The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

Travel Post #21: The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island

“Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free.” This quote comes from Emma Lazarus' sonnet, New Colossus, which she wrote for a fundraiser auction to raise money for the pedestal upon which the Statue of Liberty now sits.

The Statue of Liberty is located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor. It was designed by Frederic Bartholdi. The statue, dedicated on October 28, 1886, was a gift to the United States from the people of France. Lady Liberty is a robed female figure representing the Roman goddess of freedom—Libertas. She bears a touch and a “tabula ansata” which has the date of the American Declaration of Independence inscribed on it. A broken chain lies at her feet.

Check Out Their Website: http://www.statueofliberty.org/

America’s “Golden Door” (Ellis Island)

America's "Golden Door" was the gateway for millions of immigrants to the United States. They came seeking freedom, opportunity, new lives. Over 12 million

immigrants passed through the doors of Ellis Island between January 1, 1892 and November 1954, hoping to achieve the "American Dream". These people, and their descendants, have woven their way into the fabric of American life. They have helped create the America we know today.

Things to Do:

· Self-Guided Tours: (3) floors of the Ellis Island Immigration Museum

· Movie: “Watch Island of Hope, Island of Tears”

· Passenger Search: Browse through records to trace the family name

Check Out Their Website: http://ellisisland.org/

No visit to New York City is complete without a trip to two of the world’s most famous historical landmarks—The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. New York harbor cruises are the best way to explore the landmarks for certain!

Nassau, Bahamas

Travel Post #20: Nassau, Bahamas

Atlantis:

• Aquarium: The 34-acre tropical marine habitat is home to over 200 species of live animals in 11 exhibit lagoons and pools.


• Dolphin Cay: The 11-acre, state-of-the-art home for dolphins and is one of the best and largest inland marine habitats in the world. Guests can personally meet, swim and interact with dolphins. It is a new home for 16 dolphins misplaced by Hurricane Katrina.


• Casino: Vibrant and colorful, the casino links the towers and spans a seven-acre lagoon with skylights and windows bringing the outdoors inside.

Check Out Their Website: http://www.atlantis.com/

Senor Frogs:

Company Profile: “If we were to take out a personal ad, we'd describe ourselves as fun, outgoing, energetic and good looking. The good looking part might be a stretch, but the other words fit us perfectly.”

Check Out Their Website: http://www.senorfrogs.com/

The Poop Deck:

The Poop Deck started out as a small marina restaurant serving hot dogs, hamburgers and cracked conch now it is home to weekly weddings and an overflowing menu packed with delicious entrees.

Check Out Their Website: http://thepoopdeckrestaurants.com/

Booze Cruise:

• On board the 'Bahamian Queen I' prepare to experience the best party time ever cruising along the beautiful turquoise sea of the Bahamas.


• During the cruise along Nassau Harbour we provide Unlimited Drinks, A Delicious Lunch and The Rhythmic Island Beats of The Bahamas for your comfort and pleasure.


• Along the way feel free to explore. Go snorkeling along the beautiful reefs and tour of the famous Sea Gardens. Afterwards we stop off at one of the many secluded beaches of The Bahamas.

Check Out Their Website: http://www.boozecruisebahamas.com/

Cancun, Mexico

Travel Post #19: Cancun, Mexico

Things to do in Cancun:

Beaches: “Naturally, the beaches are the biggest draw in Cancun with their soft, white sand and brilliant turquoise-blue water. Cancun's Hotel Zone is really just one long beach separated from the mainland by a system of lagoons.”

Dinner Cruise-Booze Cruises: “Come and live a fantastic adventure aboard the Galeon I andBucanero II, two 17th century authentic Spanish Galleon replicas that thanks Captain Hook you will enjoy with an entire night of games, exquisite food and an extraordinary pirate show. These spectacular galleons have 93 ft in length and can hold up to 350 passengers, where you will experience a real pirate environs but with the luxury and sophistication of the 21st century

technology.”

Cenotes: “The Yucatan peninsula was originally under the ocean and the region's limestone foundation is fossilized coral beds and ocean floor. There are no above ground rivers in this area. All of the ground water sinks through the porous limestone and travels to the sea in underground rivers. Parts of the limestone weakened over time and collapsed, leaving sinkholes filled with water - a cenote (pronounced: seh-NO-tay)."

The Maya used the cenotes for water - both for drinking and irrigation - and in religious ceremonies. Some of their cities were built around cenotes or wells dug down to the ground water. Divers have explored the cenote at Chichen Itza and have found offerings the ancient Maya made to the gods. Among them copper and gold necklaces, pottery, jade beads, and skeletons of both sexes and all ages.”

Golf: “Cancun has emerged as a world-class golf destination with the addition of thoughtful courses by top designers and now a tournament on the PGA Tour. Some courses offer all inclusive packages that include open bar, meals and even transportation, which can take the bite out of what can be considered pricey rounds of golf.”

Courses: Moon Palace, El CamaleonMayakoba, Cancun at Pok Ta Pok

Chichen Itza: “Only two and a half hours away from Cancun is one of the most impressive of all Mayan ruins, Chichen Itza. This is perhaps the most famous Mayan cultural site in the world, and one of the richest and largest archeological remnants of that civilization. Founded in 445 B.C., and inhabited until 1204 A.D. when it was mysteriously abandoned, Chichen Itza lies about 120 miles west of Cancun.”

Check Out Their Website: http://www.cancun.com/

The Colosseum

Travel Post #18: The Colosseum

Originally the Flavian Amphitheatre, the Colosseum is found at the center of Rome, Italy. This iconic mass is one of the most famous sights in all of Italy. Constructed nearly 2000 years ago, it was utilized for gladiatorial contests, public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animals hunts, dramas based on classical mythology and executions. During that time it was capable of seating 50,000 spectators! The floor is no longer in existence enables visitors to see down into the maze of rooms and hallways which were underneath the floor. This is where the gladiators, animals, and condemned prisoners were kept until they were raised by ancient Roman elevators.

Visiting this architectural and engineering wonder is a most when journeying through Rome, Italy!

Check Out Their Website: http://www.the-colosseum.net/

Amway Center

Travel Post #17: Amway Center

“This is unlike anything Orlando has ever seen. It will be unlike any arena ever built."

The Amway Center opened its doors in the Fall of 2010. This arena truly is a work of art! It is an architectural dream composed of a modern mix of metal and glass. The building’s exterior features an ever-changing video screen that looks over the interstate. With a capacity of more than 20,000 seats the arena is equipped to host extraordinary events. Seats range from the good ole nose bleed section to founders and presidential suites, loge seating, court side and superstar seating to MVP tables and hospitality suites. You can find it nestled next to Church Street Station-a popular Orlando hot spot.

Who calls this arena home? The Amway Center is home to the Orlando Magic, the Orlando Predators and welcomes the elite concert series, ice shows, hockey championships, indoor soccer, Olympic ice and track trials, professional bull riding, and much more.

Check Out Their Website: http://www.amwaycenter.com/