Aruba, Caribbean Slave History & The World Cruise: The Rest of the Story
Note: Our voyage ended early, and the last port of call was to be Aruba, but plans kept changing. See my comments and links at the end of this blog for “the rest of the story.”
Because I have visited Aruba before, I decided to share my findings and impressions as well as research regarding enslaved people of the past.
- The island’s slogan is One Happy Island.
- This 18 mile long island is a home for flamingos. Most are on the Renaissance Aruba Private Island. (Guests of the resort can enjoy watching them.)
- Aruba is a gay-friendly Caribbean destination. LGBTQIA+ folks are welcome to bring their pride with them on holiday. This is not the case on several Caribbean islands, and some have laws making it illegal to be other than cis-gender and “straight.”
- If you request a Balashi cocktail you will get a glass of water. Aruba’s drinking water is safe, and they are very proud of it. They proclaim it to be...
Costa Rica: A Land of Rich History, Culture and Beauty
Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a long and wide country nestled between Nicaragua and Panama. Due to its stable democratic government, beautiful beaches, rain forests and wildlife, it is the most visited nation in Central America. Over 30,000 Americans have retired there, and its Free Trade Zone attracts foreign business and investors.
Costa Rica has no military. After the Civil War of 1948, it was drafted into the Costa Rica Constitution by Juan Figueres Ferrer to permanently abolish the military. The Fuerza Pública, part of the Public Security Ministry (MSP), is the country's primary law-enforcement body.
Does this sound familiar!?! The Costa Rican Civil War was from March to 24 April 1948 (44 days). The conflict began after the Legislative Assembly of Costa Rica, dominated by pro-government representatives, voted on 1 March 1948 to annul the results of the presidential elections of 8 February, alleging that the triumph of opposition...
