created from ; many cultures Making Caribbean connections Toni Bissett and Natasha Plingen Contributing Writers WHEN you think of the Caribbean do you think of the ocean, hes and palm trees? Do you think of history culture? What about music, food and reaxation> The vari can be all of these things and more. The islands of the Caribbean form a 2,600 mile arc from the tip of Mexico to the mouth of the Ironic, and rane in size from a few miles to over 350,000 square miles. Ma the tips of submerged mountain ranges, others are low-lying coral islands. Populations vary widely, and languages spoken are English, Spanish, Dutch or French. Inhabitants for the most part are descendants of Africans who were forcibly transported to the “New World” by slave traders over nearly three centuries. The choices are endless from so many culturally diverse islands, each with its own unique offerings. Let’s start with a small island in the West Indies called Barbados. The island is located about 300 miles off the coast of Venezuela. A former British colony, it has a Population of approximately 250,000 people. The British influence remains strony sven today, ‘and you could find yourself sipping after- . noon tea while catching some of the best cricket played any- on ~ | Bajans, as they call themselves, are a very open and friendly Peo le. Barbados has the best of both worlds with its beautiful sandy beaches on the south coast and its rugged Adantic coastline. The seashore of the Caribbean’s casternmost jewel -, offers breathtaking views (best taken in on the drive to - Bathsheba — a must see). ~’:.. For the water sports enthusiast, Barbados offers an excel- lent. range of activities, and some awesome surfing for the more adventurous types. + One of the best times to visit the island is during the Cropover Festival which begins at the end of June. The festival ‘has grown over the years into a month-long celebration that began during slavery. At the end of the sugarcane harvest, local workers would Adventure specialist - publishes newsletter “NORTH Shore agent Gaby Dohmer has just. published the first edition of her new monthly adventure travel bulletin, Among the itineraries offered this month are: a five-day kayaking trip through B.C.’s Gulf Islands and a four-day hike on “Hinchinbrook Island, Australia’s largest island national rark. _Dohmer also features a special once-in-a-lifetime ocean __ adventure set for ister this summer. Jacqueline Denee and Ben Bouwhuis plan to sail from Rotterdam, Holland to Vancouver aboard a traditional steel schooner called the White Raven. The trip leaves the Dutch port on Sept. I and will be limited to eight guests with a crew of four. Travellers can join the trip for 7, 14, 2! or 28-day portions of the journey. The route sails along the Portuguese coast to the Canary Islands before crossing the Atiantic to the Caribbean and moving up the Pacific coast- line. For more information on travel adventure opportunities contact Gaby Dohmer at Travel Masters 990-7380. In other travel news Cathay Pacific Airways and Coast Mountain Sports have teamed up te offer customers the chance to win two Cathay Asia Pacific Passes. The $1,599 pass gets pas- sengets to 18 destinations in Asia from Toronto or Vancouver, and is valid for 30 days, The contest runs to August 3 with entry forms available at Coast Mountain Sports in Park Royal North. The Arawak Indians gave Jamaica its name — Xaymaca. The island’s matto Is “out of many, one people.” dress up livestock and celebrate the end of harvest with lots of music and food. It has progressed into large parades and musi- cal entertainment with performers from all over the West Indies. Load yourself up with a bottle of Cockspur Rum and wash it down with Bajan flying fish to fully enjoy the Cropover vibe. Speaking of festivals, you can catch some of the best music in the world in the third largest island of the Caribbean — Jamaica. It now hosts two major festivals each year, because one simply | became too popular. Jamaica is probably most well- known ior its soulful music. Rastafarians will tell you that Bob Marley was the truc leader of this country, offering continued inspiration and spiritual leadership even after his death. European Christopher Columbus discovered in 1494 that Jamaica boasts miles of sandy beaches. Taking a drive through the Blue Mountains (famous for their coffee) | is a worthwhile experience. You can ease the drive by stopping for a raft down the Martha Brae River or cooling off in one of the jast Stalagmite Caves. If you get hungry you can stop roadside for some “jerk” chicken. Be careful, if you have a sensitive tongue or stomach. Just north of Jamaica lies the largest island in the West Indies, Cuba. Struggling to: ovei- come economic abstacles it is fast becoming a popular travel destination. Not only docs Cuba offer tie pristine sandy beaches one might expect, but the island provides onc with the impression of history unfolding all. around. You may feel as if you've been transported back i in time, surrounded by an essence of the 1950s, most predominant in: the slick cars that are now considered historical landmarks. Travelling to Havana is a must-see for all vacationers. S rolling ihrough the famous Malecon, you can explore the’ Spanish forts and churches of the 18th ceatury, or shop for. some Cuban cigars. While in Havana, stay and take in the fabulous Cabaret.La Habana -— a musical dance performance that‘captures the heart of Cuban culture: The country has put a lot ‘of effort into providing visitors with many optional excursionis that « range from top of the line scuba tours to historical day trips. There are these that catch the Caribbean fever from the: moment of arrival — when the warm moist air wraps itself ° around you. For us, the warmth of the people and culture remains inside ourselves — its steady pulse a reminder of what.’ we have grown to love. For more information visit the Caribbean Conaection: booth at the Caribbean Days festival in North Vancouver’s Waterfront Park on Saturday, July 25 and Sunday, July 26. You can also telephone Toni Bissert or Natasha Plingen at 922" : lise _* Coastal Cruise -: AND TOURS. Las Vegas Coastal Disneyland Coastal 7 Night Package Ss 8 9 Yoo from CAD p.p. Sept. 26-Oct 03, 1998 “Westerdam” Ba STOO Sharon's now taking appointments! You've been waiting for this and I want to thank you all for your unbelievable ioyalty. The rest of the staff will continue to serve those of you who prefer to come on a first come, first serve basis 8 am - 6 pm Mon - Fri. 8am - 5 pm Saturday 235 16th Street West Van. ) fo appoiine nis poles cies eel 6 Night Package S 8S yoo from CAD p.p. Sept. 23 - Sept. 29/98 “San Princess” Ss San [Diego Cc pascal 1)” ay Our as Noord s Dept. PARK ROYAL West Vancouver 922-9683 1-800-991-1919 “The above prices are effective as of press time. These prices are established in accordance with airfares, exchange fates and other factors. In the event of a mcrease The Bay Travel reserves the right to increase the cost of the tour without notice. Final payment will protect you against any increases.”