|
|
|
Adolescenza
**** |
Discoteche/ |
|
|
| Central America/Caraibi |
| Thanks to
http://www.world66.com/ *********************The content is published under a creative commons licence : http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0 / ). |
| Netherlands Antilles Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Curacao Shops Curacao Shops Cassie Fielder The islands of the Netherlands Antilles and Aruba are spread out through the Caribbean. Aruba , Bonaire and Curacao , also known as the ABC islands, are located just off the Venezuelan coast in the south of the Caribbean Sea. Aruba lays the closest to the coast, just 25 km. The island is independent now, but it's still considered as one of the ABC islands in the Dutch Leewards. Curacao is 35 miles from Venezuela, so on clear days you can see the continent. It is the political, cultural and population centre of the Dutch islands. Bonaire is a little bit further out the coast. Bonaire is known for two attractions. It's a paradise for divers and its bird life. So Bonaire should be visitied by nature lovers. Two of the "S" islands of the Dutch West Indies, St. Eustatius and Saba are thimble-size islands south of St. Martin (Sint Maarten). St. Martin is is half Dutch and half French. The Windward or SSS-islands lay about 550 miles more to the north. The lay in the north eastern part of the Caribbean ring, very close to the British island of Anguilla and the French St. Bartolomy . All these islands are located very close to each other. ____________Economy Edit This Economy—overview: Tourism petroleum transshipment and offshore finance are the mainstays of this small economy which is closely tied to the outside world. The islands enjoy a high per capita income and a well-developed infrastructure as compared with other countries in the region. Almost all consumer and capital goods are imported with Venezuela and the US being the major suppliers. Poor soils and inadequate water supplies hamper the development of agriculture. GDP: purchasing power parity—$2.4 billion (1997 est.) GDP—real growth rate: -1.3% (1997 est.) GDP—per capita: purchasing power parity—$11 500 (1997 est.) GDP—composition by sector: agriculture: 1% industry: 15% services: 84% (1996 est.) Inflation rate—consumer price index: 3.6% (1997) Labor force: total: 89 000 by occupation: government 65% industry and commerce 28% (1983) Unemployment rate: 12.8% (1993) Budget: revenues: $277 million expenditures: $322 million including capital expenditures of $14 million (1996 est.) Industries: tourism (Curacao Sint Maarten and Bonaire) petroleum refining (Curacao) petroleum transshipment facilities (Curacao and Bonaire) light manufacturing (Curacao) Industrial production growth rate: NA% Electricity—capacity: 200 000 kW (1995) Electricity—production: 840 million kWh (1995) Electricity—consumption per capita: 4 128 kWh (1995) Agriculture—products: aloes sorghum peanuts vegetables tropical fruit Exports: total value: $NA commodities: petroleum products 98% (1993) partners: US 39% Brazil 9% Colombia 6% (1993) Imports: total value: $1.4 billion (f.o.b. 1996 est.) commodities: crude petroleum 64% food manufactures (1993) partners: Venezuela 26% US 18% Colombia 6% Netherlands 6% Japan 5% (1993) Debt—external: $1.95 billion (December 1995) Economic aid: recipient: ODA $NA; the Netherlands Antilles received a $97 million Dutch aid package in 1996 making it the Netherlands' second largest aid recipient behind India Currency: 1 Netherlands Antillean guilder gulden or florin (NAf.) = 100 cents Exchange rates: Netherlands Antillean guilders gulden or florins (NAf.) per US$1 - 1.790 (fixed rate since 1989) Fiscal year: calendar year ___________Things to do Edit This Kitesurfing in Bonaire Due to the very steady wind and high water temperature Bonaire is a very popular kitesurfing destination. At the far-west side of the island Roan and his team provide kitesurfing lessons for both beginners and the more advanced boarders. Due to the laid-back atmosphere inherent to the surf-lifestyle the kitebeach Atlantis is a meeting point and hangout spot for fellow boarders and locals. For more information see their website at: www.kiteboardingbonaire.com ::::::::Bonaire Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Good god, this place is diving heavin. *The* most amazing reefs, easily accessable, just walk into the water at any yellow rock on the island (yep, the _whole_ island). We traveled to Bonaire in February and March 2005, staying at Buddy Dive Resort. The diving here is amazingly easy. Jump off the dock and go, drive to a yellow rock marking a dive site and walk into the ocean. Entrances tend to be over broken up coral