The Historical San Juan - Puerto Rico!

When Christopher Columbus landed in Puerto Rico in 1493, he named the island "San Juan Bautista" in honor of John the Baptist. In 1508, the Spanish government appointed Juan Ponce de Leon as the first governor of the island. He founded Pueblo Viejo, - the original settlement which became Spain's most important military outpost in the Caribbean. The original settlement was relocated a year later to a coastal islet close by the site now presently called Old San Juan.

San Juan is the capital city of Puerto Rico and considered to be the most populous city in Puerto Rico. It was founded in 1521 by Juan Ponce de Leon who later named it city of Puerto Rico which means "rich port".

Puerto Rico's capital city is known to be the oldest city under U.S. jurisdiction although some agree that St. Augustine, Florida, founded in 1565 in the U.S. continent is the oldest city.

At present, San Juan is known as the walled city and is one of the best and biggest natural harbors in the Caribbean, and also known as the 2nd oldest European-founded city in the Americas. San Juan flag was officially adopted on March 8, 1948. The flag displays the coat of arms symbol of the city in the center of it.

Being known as the walled city, it expanded its walled confines in the 20th century which included Santurce, Condado, Miramar, Rio Piedras and Hato Rey.

The San Juan metropolitan area has also 3 distinct areas; - the Old San Juan, the beach/resort area and other communities like Rio Piedras, Santurce, Hato Rey and Puerta de Tierra. Metropolitan areas of San Juan has large facilities for the production of petroleum, sugar, brewing and distillery, cement, metal products, clothing, pharmaceuticals and tobacco, making San Juan as the largest processing center in the island.

San Juan is as well the country's financial capital where many U.S. banks and corporations hold offices and distributing centers there. 

It is also one of the busiest port in the Caribbean, the center of Caribbean shipping and the 2nd largest sea port in the area.

Tourism wise, there are lots of points of interest worth visiting in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Some highlights to visit are; the Old San Juan, the Forts, Parks, museums, historical buildings and landmarks, and other festivals and events.

As a tourist, it will be up to you to discover when you visit. Every tourist spot has its own rich historical past to tell. So pack your cameras and journals when you're planning to step on San Juan. A day or two of a visit wouldn't be enough! So plan your length of stay as well! :)

Best of Barbados Tour (via Royal Caribbean)

Here is a 3.5-hour scenic drive tour that takes you to picturesque views and historical lamdmarks of Barbados' best! It's a splendid beauty hidden in one of the Caribbean's paradise.

One of the visits will be a scenic drive going to the Gun Hill Signal Station which is located at the center of the island of Barbados.

Gun Hill, - a former lookout and military post during WWII offers a wonderful panoramic views of the island! 

You will experience standing on the same exact location where those who protected the island once stood while at the same time discover the historical past through your tour guide as he tells the stories behind. AT the Gun Hill Signal is also a famous lion sculpture made of limestone by Captain Wilkenson in 1868.

Depending on your itinerary, you might also see the residence of the governor-general; - the Ilaro Court; - the Prime Minister's official residence and the statue of Bussa which was constructed in 1986 commemorating the deliverance from slavery.

Some tours don't include the two. Others would include a visit to the seaside UNESCO World Heritage Site, - the Historic Charles Fort.

Another stop is a visit to St. John's Church. The church is located 800 ft. above sea level, with a breath taking look out of the Atlantic Coast and the southernmost tip of Barbados island. The church was built in 1831, and has interior tombs built for prominent islanders at the colonial era site at the side and back of the church. It is also in this church where you can see the burial place of Ferdinando Paleolgus who is a descendant of Emperor Constantine the Great, and whose family was driven away from the throne of Constantinople by the Turks.

You will also be visiting the Flower Forest, - a lovely garden with many tropical colors of various flora as you come up close to them. It offers picturesque, relaxing scene for many visitors with an additional bonus of information as you will discover and learn about the medicinal uses and history of many plants in the garden. 

You will also see the tree called "Pride of Barbados". These are thousands of colorful blooms grown and displayed at Flower Forest within its 6-acre size surrounded by the countryside.

Overlooking from one part of the garden as well is the highest point of Barbados at 1,115 ft. above sea level.

At the end of your garden tour, you'll be offered with a complimentary beverage...relaxing!

Fort de France, Martinique Walking City Tour

Martinique was a French colony in the West Indies. Its capital city was St.Pierre, but in 1902, it was virtually destroyed and more than 30,000 people were killed due to a volcanic eruption by Mt. Pelee.

