old monolith that broods of centuries of guardianship over the city and contradicting the centuries – a most modern Observatory at Arecibo – presently the worlds largest radio telescope to probe the depths of outer space. The small island of Visques to the west has beautiful beaches and caves to explore and Cajado Muertos Island has Coriba Lake, Cartessa Lagoon – a bird paradise. Gallegan Island has many caves of which Canue limestone formations are some of the largest in the western hemisphere – with only 7 miles explored so far. Phosphorescent Bay gets excited when marine life is disturbed and ‘sparks fly’ alongside vessels. Numerous small islands offshore have coves, caves and beaches – no wonder it was a pirates and smugglers paradise!

Understandably because of its long history of occupation, there is a plethora of towns and places to visit.

To mention only a few of the favorites:
Arroyo – an old smugglers port.
El Yunque’s – National Rain Forest.
Boquerón – a fishing village with great night life.
Jayuya – fascinating town, surrounded by jungle covered peaks.
Las Cabezas De – San Juan’s Nature Reserve.
‘Old’ San Juan has half-a-millennium of history within its buildings. Lagos dos Bocas has a beautiful lake for boating.
Playa Flamenco, an amazing beach. Rinein – for big, big surfing.
Vasquez – with its secluded island beach, and
Desechio Island.

Wild life Reserves offer 15 choices, one such is:
Acquirre Forest Reserve – mangrove tidal flats, for fabulous bird watching – with a large Manatee population and, Kyaking, fishing, camping and barbecue facilities. Barranquitas; San Chrystobal Canyon, has three rivers, 750 foot deep ravines and highest waterfall on the Rio Usabon.

The Regions of North, Central, South and West, all offer a dazzling array of towns and sites to visit.

Briefly, the Northern area has amongst others:
Arecibo – Lighthouses, Historical Park museum,Recreational and Sports Areas, and Observatory. Aselioch de Beneficia – Exhibition Galleries of P.R. culture. Arteno Puertorriquens – Art Museum. Bacardi Rum Plant – the largest rum plant in the world. Barrachina – hosts the largest and oldest ‘mall’ – of fine goods, libraries, pubs & café’s on the Campus.

The Eastern Area : Near San Juan – the Arroyo Train takes visitors through the sugar plantations.  Avionnes Beach, Babylon Hotel Casino, Bahia Beach Golf Course, Berwin Country Club, and Coco Beach with its 36 hole International Golf course. Other attractions are; The Beaches, ‘Castle Usutu’, Carrizo Lake, Culebra Island with coral reefs and sandy, white beaches.

Central Area : The Coquina Indian Ceremonial Park – an 800 year old archaeological site of the Taino Indians, Lakes, Waterfall, Museum and Recreational Ranch, Plantations and caves.
Southern Area: The Acquirre Forest Reserve. Cathedral – with beautiful fountains, Ancient (Taino) Indian site and a Resort Village. Plazoda Calibri has an elegant mall worth visiting and Salinas a Fine Art Gallery displaying ‘Batista’.
Western Area : The Taro Negro National Forest.
Numerous Casinos operate: Mayaguiz (2), San Juan (7), Fajardo, Ponze (2), Dorado (2), Humacao, and Rio Grande.
Transport : The Capital of San Juan has a large bay serving 10 of the major Cruise Lines and an International Airport connecting from New York, on the Miami Route as well as Major Airlines from London, Europe, Australia, Canada and New Zealand to mention only  a few. Bi-monthly Ferries visit the Virgin Islands, from Fujardo. There is good public transport and taxis within the Capital and ‘Publico System’ of mini-busses to surrounding areas – but you need to do your homework!

Puerto Rico is not only a ‘cross roads’ to other Caribbean destinations but a major destination itself. The fascinating Island state has a modern booming tourist economy because of its situation in the Caribbean, its half a millennium history and its vast array of man-made and natural attractions. Wouldn’t you like to see for yourself?

GUAM is the largest island of the Mariana Archipelago. The closest country is Taipei, Taiwan off the coast of China and next is Manila in the Philippines. Guam has a remarkable history of ancient Polynesian and Malayan occupation, Spanish settlement, European Pirates visitations, and battleground between Japanese and American forces in WW11.

