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Robert INGLEDEW 
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER | Brief History of Puerto Rico (taken from the Puerto Rico WOW web site) | Feb 6, 2005 |
Brief History
View History Highlights
Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to discover the island of Puerto Rico on Nov. 19, 1493. They found the island populated by about 60,000 Taínos, peaceful people thriving on their fishing and agricultural skills.
The Spanish newcomers originally named the island San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist, and named the capital Puerto Rico, which means ... See more Brief History
View History Highlights
Christopher Columbus and his crew were the first Europeans to discover the island of Puerto Rico on Nov. 19, 1493. They found the island populated by about 60,000 Taínos, peaceful people thriving on their fishing and agricultural skills.
The Spanish newcomers originally named the island San Juan Bautista in honor of St. John the Baptist, and named the capital Puerto Rico, which means rich port. Later, the names were switched, making the capital San Juan and the island Puerto Rico.
The city was later used as a transshipment port for gold being mined in Puerto Rico and gold and silver from South America being stored in the city for transshipment to Spain.
In 1521, concerned about threats from European enemies, Spain began constructing massive defenses around the city of San Juan. The strengthening of El Morro, San Cristóbal, and San Gerónimo forts as well as the city walls were the stronghold elements of these successful defenses. Sugar became Puerto Rico's most important agricultural product, helping establish a thriving economy. It was a very important growth factor for the island because, in 1570, its gold mines were declared depleted. During the 1600s, Puerto Rico's settlements expanded with the establishment of such areas as Arecibo, San Blas de Illescas (later renamed Coamo), and Ponce.
The 18th century brought hurricanes, droughts, plagues, and a constant threat of attack on the island's shores because the British, Dutch, and French were intent on capturing Spain's possessions in the New World. By 1776, the official census stated the population had grown to 70,210 people.
In 1809, Puerto Rico was recognized as an overseas province with the right to send representatives to the Spanish government. Political unrest characterized this era and, in 1868, a small group of landowners in Lares rose up in arms against Spain. The uprising was quickly put down, and is now commemorated as "El Grito de Lares." In 1897, Puerto Rico was granted a Letter of Autonomy from Spain, allowing it to enter into free commerce with the United States and European colonies. In 1898, as a result of the Spanish-American War, Puerto Rico became a territory of the United States. Legend has it that in 1898--just before the last Spanish governor of Puerto Rico surrendered to the U.S. troops at the end of the Spanish-American War--he took a last look at La Fortaleza's (the executive mansion) grandfather clock and hit it dramatically with his sword, thus stopping it at the exact moment the Spanish lost power over Puerto Rico.
The 20th century saw phenomenal growth for the island. In 1917, the U.S. Congress granted Puerto Ricans U.S. citizenship and, two decades later, U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt launched the Puerto Rican Reconstruction Administration, which provided agricultural development, public works, and electrification of the island. By 1951, Puerto Rico acquired the right to establish a government with its own constitution and, in 1952, was declared a semi-autonomous commonwealth territory of the United States.
The island then entered a 20-year period of unprecedented economic development as it heavily promoted and attracted manufacturing plants primarily from the U.S. mainland. By the 1960s, the development was being referred to around the world as the "Puerto Rico Miracle," as other developing economies looked to the island as an example of industrialization. The 1970 census showed Puerto Rico was mostly urban for the first time in its history.
During the past quarter century, as Puerto Rico's economy diversified into commerce and services, the island's status once again dominated its politics. The pro-Commonwealth consensus that ruled since 1952 broke down. Commonwealth and statehood are now at rough parity, with independence holding a 5% share of electoral support. Status plebiscites in 1993 and 1998 were inconclusive, and both the public and political leadership remain deeply divided. This isn't stopping the island from growing, however, because life in Puerto Rico largely resembles most U.S. mainland states in business, education, commerce, dining, day-to-day activities, and more.
Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina
Robert Ingledew ▲ Collapse
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | If you want to save money on your next vacations... go to this topic... | Feb 21, 2005 |
http://www.proz.com/post/32268#32268
I found it very interesting. Of course, this is mainly for people that live in the USA or in Europe.
Have a nice day.