rather than sand so footing can be a little unsure. Visibility was easily over 100 ft. The health of the reef is a testament to the efforts to preserve it. No large animals other than turtles, but every imaginable caribbean fish was in abundance. As for the resort, the apartment arrangements were very convenient although showing some wear. We had a problem with water leaking into our unit. Bedrooms are air conditioned but the living areas are not. If you choose to open the doors to allow ventilation, remember the bug spray -- the no-see-ems are vicious. Restaurants at the resort were reasonable and food was adequate -- wouldn't call it gourmet, but not bad either. Water was safe to drink. If traveling with non-divers, you probably want to consider another destination because there is little else on the island. However, for a serious dive vacation, this is a great spot! _______Getting Around Edit This Renting a car is the best option since Bonaire has no public bus service. There are plenty of car rental agencies. Drivers licenses from the US Canada and Europe are valid but you must be 21. Drive on the right and look out for unlicensed donkeys and goats wandering on the road. Unmetered taxis with fixed rates are plentiful and provide a good alternative for getting around especially if you want a guided tour of the island. Bicycles can be rented in Kralendijk. Bonaire's Flamingo Airport is 5km (3mi) south of the capital; taxis are available for the short trip into town. If you want to get more information on Bonaire, visit their website at: www.infobonaire.com ________Getting There Edit This Air Continental flies direct from Houston, Texas, USA as a "red-eye", arriving 5:30 in the am on Saturdays. American Airlines offers service through San Juan, Puerto Rico, various days of the week. You can also fly into Aruba, then fly Dutch Antillean Express into Bonaire or the new Airlines Tiara from Aruba to Curacao then Divi to Bonaire. From Atlanta, Georgia, USA, you can fly Air Jamaica, Sat-Sat or fly midweek into Curacao and then Divi over to Bonaire. KLM offers daily flights (in season) from Amsterdam to Bonaire, as well as other flights in the region. The airlines formerly known as ALM and its successor, Dutch Caribbean Airlines, were wound up (dissolved, bankrupt) in 2001 and 2004, respectively. Approximate flight times From Bonaire to London is 11 hours to Amsterdam is 9 hours 30 minutes to Los Angeles is 10 hours and to New York is 4 hours. Times vary considerably depending on connections. International airport Flamingo Airport (BON) is 4km (2.5 miles) from Kralendijk. Departure tax Nafl10 for domestic flights and Nafl18 for international flights. Sea There are no regular boat connections to Bonaire. :::::::::::::Curacao Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Curacao Floating Bridge Curacao Floating Bridge Cassie Fielder Curacao is the biggest of the dutch Antilles and one of the most attractive - Aruba may be better for diving, but Curacao has a lot more to offer by way of culture, fun and lifestyle. _________Getting Around Edit This Hato International Airport is 7 miles (12km) northwest of Willemstad. There are rental car agencies at the airport and taxis and buses waiting to take you into the city; several hotels provide their guests with free transport from the airport. Most visitors to Curaçao rent a car or jeep to be able to get to the best beaches and dive spots. There are plenty of rental agencies at the airport and at several of the larger hotels. You'll need a valid driver's license from home. Drive on the right and keep an eye out for goats in the country side. Traffic can be chaotic and unrelaxing and it's easy to get lost - signage is patchy and make sure you get a new detailed drive map of the island. For getting around Willemstad you're better off using Konvoois the reliable if ambling yellow or new colorful public buses. Buses and minibuses depart from near the waterfront in Punda right by the post office. Departures are also across the floating bridge in Otrabanda serving the airport and western side of the island. Public minibuses follow eclectic routes but may still get where you're going. You'll know them by the 'BUS' on their licence plate. Taxis are plentiful in the capital - look for TX licence plates. City fares are set though taxis can also be hired for longer trips and tours around the island at negotiated rates. Taxi's are now equipped with new airconditioned mini-busses carrying up to 12 passengers. If you want to get updated information on the island of Curacao, visit the following websites: www.curacao-tourism.com www.curacaoinfo.nl www.curacao.de (for German visitors) www.dutch-caribbean.com