Today, it has a population exceeding 150,000 and has a thriving economy based on the shipping industry as a terminal for cargo and tourism. The natural beauty of the twin islands, surrounding Pacific and Philippine seas, offer tourists from America and Asia a glimpse into a historical melting pot of nations, yet a distinctive individual Chamorro cultural identity is maintained.

Sightseeing can be divided into the three distinct areas of Southern Guam, Central and Northern Guam and Southern area.

Southern Guam:

• Mount Lamlam – The tallest mountain in the world, from its base in the undersea Mariana Trench.
• Talifak Bridge – built by the Spanish in 1785,
• Sella Bay – for its tranquility, and another Spanish bridge
• Merizo Park, where water sports and annual water festival is held,
• Cette Bay for its beautiful views.
• Memorial Park – has a Vietnam Memorial and great views,
• Coco’s Island for its fine resort, lagoon, diving adventure and quiet ambiance,
• The Marizo Bell Tower,
• he Inarajan Village with its quaint Spanish design.
• The Talafofo Falls on the Ungum River, and Talofofo Beach – where surfers slip the waves to land on the brown sands.
• Not forgetting a visit to ‘Yokis Cave’ – where Sergeant Yoki holed up after the war, and was only discovered alive and well in 1972!

The Central Area :

• Pago Bay – the largest and most beautiful bay with – University of Guam, specialists in Marine Biology and more recently in many of the other academic fields of study,
• Views from Libugan Overlook and Apra Harbor.
• The Asan Historical Park and Pacific National Park are war museums.
• There are a further six historical parks of WW11 military sites on land, and under water (wrecks) to explore.
• The two waterfalls; Sigua Falls – is reached by a jungle hike and Tarzan Falls, by a stiff climb for the more adventurous.

Northern Guam:

• South Pacific Memorial Park; – with the 15 meter high tower of, ‘Hands praying for Peace’, very emotive,
• Mount Santa Rosa – is an extinct volcano with spectacular views, and three private (military) beaches.

Special events are; Liberation Day (July 21st) – celebrated with a festival of floats, parades, marching, music & entertainments and of course exotic and island foods. The Spanish/Catholic Fest, (December 8th) – pays homage to their patroness, Saint Marian Kamelin and weekly, on Wednesday Nights – The Chamorro Village Markets open for shopping and entertainment.

Outdoor sports cover a great spectrum including; Golf, Skydiving, Jet ski, Parasailing, Kite surfing, coral reef diving – visit Spanish and WW11 wrecks 0r Visit, beautiful waterfalls, sea caves, scenic views or ingest the beautiful variety of flowers – hibiscus, plumier, red ginger, ixeras, lantanas and of course bougainvilleas’. Taste the delicious tropical fruits of; papayas, bananas, breadfruits, mangoes, guavas, mountain apples and tangerines for a mouth watering experience.

Tourist facilities are of the highest standard with; Many huge Local and International Hotels, Resorts and Spa’s offering sophisticated accommodation and services to boutique B&B’s, each with its own variety of Cuisines, Elegant Night Clubs, Activities and Services, The huge, Pacific Islands Club with – over 72 sports and entertainment activities, spa’s, dining venues and the Pavilion –a huge Reception facility.

This Tourist Mecca has from the most sophisticated attractions to the quiet meditative experiences, on an island paradise of Spanish and Chamorro charm and warmth, fulfilling the sobriquets of -‘America in Asia’ and ‘Gateway to Asia’.

OHIO is part of the Great Lakes District, situated below Lake Erie in the center of the American heartland, from the East Coast, lakes and waterfalls, waterfront wildernesses to the wide open spaces of the ‘wild west’ – A very varied landscape with large cities, industries, small towns and great natural beauty.

Cincinnati overlooking the Ohio River was once named the “Most beautiful of Americas inland cities”. Its vibrant waterfront, entertainment and parks district are a tourists delight. A distinctive landmark is the 1867 steel and stone suspension bridge linking the city with Covington, Kentucky across the Ohio River. Another is the1933 Art Deco, Union Terminal, now an Interactive Museum and Entertainment center. The Cincinnati Art Museum has an eclectic collection of ancient and modern art and artifacts.

