A Visit to Fort San Cristobal - San Juan, PUERTO RICO

 Fort San Cristóbal, referred to as the “Gibraltar of the Caribbean,” is situated on the eastern side of Old San Juan. Work on the fort commenced in 1634 and took more than a hundred years to finish. It stands as one of the largest Spanish forts ever constructed and the mightiest in the Americas. Built to strengthen Spain's defense of Old San Juan's harbor, the fort safeguarded the island from land assaults. It features walls that rise 150 feet above the ocean, spans a vast 27 acres of terrain, and contains five distinct independent units that connect through tunnels. Each unit is taller and sturdier than the preceding one, employing a “defense-in-depth” strategy.

Down one of the tunnels, there exists the dungeon which houses a death cell. In the 17th century, this small room lacked electricity and air conditioning, only possessing a narrow window slit for light and ventilation. This cell was designated for inmates who were anticipating their execution. Soldiers employed iron handcuffs and anklets to bind prisoners to the walls. On the walls, one can observe drawings of five ships created by an artillery captain. The ships exhibit incredible detail, right down to the flags signifying which ones belong to the adversary.

There are 28 sentry boxes that remain on the city walls of the fort of Old San Juan. They are commonly called "garitas" by the locals which are built from high vantage points. [Ps].

One sentry box only accommodate one man with low doorways and ceilings. This is purposely built as watch towers on landward and seaward approaches, as well as the base of the walls below.

The fort has stayed almost the same as it was in the late 18th century when building was completed. The fort was in operation until 1961 when the United States armed forces ceased utilizing it as a military installation. It subsequently came under the authority of the National Park Service and is now a park and museum. In 1983, it was designated as a World Heritage Site. You have the option to explore the site on your own or register for a ranger-led tour. 

Our Visit to Seru Largu - Bonaire

 Seru Largu is among the most romantic and popular viewpoints on the island of Bonaire. It is a raised hill point (the fourth highest in Bonaire) that offers a mesmerizing view of both the lovely town of Kralendijk and the islet of Klein Bonaire. Seru Largu translates to “Large Hill” in Papiamentu and is referred to locally as “The Mountain. ”

Many individuals ascend this hill to hike, arrange a romantic date, capture photos, or simply to seize the chance to appreciate a broader view of the island of Bonaire. At the summit of the Seru Largu hill sits a Christian monument known as the Millennium Monument. Its name originates from the fact that it was erected on the hill in the year 2000, at the beginning of the millennium, by the Council of Churches on Bonaire.

The monument is a structure painted in yellow and white, featuring a large white cross on its summit. Owing to its high and central location, it is easily seen from various areas of the island. Inscribed on the monument are the words "Kristu Ayera Awe Semper" in Papiamentu, which translates to Christ, today, yesterday, and forever. If you desire to reach this location, you can hire a car and travel up the Seru Largu hill for excellent photo opportunities at the monument or of the broader landscape of the island.

The Curacao Liqueur Distillery - (Chobolobo Estate)

 Also known as the home of the genuine Curacao Liqueur, the Landhuis Chobolobo is an iconic estate, 19th-century country mansion and one of the most famous tourist attractions in Curacao.

It offers tours for various liquor tasting and boasts the production of Blue Curacao liqueur: Here is where you can learn about the history, heritage and production process of the Curacao liqueur. 

The free tastes included in the tour ranges from green, orange red, clear and famous Blue Curacao, all of which is distilled in the same way since 1896.

Eagle Beach & Fofoti Trees - Aruba

 Eagle Beach is the widest beach in Aruba with soft white sand. It is also considered to be one of the best beaches in the world. It is the best place to go when you want some peace and quiet, - just away from the hustle and bustle of the outside world. It also offers an amazing view of the Caribbean that has been popularly known to be used as backdrop for wedding photos.

NOTE: Public nudity is illegal in Aruba!...so don't go nude when you're at Eagle Beach! 😁

The beach also boasts for the famous, iconic Fofoti trees. 

Fofoti trees at Eagle beach provides an awesome landscape on the beach front. They are also found in Linear Park & Baby beach and in the Malmok area, - also in creeks like Rooi Prikichi, Rooi Canashito and Rooi Ser Cristal.

These trees are part of the mangrove and are protected by law. It's also interesting to note that Fofoti grows on firm land inland, yet near salt water. It has a brown and round button-like shape fruit which got its English name as "Buttonwood".

Its trunk is a very hard wood and was used in boat constructions, as well as used for medicinal purposes, like tea made out of its trunk used to treat eye sores and skin irritations.