www.karibik.de (German Language) will further update this site soon. ::::::::::: Saba Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Saba Island Saba Island Heleen Cornet Saba is a quaint little island; no casinos, no white sandy beaches, but a well-developed network of nature trails where the hiker can safely enjoy tropical rainforest and walk for hours without encountering anyone. Bird watchers, people interested in butterflies, moths, bats and orchids will not be disappointed. Also, the island is surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic Ocean and divers can enjoy spectacular pinnacles, hot springs, rays, sharks, turtles and healthy coral in a fully protected marine park. _________Getting Around Edit This Trails Trails Heleen Cornet Saba has no buses so renting a car is useful if you want to explore the island properly. If you're staying in Windwardside you probably won't need a car for most of your stay but expect to do some serious walking as the town is spread out. You can rent a car in the Bottom. Your home driver's license is valid for driving on Saba. By Caribbean standards Saba's roads are good albeit sometimes narrow and you need to watch out for stray animals on the road. Drive on the right-hand side of the road. Hitch hiking is easy and if you don't get a free ride with one of the friendly locals you will be able to get where you want to go by walking the nature trails. There are usually one or two taxis on hand to meet flights at the airport. ::::::::: St Eustatius Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see i Jaqueline van de Weijer Statia was discovered in 1493 by Christopher Columbus. Throughout a swaggering colonial era that followed, the island had changed hands at least 22 times. In 1636, near the close of the 80 year war between Holland and Spain, the Dutch took possession. During the 17th and 18th century, Statia was a major trading center with some 20,000 inhabitants and thousands of ships calling at her shores. It is hard for present day visitors to imagine that this tiny island once had one of the busiest ports in the region. During the latter part of the 18th century, St. Eustatius was the major supplier of arms and ammunition to the rebellious British Colonies in North America and the subject of conflict among the most powerful seafaring nations of the time. For a while, Statia was the only link between Europe and fledgling American colonies. Even Benjamin Franklin had his mail routed through Statia to ensure its safe arrival. Statia remembered as the emporium of the Caribbean, was nicknamed "The Golden Rock", reflecting its former prosperous trading days and wealthy residents. On November 16, 1776 the American Brig-of-War, the "Andrew Doria", sailed into the harbor of Statia firing its 13-gun salute indicating America's long sought independence. The 11-gun salute reply, roaring from the canons at Fort Oranje under the command of Governor Johannes de Graaff, established Statia as the first foreign nation to officially recognize the newly formed United States of America. Each year, thousands of ships anchored on the roadstead of Oranjestad and the shore of the Bay was lined with hundreds of warehouses packed with goods. More trade (both legal and illegal) transpired here after the end of the American Revolution than on any other Caribbean island until Statia reached its economic peak around 1795. As the eighteenth century drew to a close St. Eustatius gradually lost its importance as a trading center and most merchants and planters left the Island, leaving their homes and warehouses. Through the nineteenth- and early twentieth-centuries Statia became and remained a quiet island waiting to be discovered by history minded visitors. Fortunately, in the 1960's and 70's, the people of Statia became increasingly aware of the cultural value of their unique heritage and initiatives were taken to preserve and maintain it. To promote the exploration and dissemination of the unique history and culture of this special island, the St. Eustatius Historical Foundation was founded. The founding members of the Historical Foundation and its subsequent boards have provided a vision that includes the creation of a world class Museum , the impetus for the Historic Core Renovation project and the establishment of the St. Eustatius Center for Archaeological Research (SECAR) . New museums are also being planned. Plans are also underway for a preservation of the exterior structure of Honem Dalim , St. Eustatius's Jewish Synagogue through the Historic Core Renovation project . Additional funds are being sought from private sources for a complete restoration that would return the Synagogue to its former glory and allow a place for future worship and as a museum to the History of the Jews in St. Eustatius. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.statiatourism.com/ ____________Practical Information Edit This Bring your sunblock, hiking shoes, diving equipment, your camera and good spirits. [Add Practical address] Hiking and Exploring Edit This For more information on Hiking and Exploring. type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.statiatourism.com Diving Edit This One of the top 10 destinations for Diving!!! type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.statiatourism.com Where to Stay Edit This Country Inn Located at Concordia Country Inn has a beautiful view of Zeelandia Bay. Nestled within a beautiful tropical graden are six fine air-conditioned rooms with radio, alarm clock and cable TV. Lunch and supper served upon request. Golden Era Hotel Golden Era Hotel offers twenty rooms located more.. type: Tourist information World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.statiatourism.com ___________Things to do Edit This i Jaqueline van de Weijer Statia Week and The Golden Rock Regatta. The Golden Rock Regatta’s goal is to promote Tourism to the region and to Statia in particular. Starting in St. Martin and visiting also St. Barths and St. Kitts. To comemorate the 16th of November 1776, the day Statia was the first nation to salute the American flag. A whole week of activities and vestivities takes place on the Island. [Add Activity] Golden Rock Regatta Edit This i photo by: Jaqueline van de Weijer An exiting Regatta, sailing from Island to Island, with Statia at it's center. Program: 12 november: Departing Great Bay St. Martin, the first race heads for Gustavia, St. Barhts. With a night on the town for the sailors. 13 november: On our way to Statia (St. Eustatius), with festivities in Town and prize givings on the main podium. Entertainment from local Bands and partying for the sailors. 14 november: The Secretary of Tourism and a band awaits us in Frigate Bay, St. Kitts. With a typical caribbean Jump-up party on the beach. More fun for our more.. type: Sailing World66 rating: [rate it] url: www.goldenrockregatta.com email: info@goldenrockregatta.com ::::::::::St Maarten Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Views from poll Views from poll Owner St Maarten is one of the Dutch Antilles. The Dutch part is only half of the island, the other half is French. St.Maarten is a tranquil place, with good beaches. It is the perfect place to relax and enjoy yourself. ___________Getting Around Edit This Renting a car is the best way to get around Sint Maarten. There are scores of agencies and your home driver's license is valid. Driving is on the right. There are also motorcycles (motorcycle license required) scooters and bicycles available. Taxis are plentiful and are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around during short stays. There are two kinds of buses available: public buses that run between Philipsburg and Mullet Bay Simpson Bay and Marigot on the French side; and smaller (and more frequent) private minivans. Service to other destinations on the Dutch side is sketchy so touring the whole island by bus is not practical. Although there are no airport buses per se if you're traveling light you can try catching one of the Philipsburg-Mullet Bay buses which pass right by the airport. Philipsburg is about a 15-minute drive from Juliana Airport. Taxis are available to and from Philipsburg. ____________Getting There Edit This Air The national airline of the Netherlands Antilles is ALM (LM). The government-owned Windward Islands Airways International (WIA – Winair) based at Juliana Airport has scheduled flights to the Lesser Antilles as well as charter flights to destinations throughout the Eastern Caribbean. Approximate flight times From St Maarten to London is 12-14 hours to Los Angeles is 9 hours to New York is 4 hours 10 minutes to St Croix is 45 minutes and to Singapore is 33 hours (all depending on connections). International airports Juliana (SXM) 15km (9.5 miles) west of Philipsburg receives regular scheduled flights from other Caribbean islands the USA and Europe. There are good bus services to Philipsburg and taxis are available. Esperance (SFG) in the French sector is smaller and not equipped for jets. Departure tax: US$10 for all international departures. US$5 for flights within the Caribbean islands. Transit passengers and children under two years of age are exempt. Sea St Maarten is a leading port of call for cruise liners. Cruises operated by Holland America Cunard Prince's Cruise and Royal Viking regularly stop at Philipsburg |