Dayton , a lovely city on the Great Miami River is known as, “The Birthplace of Aviation” from where the Wright Brothers started their experimentation with the first powered flight. The Historical Park and US Air Force Museum houses some of the earlier experimental aircraft and missiles. The Art Institute has a large collection of classic European and American paintings.

Columbus the State Capital on the east bank of the Scioto River is the bustling Political, Economic and Cultural center. Arts, Symphony and Ballet, Historical neighborhoods, Entertainment Districts and Historical Center and Botanical Gardens are delightful places to explore.

Berlin and surrounding area are known for their large concentration of Amish population. An excellent area to marvel at the ‘simplified, 19th century way of life’ on an Amish Farm, horse drawn carts, buggy rides, freshly baked farm foods – and –all!

Cleveland is a bustling port, linked by a canal from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. This regenerated city has built thousands of hectares of pristine parks, entertainment hubs, Rock and Roll hall of Fame and Museum a Natural Sciences Center and a superb Art Museum with rare masterpieces on the University campus as well as magnificent Botanical Gardens. The 52 floor Terminal Tower houses the railway station, hotel and offices. Nearby Canton has a famous Pro football hall of fame.

Sandusky , one a coal export port is today a ferry terminal providing access to the Lake Erie Islands. The Amusement Park is reputed one of the largest collection roller coasters, a water park and children’s camps.

Toledo is famed for its world leading glass manufacturers. The museum of art founded by a glass tycoon houses one of the world’s largest collections of glass, as well as Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Medieval exhibits. A reconstructed Fort and Museum, has summer interactive displays and re-enactments in period costume.

Interesting Sites are the ancient Serpent Mound, an Adana-Indian site dating back 800 years BC. The 400 meter ‘snake with egg in mouth’ is a puzzle yet to be solved. The other is the Lake Erie Islands off the Marblehead peninsula, once home to the Erie, Ottawa and Huron tribes, which are a prime tourist attraction with Kelley’s and South Bass Island being the two main attractions. Kelley’s island and State Park with its ‘glacial grooves’ is a geological wonder while Bass Island is known for its night life in the village of Put-in-Bay.

The number of events is astounding. On any one day there can be over one hundred events around the country. There are 19 categories from Agricultural, Art, Animals, Black History, Botanical, Car shows, Classes & Workshops, Collectors, Concerts, Exhibits, Fairs & Festivals, Family, Historical Reenactments, Multicultural, Ohio/US Heritage, Outdoor, Sporting and Seasonal – Fall, Spring and Summer Festivals.

The interesting thing about Ohio is that it combines the ancient Indian lore with, Cowboy culture, Historical struggles, Space exploration, Super Sporting events and some of the most modern Entertainment Facilities. A truly fun place to be.

NEW YORK STATE covers a very large area, from the coastal Long Island to the Canadian border and west to the Great lakes. The northern mountains of the Adirondacks range are the source of the Hudson River which flows all the way to New York harbor. Long Island has many miles of beaches, farmland and suburbs while the north has towns, cities and more farmland. Sharing the border with Canada is the famous Niagara Falls that lures over ten million visitors per year.

State Capital Albany at the most northerly point of the Hudson River has one of the most delightful architectural gems in the Capitol Building, a combination of Italian and French Renaissance and Roman stairways, arches, ornate chambers decorated with pink and yellow marble, red granite, stained glass, onyx and mahogany. As a government, cultural and railway center Albany still holds its own as a tourist and business destination.

Saratoga Springs is still famous for its healing waters, best of horse racing and historical parks.

Cooperstown is the legendary birthplace of baseball and plays homage with a museum to the baseball legends in it s hall of fame.

Syracuse grew as a result of the Erie Canal development in the early 18oo’s. Today it houses a museum and the Landmark Theater to remember that early development. A magnificent museum of arts has a remarkable varied collection from ancient Asian to modern American.

Rochester is a charming city of museums, parklands, 18th to 20th century architecture, one dedicated to the founder of Eastman Kodak, now an International Museum of Photography.

