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Lunch in Key West and Ruins in Guatemala
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| Arnold Boris and Chef |
Lets face it, a beach, a palm tree, turquoise waters and you could be almost anywhere in the Caribbean. That's what makes most people happy, especially in winter. It's also what has made the Caribbean the most popular cruise destination in the world... with a little help from having major Cruise Lines with homeports located in South Florida and San Juan. Add to that incredible bargains resulting from so many cruise liners plying those sunny Caribbean waters. Caribbean ports of call may seem pretty much the same to first time cruise visitors, but many have distinct character and local color that not only distinguish them, but makes it worth doing your homework when selecting a Caribbean cruise itinerary.
Some ports of call are just plain dreadful, unless you stick to reading their promotional brochures. Puerto Limon on the Atlantic side of Costa Rica is one place you do not want to linger. Poverty stricken, with broken roads, dilapidated buildings and flocks of wild chickens roaming the streets, along with sweltering near 100% humidity, this "charming" place has taxi drivers that make New York cabbies look like Snow White! It is however the jumping off point for shore excursions by road and air to some of the most incredible rainforest and nature adventures anywhere in the world. It is worth a stop, if you arrange some excursions out of the place and into exploring the wilds in the surrounding areas.
Recently, I was pleasantly surprised by a port call in Key West, Florida. With a long and diverse history, including cigar manufacturing, sponge diving, and shipwreck "salvaging" on its infamous reefs, Key West became an important military base during World War II. After the war, it became popular as a remote getaway and has always attracted writers, artists and Bohemian types, including Papa Hemingway himself.
Today, several cruise ships regularly include a stop here on the way to or from the Western Caribbean. Along with endless T-Shirt shops and bars of all types...gay, straight and in between, Key West has a small-town feel. Lovely neighborhoods off the main drag with beautifully renovated homes offer a perfect place for self-guided walking tours. There are also wonderful art galleries and jewelry shops with unique designs and several very trendy restaurants.
We had lunch at Louie's Backyard. I understand, from a reliable source, it is not unusual for well-heeled residents from Miami to jet down to Key West in their private jets just for lunch at Louie's Backyard...often with their interior designers along to review new design plans for their homes and yachts! I must admit, it is that good. The view over looking the ocean from the Louie's Backyard deck is magnificent. Lush flowering plants and mangrove trees abound. Gentle breezes blow while attentive servers deliver fine food and wine in a very informal, relaxed atmosphere. The place was originally built in the early part of the twentieth century by Captain James Randall Adams, a "wrecker" who made his fortune salvaging goods from ships wrecked on the reefs. In 1983 the restaurant earned a place in the National Register of Historic Places and the owners, Phil and Pat Tenney, have managed to establish Louie's Backyard as one of the finest restaurants in the South.
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| Conch Fritters |
Noted for Bahamian Conch Chowder and incredible Conch Fritters with hot Pepper Jelly and Wasabi, the restaurant's seafood selections are divine and the Sage-Rubbed Double Pork Chop along with the Pan-Roasted Lamb Chops in Sour Orange Mustard Sauce deserve special mention! As with the homes on Key West, Louie's Backyard dinner menu is pricey, but well worth an evening of very fine dining! Lunch was just as enjoyable and menu prices are a little more down to earth. For more information about dining at Louie's Backyard in Key West, log onto www.Louiesbackyard.com
Ruins in Guatemala
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| Tikal Temple |
Imagine a tropical jungle with hundreds of stone pyramids jutting out through the top of the rainforest canopy and the plaintive cry of howler monkeys pronouncing their presence to potential mates...this is the fascinating nature of Parque Nacional Tikal. Lost for centuries in the deep rainforests of Guatemala, this ancient Mayan holy city is breathtaking!
Our ship stopped for the day in Belize City, Belize, which offers many highlights of its own, but the air excursions to Tikal are an absolute must! After an hour flight in a small plane, we landed at Flores, an old city built in the middle of a lake to protect its original inhabitants from enemy attack. From there we had a 45-minute bus ride to the entrance of Tikal National Park.
Long before Columbus discovered America, Tikal was a wealthy metropolis of 100,000 inhabitants and the seat of power for the great Mayan Jaguar clan lords. Today, Tikal attracts archeologists from around the globe. The wildlife surrounding the ruins makes it a naturalist's dream. This magnificent combination of nature and archaeological remains resulted in UNESCO declaring Tikal a "Heritage of Humanity" site.
The ruins of Tikal include more than 3,000 structures extending over six square miles. They include ancient Mayan palaces, temples, ceremonial platforms, ball courts, plazas and steam baths. The ancient Maya began building Tikal around 600 B.C. and for the next 1500 years it served as an important religious, scientific, and political center.
The rainforest is hot. You need bug spray and good walking shoes, but it is well worth the trip. A personal encounter with this "Lost World" is an experience you will never forget! Cruise itineraries to the Western Caribbean or Central America may have shore excursions to Tikal. For more information about Tikal log onto www.mayaspirit.com.gt
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