Fort de France became the city of Martinique which is now the primary entryway on the island.

This one hour, 15 minutes tour is not to be missed when visiting the city of Fort de France. There are several highlights as you visit historical monuments such as the War memorial, the Schoelcher Library, La Savane Park, St. Louis Cathedral, Le Marche' Couvert, Aime' Cesaire Theater, Maison Bougenot, Fort St. Louis, and many more.

If you signed up with a group tour, itineraries would be a bit limited since tour guides usually follow the time length of the tour as exactly as it is.

A walking city tour on your own will probably be a bit longer since you can take time as you wish, but you have to have your guide map with you.

Among the tour highlights with noted historical pasts: (Not in order)

• La Savane Park (Place de la Savane) - This is a 12-acre plaza and park which was built as early as 18th century. It was originally used as a training place by French military stationed at Fort St. Louis.

This photo is not mine (Courtesy of azmartinique.com)

At the southwest corner of the park is the Statue of Belain D'Esnambuc, while at the northwest corner is the Statue of Empress Josephine. Each of the two statue found in the park has its own long story to tell.

Statue of Empress Josephine (headless) and there's a story behind that.

• Fort St. Louis - located east of La Savane Park, just across the Blvd. Chevalier Sainte-Marthe. The fort was built to protect the harbor and its town from enemies. The fort was reopened in July 2014 when it was reinstated as an active military installation.

• St. Louis Cathedral - this church is built of iron with a Gothic architectural style and considered to be the most prominent structure that you see when you are in downtown Fort de France. Because it was constructed of iron, it can withstand earthquakes, hurricanes and fires. It was built in 1895, but in those early days, it was destoyed by natural disasters including other previous churches. This is designed by Henri Picq, prompting him to construct its entire frame with steel, - the reason why the church is now called "The Iron Cathedral". The cathedral has extremely interesting huge pipe organs and Byzantine architectural elements.

• Court of Justice Building - infront of the building is the Statue of Victor Schoelcher, who had an important role in the emancipation of the island's slaves in 1848.

• Schoelcher Library - this building was initially constructed in 1889 serving as a tribute to French abolotionist Victor Schoelcher. As a contemporary of Gustave Eiffel, designed by Henri Picq, the library was dismantled piece by piece and shipped to Martinique, then reassembled in Fort de france along Rue de la Liberte', just across La Savane Park.

• Le Marche Couvert - this is the covered market, also designed by Henri Picq which was originally built in 1901, but it was later restored in 1989. Currently, it's now a busy place to go where you can buy local spices, herbs, fruits, veggies, arts and crafts, all local products of Martinique. There are also restaurants within the market that offer local cuisines.
• Aime' Cesaire Theater - the theater used to be the City Hall of Fort de France where Aime' Cesaire held his office for more than 50 years, - a civil rights leader statesman and a playwright. It was constructed between 1884 and 1901 with a Neoclassical architecture in the Caribbean. At present, it now houses a museum upstairs in honor of Cesaire.

If you are touring on your own, you can also add more landmarks to visit such as the Martiniques Pre-Columbian Museum, Place Jose Marti, etc...

Seaworld Explorer Tour (St. Maarten)

This 2.5-hour tour is the best way to see the aquatic life underwater without actually getting wet! ;) If you're not into scuba diving, this is the best option.

The tour starts with a 30-minute bus ride through the countryside, and the adventure begins upon reaching a quaint, unspoiled fishing village of Grand Case, located on the French side of the island. Grand Case might be partially hidden throughout its countryside, but it is a paradise due to its famous idyllic bay and restaurants. 

You'll then be stepping along the shore with crystalline waters and then board the semi-submersible SeaWorld Explorer,-considered to be a state of the art semi-submarine craft which was developed for use on the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Once onboard, you will enjoy a 60-minute narrated tour, - first by looking at the scenic views while cruising through the harbor to the unique geological formations of Creole Rock, as the boat goes closer to it.

Creole Rock

Upon reaching close to the Creole Rock, you will descend into the hull of the boat which is 5 ft. below the water's surface, and comfortably be seated in an air-conditioned comfort while enjoying the last half part of the tour with the help of your tour guide.

In an instant, you will see yourself surrounded by the turquoise waters of the bay of Grand Case as you see the marine life through clear glass windows, observing the coral reefs that surrounds Creole Rock, the underwater gardens and colorful school of fish. If you would be lucky enough, you will also get the chance to see the fascinating green and moray eels!