Buffalo prospered as a terminus on the Erie Canal. Places of interest are also the County Historical Society in the old Pavilion, and the Art Gallery overlooking the beautiful Delaware park and a museum to ‘America’s favorite dessert’.

Niagara Falls is a natural wonder to behold. Situated on the border with Canada, this majestic horseshoe shaped falls draws over ten million visitors per year.

For those who love the outdoors there are the magnificent Adirondack Mountains, 176 State Parks, rivers, streams, canals, lakes and beaches. Camping, hunting, sea and fresh water fishing, hiking and climbing, skiing, boating, wildlife refuges and zoos, and of course Golf, from par 3 to professional standard, from private to Municipal to Resorts courses, all for the active participant.

For those seeking more leisurely activities, sightseeing, amusement parks, casinos, vineyards, breweries, farms and festivals, culinary and gourmet centers and restaurants of all specialties and delights abound. Spectator Sports like, Football, baseball, basket ball, hockey, horse racing and any form of ‘wheeled’ racing you can imagine.

New York City and New York State have a symbiotic relationship of urban and rural combination that offers you a remarkable range of choice of the best of both worlds.

MONTANA is Magnificent in winter and Summer Scenery. The wilds of the two State Parks of Yellowstone and Glacier offer unrivalled experiences with nature. Legends of the massacre of the Nez Perce Indians and ‘Custer’s Last Stand’ are engraved in the history of this ‘Big Sky State’. Flathead Lake, the largest west of the Mississippi River, nestles at the foot of the Rocky Mountains. Dozens of glaciers, limestone cliffs, waterfalls and abundant wildlife and stunning fauna fill this huge national park. Gold, silver and copper mining first opened this lost wilderness in previous century. Productive agriculture established permanence and today tourism plays an undoubted major part in this unspoilt ‘natural heritage’.
Helena, the State Capital was first established as a gold, silver and copper mining town. Today it’s the ideal starting point to explore the State.

Butte, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, has some of the countries richest mineral reserves, museum to mining, historical buildings and preserved early mining camp.

Bozeman, in the agricultural Gallatin Valley also houses the State University, museums of archaeology and geology, history and art and a planetarium. Popular area for fishing and white water rafting.

Billings is the railroad center and largest city with a population of nearly 100,000.The ‘Rimrocks’, a natural 122 meter high wall runs the length of the city along the Yellowstone River. Also known for its fine art gallery of Wild West paintings, sculptures and magnificent mountain drive to the Yellowstone National Park. Also nearby is the site of the ‘Little Bighorn Battlefield’ in the Crow Indian Reservation.

Glacier and Yellowstone Parks – Ride, ski or just enjoy seeing the Winter Wonderland, Hot Springs, Iceberg Lakes, Buffalo Herds, Bears, and rugged mountain peaks.

Events – There are more than 56 events and entertainments throughout the year – Theaters for Classical Opera, Ballet, Acts (Shakespeare-in-the – Park), Symphony Orchestras and a variety of Musicals. Museums to History and Artifacts, Cowboy Fest, Historical reenactments,  Rhubarb Fest, Beauty Pageant, Choral Week, Chorus-for-Kids, Folk Fest, Polka Fest, Square Dancing Jamboree, Baroc Music Fest, Fest of Nations, County Fairs, Farmers Markets, Rodeos, Annual Fest of Trees(Christmas), Winter Fest, Native American Arts Shows,   Storytelling Shows, Food Festivals and Arts and Crafts.

Big Sky, Big Nature and Big Hearts would sum up this Magnificent Montana experience!

MINNESOTA is known as the ‘Land of 10 000 lakes’, an understatement. This beautiful area on Lake Superior (no pun intended) has the beginnings of the great Mississippi River and 7 major waterfalls. The Capital, St. Paul is ‘twinned’ with its sister city Minneapolis across the waters of the great river. Pre-history rock art, ‘petro-glyphs’, burial mounds and artifacts place inhabitants as early as 5 millennium before Indians and later European trappers, Americans, Germans and Scandinavian’s settled the area.

Modern adventurers will find excitement in the Wildlife Reserves, on the large and many smaller lakes, rivers and streams. Camping, fishing, hunting, biking, hiking and backpacking, golf, water and snow sports and ‘lure of the wild’.

