Let not woes of old enslave you anew.Nydia Ecury, Aruban-Dutch writer The quotation stands in stark contrast to its surroundings, inscribed on a wall in front of what was once a post meant to chain slaves for public whipping. Smiling docents are likewise a contradiction, escorting tourists through Willemstad’s Kura Hulanda Museum, a series of…
A welcome drink is a good way to greet me as I sit on the shaded patio at Landhuis Chobolobo in Willemstad, Curacao. The day is hot, especially so here a bit inland of the city’s waterfront, and an icy beverage is just the thing to relax from the long walk here. (Most will drive…
Editor’s note: with changing rules, I have not found time to make it to Cuba, although I intend to at some point. I am envious of Sam’s trip, hanging on each word he writes as I mentally plan mine. For more of Sam Spector’s adventures, click here to visit his index page. My wife, also…
A bit over 18 months ago, I left Spain, cutting my trip three weeks short because a new disease was infecting a bit over 100 people a day in the country. Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine that I wouldn’t leave the US (and barely California) for such a long period. Well, today,…
Editor's note: unlike Sam, I am a big fan of Caribbean cruises. Like Sam, though, I have come to the conclusion that St. Lucia is pure paradise, even writing that it was my favorite Caribbean island. Compare our visits, and then visit all of Sam's articles by clicking here. If you want to know my…
Editor's note: I have been to Belize twice, and have loved it both times. I've stayed in an eco-lodge, gone cave tubing, and explored Mayan ruins at Altun-Ha. This article by Sam gives a taste of what the country has to offer. For all of his articles, click here. I have started a competition with…
Panama City bills itself as the hub of the Americas. From a geographical standpoint, it is certainly true. The city sits at the joining of the continents, as well as at the mouth of the Panama Canal which joins the oceans. The city is modern and bustling, vibrant and historic, a financial center, transit hub,…
This could be Miami. The thought hits me for at least the hundredth time since I arrived here in Panama City, Panama. Blue waters, green parks, and tall glass buildings blend together in, if not harmony, at least a reasonably peaceful understanding. It stands in sharp contrast to most other major Central American cities I've…
A few articles ago, we spoke at length about the world-changing Panama Canal. However, a mere three million years earlier, Panama played host to an event that changed the world even more: it was born. From volcanos beneath the seas, land rose up, first as islands, and then as an isthmus, joining what would come…
Few tourist attractions can be said to be things that have truly, objectively, changed the world. This is one of them. From the moment the Panama Canal opened on August 15, 1914, the world was forever changed. It was made smaller, more accessible, easier to traverse. Goods could reach new markets, or the same markets…