As you witness and marvel this paradise below the water, a diver will swim by your window while he hand feeds and surrounds himself with clouds of brilliant-colored fish, so you could see them more up close. The diver will be swimming, leading these marine life alongside with him to the viewing chambers (all windows) as he shares the spectacle with you.

Some sea turtles, eels, stingrays and even barracudas can sometimes be around among the reefs, so keep an eye on them, as they can be quick to swim away if they get startled.

This is also a good tour where you can take tons of photos as you wish. If your camera can take excellent photos in an underwater scene, get the chance to sit beside the window! :)

The tour will end up as you go back up the boat deck while returning back to the shore of Grand Case.

The Essential St. Kitts Tour

This is an amazing 3-hour tour if you are visiting St Kitts. in the Caribbean. Itineraries include visits to the 10-acre Romney Garden, the Caribelle Batik Studios, and the Brimstone Hill Fortress (also known as "The Gibraltar of the West Indies") which is the highlight of the tour! 

St. Kitts locals are all descendants from African slaves who worked in sugar plantations during the Industrial Revolution.

Basseterre, St. Kitts has a vibrant culture and multicultural heritage. You will discover its signature landmarks which include both the French and English colonial architecture of Independent Square, the War Memorial and the Anglican Church.

The Romney Garden is an old estate manor located at the edge of the rain forest surrounded by tropical gardens. The garden offers picturesque views, ideal for photographers who love to take photos focused on nature. The most awesome view in the garden is an incredible 350 year-old Saman Tree with enormous branches that go down along the ground, and then going up again like another tree. Truly am majestic creation, only God can do!

Courtesy of Travelmag.co.uk

I have to borrow a photo since I wasn't able to take a photo of this tree while I was there :(. Probably because I was overwhelmed visiting the Batik Studios...;).

It is at this location where local artists get their products used for fabrics that they make at Caribelle Batik Studios, for which they became widely acclaimed. They offer demonstrations about batik products' dyeing technique for free for visitors and customers who come and visit. Their batik products are popular sale!

"Batik" is a term they call for a painted cloth made with colorful pattern of different designs. No wonder why visitors love to buy them.

The last and the highlight of the tour is a visit to the 300-year old Brimstone Hill Fortress located on a 40-acre hilltop at 750 ft. above sea level. Its astounding scenic and spectacular views offers high rolling green hills, with brightly-colored villages at the bottom, all surrounded with the sparkling blue ocean. Don't miss visiting the museum, gun ports and bastions of the historic mountainside fortification.

The next 100 years after its first cannons were built in 1690 showed the intermittent construction of an amazing work of architectural and engineering ideas, which is now well-preserved providing scenic views of the coastline, the countryside and the five neighboring islands.

St. John National Park Island Tour (via Royal Caribbean)

At least 2/3 of the amazing little island of St. John is located within the National Park which was donated by the Rockefeller family in 1956. If you want to spend more time learning about St. John, this 4-hour tour is worth it. This tour is mostly offered by cruise ships like Royal Caribbean, and other cruise ships, but itineraries can be a bit different depending on what cruise ship would you be in. In my case, I am sharing this experience when I had my 7 nights Southern Caribbean Cruise via Royal Caribbean when I signed up for this tour. :)

The tour begins with a 45-minute boat ride going to St. John from Charlotte, Amalie, St. Thomas. The boat docks at the charming town of Cruz Bay, wherein an open-air safari vehicle is waiting for tour passengers to board for a scenic island drive.

A tour guide (the driver) will provide you information about the rich history of St. John, while enjoying the tropical lush foliage and the indigenous wildlife at the same time during your sceninc sightseeing.

This tour also mainly shows St. John's panoramic views of the British Virgin Islands as well as its white-sand beaches. Visits also include scenic overlooks of Trunk Bay, - considered to be one of the most photographed beaches in the world, Caneel Bay, Hawksnest Bay and many more.

Trunk Bay

From Caneel Bay, you'll also be able to look at the scenic view of the famous Rockefeller plantation. Another highlight will be a drive to Bordeaux Mountain which is the highest summit in the Virgin Islands at 1,277 feet elevation,which also provides one of the most extraordinary vista points.

Bordeaux Mountain

The tour ends back at the louche part of Cruz Bay. Some free time will be for shopping. There are upscale shopping spots in this quaint town.

There is also a visitor center (V.I. National Park) just located at the Cruz Bay docking area in St. John for visitors who want to know other activities to do while exploring the island.