Travel Tourists will find delight in, spectacular lake, river and forest scenery, bird watching, countless scenic lakes and farmland drives, sports events, museums, entertainment and the legendary ‘Fall Colors’ as Autumn sets the trees ‘alight’.

Annual and monthly Events enliven residents and tourists alike – Outdoor Concerts, County and Town Fairs with Arts and Crafts, Music, Historical Reenactments, State Fair, Mashed Potato Wrestling, Bowling, Heritage, Themed Getaways, Sports, Exhibitions and Performances, Ethnic (Dakota) Festival, almost always accompanied by music and food.

Arrive with a sense of expectation and leave with a feeling of ‘Peace of Heaven’!

GEORGIA is not only The Cross Roads of the USA but also a major destination for tourists and business alike. With the world renowned capital of Atlanta and its International Airport of Hartsfield-Jackson as staging post it is host to many international events. Ground transport is excellent with, Interstate connections with routes, 75, 85, 95, and 20, Amtrak stations and Greyhound bus services.

Bordered by Florida in the south, Atlantic Ocean to the east, Alabama to the west and Mississippi  and Tennessee to the north, Georgia has two distinctive topographical regions. The northern region Georgia Mountains are part of the great Appellations Range and Chattahoochee River. The North-west high country is part of the mystical, ‘Enchanted land of the Cherokee Indians’ trails fame. The Classical South has gentle hills and a large coastal plain.

Georgia’s 9 counties offer a variety of attractions to the Tourist:
1.    Georgia Coast has 100 miles of coastline to the Atlantic Ocean between the Savanna and St. Mary’s Rivers. The Okefenoke National Wildlife Refugee,  Monuments and Museums, Art Associations, Golf Resorts, Landmarks, Music Venues, River Boating, Nature viewing on Eagle and Little St. Simons Islands, Resorts and Inns and the famous Summer Waves Water Park.
2.    Plantation Trace in  rural South-west has Historical Past, with small towns, plantations, woodlands and rivers.
3.    Magnolia Midlands has a laid back lifestyle with State Parks, Wildlife Center, Jefferson-Davis Memorial, Golf, more plantations, farm and vineyard tours, Arts Centers, the Broxton Rocks for hikers and ‘The Sweet Onion’ Festival.
4.    Classic South has gentle rolling hills and coastal plain with many fine Lakes and Golf courses.
5.    Central Georgia to the South-west has, Presidential Pathways, Historical Sites and Tours.
6.    Historical Heartland has Lake Oconee – Golf Resort – ‘Best modern golf resort’ status, Inns, Convention Centers, Music hall of Fame, University of Georgia, Cultural Centers, Award Winning Brewery, Quilters Guild, Museums and elegant Historical Inns.
7.    Atlanta Metro is World Class with Arts, Museums, Shopping, Amusement Parks and Outdoor activities.
8.    Georgia Mountains to the North-east has some of the finest Outdoor Retreats on the Appellations Mountains and Chattahoochee River. Exotic Wild Life Protection Centers, Lake boating, Waterfalls, Hiking Trails, Fine Dining, Lodges, Spa’s and cabins, Interactive Museums and beautiful Parks.
9.    High Country to the North-west is, ‘The Enchanted Land’ of the Cherokee Indians fame. There are historical trails to drive, pedal, walk or ride (Horseback) and museums to visit. Mountains offer excellent trout fishing, biking, hiking and swimming. Amusement Parks and Ranches eagerly entertain tourists.

The Islands draw visitors to see and stay at Jekyll, Tybee, Cumberland, St.  Simons,  and the Lighthouses.

Famous Festivals – St. Patrick’s Day (March)- in Savanna and Dublin (You could have fooled me!), Cherry Blossom Day (April) – Springtime beauty and entertainment, Yellow Daisy Day  (March) -  Number One for Arts and Crafts in the USA! For Antique Furniture, Paintings, Rugs, jewelry, Tableware and Collectibles.
Rattlesnake Roundup (March) has interactive snake education, with more arts and crafts.

July hosts the’ rumbustious’-  ‘Redneck Games’ – a hilarious ‘muddy’ local sporting event.
Don’t miss any of them!