Take note that this treatment used are like homeopathic remedies which hasn't been scientifically verified yet.

The California LightHouse - Aruba

 One of Aruba's scenic attraction and landmarks is the California Light House located at Hudishibana close to Arashi beach. It is considered to be the tallest structure in Aruba. It was named after the British steamship California, which was wrecked on September 23, 1891.

This lighthouse is considered to be one of the most photogenic spots in Aruba, and also known for impressive views of the Caribbean sea.

It is open to the public by allowing visitors to climb to its highest lookout point and take in panoramic views.

It was built between 1914-1916 with stone on an octagonal base. It is a double-lens lighthouse, standing at 98 feet tall.

At the top is also a restaurant which is a must do when visiting Aruba. (Sadly, climbing the lighthouse and trying the restaurant was not part of our package tour, so I couldn't tell much further what the experience is like.)

Bushiribana Gold Mill Ruins, ARUBA

 Along the rugged, desert-like, northeastern coast of Noor, Aruba lies an abandoned 19th-century gold mill. It once was a bustling gold mining industry constructed by Aruba Island Gold Mining Company based in London in 1872. All processed golds were driven to a nearby harbor for export.

 

Due to high operation costs, the mill operated only for a decade before production was stopped in 1883. It was reopened in 1889 by another British company, but also lasted another decade before it was permanently closed in 1889.

More than a century later, only the natural stone walls of the gold mill remains. Visitors can freely walk throughout the ruins where on the mill's southern wall will be the sweeping views of the Caribbean. It's also a stopping-off point for tourists on their way to view the Aruba Natural Bridge which collapsed on September 2005.

The largest remaining bridge is located next to the original site of the large Natural Bridge.

Oranjestad, Aruba - A Bustling City, Yet a Paradise!

 Aruba, the capital and port town of Oranjestad is best known for its colorful Dutch Colonial gingerbread houses painted in bright Caribbean hues.

Its bustling port town is surrounded by white powdery beaches with crystal-clear aquamarine waters in its southern coast.

The northern part has waves crashing rocky coast, scattered with cacti and divi-divi trees.

Photo Credits to the rightful owners

Oranjestad became the capital city in 1824 which was named after King William I of the Netherlands.
In 1924, oil business boomed resulting to a population increase as well as economic prosperity on the island. Tourism became highly essential in 1960's, then the city were split into 2; - East and West. The island's cultural heritage is reflected with some Dutch Colonial architecture with a number of old buildings and houses in the center of town which have been transformed into colorful restored landmarks, - such as the lime-colored City Hall on Wilhelminastraat.

Nowadays, Oranjestad is now a bustling harbor city with its streets dotted with international luxury retailers, various boutiques and jewelry stores.

Getting around downtown of Oranjestad has never been easier with a state-of-the-art tram inaugurated in 2012.

The tram passes through the Main Street which is now an attractive pedestrian mall. The tram has 6 stops at museums and monuments as well as at key shopping areas.

Cruisers who visit the island enjoy high valuability of the tram since the cruise ship terminal is connected with the center of the island's town.

If you happened to see blue horses around town, there are 8 of them total showcased around downtown areas. These horses are part of the new cultural/historical project started in 2015 called Paardenbaai Aruba.

The famous fofoti trees can be seen as icons of Eagle Beach.

Behind The Scenes Ship Tour (Empress of the Seas-Royal Caribbean)

 One interesting tour that can be done while cruising with Royal Caribbean is that they offer an all-access behind the scenes tour of the ship while you will be cruising at sea. Take note though that not all of their ships offer this tour. So if you're interested in signing up for this type of tour check your ship if they offer one.

This tour lasts for 2 hours and involves a lot of walking and standing most of the time. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for safety reasons as there are some steep areas you will be walking on during the tour. You should be in a good physical condition when joining this tour.

A complimentary ID necklace was provided for each tour guest. (see above photo).

In this tour, you will be given the opportunity to see various back of the ship's house areas that include the dining room, galley, provision area, incinerator room, engine control room, laundry and the bridge.

Photos are allowed, so yes, you can bring your cameras but audio/video taping is not allowed!

Also avoid bringing purses or bags that are huge in sizes. Not sure why, but sling bag is okay coz I carried one! 😊

You will receive a letter of instruction a day before the tour so you don't need to worry about the pros and cons! It is all in the letter. 

It's an interesting tour, because you can actually learn the daily routines of what's happening in the ship, including on how they control it; - you can get the chance to chat with the ship's captain at the bridge and ask questions too!