Caribbean Wanderlust

The Atlantic Ocean is the second largest ocean in the world. It lies between North and South America in the west and Europe and Africa in the east.

The British are still coming!

They discovered her natural beauty in the 1620’s, and they’ve been here ever since. Although the island became independent in 1966, life here till retains a strong British accent.

With a climate that is considered among the kindest in the West Indies, and spectacular natural beauty, Barbados is truly one of the gems of the Caribbean.

Norwegian Cruise Lines was the first cruise line to acquire a private island and transform it into an exclusive paradise
for their passengers. Complete with swaying palms, sandy beaches, coral reefs, steel bands and the scent of barbeque wafting in the breeze because whenever a ship calls, it’s beach party time!

Swim, snorkel, snooze in a hammock, play volleyball, paddle boat rides, sailing, kayaking, limbo… anything you want.

The capital of St. Barthelemy, Gustavia is purely French. Though named after a Swedish king, Gustav III, and still retaining some of its Swedish influence, the small group of inhabitants are mostly young, very chic and very French.

They called it worthless. That’s right-the Spanish explorer Alonzo de Ojeda, who claimed Aruba for Spain in 1499, said the island wasn’t worth colonizing. What could he have been thinking? With beautiful beaches, fine snorkeling and watersports, today’s visitors to Aruba enjoy fabulous nightlife, delicious local seafood, and the genuine friendliness of Aruba’s unique population.

The Spanish may not have been impressed, but the Dutch were. Arriving in force in 1634, they’ve entwined their culture, language and cuisine with that of the natives, giving the island a flavor all its own.

The island is now home to fabulous resorts, a golf course, a casino and outstanding shopping. The scuba and snorkeling in the clear waters is world famous.

The name means Sunday, and that’s the day of the week Columbus sailed by (it was easier to name things back then). This Windward Island (maybe it was windy that particular Sunday) remains much as it was 500 years ago: a pristine and unspoiled paradise for nature lovers.

Although first visited by Columbus, it was Ponce de Leon who named and established the area.

Because of its strategic location, Spain chose San Juan to be one of its strongholds in the New World. The El Morro Fort,rising defiantly from the sea, is living testament to the days when Puerto Rico was a cornerstone of Spain’s efforts in North America.

Today the fort is still an attraction, in addition to the walled city of Old San Juan, the beautiful hotels and casinos and the nearbyresort areas and golf courses.

Scarborough is located 19 miles from Toronto Pearson International Airport.