Robert Ingledew
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Iruya, Argentina: A beautiful village in the mountainside, literally hanging from the mountains... | Feb 24, 2005 |
Iruya (Salta) has the advantages and disadvantages of small villages. Two years ago there was only one public phone in the village, and internet arrived last year. There are no ATMs, you need to go to the Bank. And during the Summer season in Argentina the road is sometimes cut by the rainfalls. However, it is one of the most beautiful spots in Northwestern Argentina.
It is not so far away from Purmamarca, and seems like a little village hanging from the mountains. Here are ... See more Iruya (Salta) has the advantages and disadvantages of small villages. Two years ago there was only one public phone in the village, and internet arrived last year. There are no ATMs, you need to go to the Bank. And during the Summer season in Argentina the road is sometimes cut by the rainfalls. However, it is one of the most beautiful spots in Northwestern Argentina.
It is not so far away from Purmamarca, and seems like a little village hanging from the mountains. Here are some photos I am sure you will enjoy, all of them taken from the Internet:
http://www.amazonadventures.com/iruyatrek.htm
You do not need to go trekking there, although this might be a fascinating adventure, there is a road and hopefully regular bus services. In any case, the scenery seems taken from a fairy tale...
I am sure you will enjoy looking at these photos, even if some of the sites are in Spanish. The first link has a beautiful panoramic view of the village:
http://www.ruta0.com/img.asp?i=1833&flags=
http://www.zonai.com/noticia_mainm.asp?ZONAI:67688&pos=m&title=Viaje:%20Escalas&catid=91
http://www.telpin.com.ar/InternetEducativa/NORTE/CronicasdeSalta/Iruya/vistasiruya.htm
http://www.telpin.com.ar/InternetEducativa/NORTE/CronicasdeSalta/Iruya/vistasiruya2.htm
This site also has some beautiful photos of Iruya:
http://www.soypoeta.com/especiales/sudamerica/040121-iruya.htm
If you enjoy visiting primitive small towns, keep Iruya in mind for your next vacations.
http://www.ruta0.com/img.asp?i=1240&flags=
Regards from Mar del Plata.
Robert Ingledew
[Edited at 2005-02-24 19:15]
[Edited at 2005-02-24 19:18]
[Edited at 2005-02-24 19:20] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER
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Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER | An interesting travel guide to Machu Pichu (Peru) | Feb 28, 2005 |
Looking for something else, I found this very interesting page on Machu Pichu, that I am sure you will enjoy:
http://www.go2peru.com/machu_picchu_travel_guide.htm
It has nice photos and a good description of what to see.
Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Robert Ingledew
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
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TOPIC STARTER | A very nice page on Guatemala | Mar 6, 2005 |
Just have a look at this link.
http://www.caminandosinrumbo.com/guatemala/indexe.htm
I am sure you will really enjoy it. There are not many photos, but they are excellent.
Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina
Robert Ingledew
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | The Atuel Canyon (Mendoza, Argentina) | Apr 10, 2005 |
To see the photos included in this article, please go to:
http://groups.msn.com/ARGENTINAteespera/englishmessages.msnw?action=get_message&mview=1&ID_Message=263
The Atuel river canyon is not as deep as Copper Canyon in Mexico, nor as deep as the Colca Canyon in Perú. Actually is it only a fraction of what y... See more To see the photos included in this article, please go to:
http://groups.msn.com/ARGENTINAteespera/englishmessages.msnw?action=get_message&mview=1&ID_Message=263
The Atuel river canyon is not as deep as Copper Canyon in Mexico, nor as deep as the Colca Canyon in Perú. Actually is it only a fraction of what you can find in the Colorado Canyon in Arizona. However, it is a beautiful place to visit. It is located between the Nihuil dam (some 40 miles away from San Rafael) and the Valle Grande rafting area (some 15 miles away from San Rafael), to which I will refer in another article.
PHOTO: El Nihuil dam. In the lake formed by this dam,you can fish rainbow trout.
There are four hydroelectric power plants along this section of the river, so that the river is interrupted where water is diverted to the power plants, but in those zones where there is water, it is completely transparent.
PHOTO: The Atuel river downstream from the Nihuil 2 power plant
However, do not try to fish trout in this area, because it is not a trout fishing area. Upstream from the dam, in the El Sosneado area, you can catch five pound rainbow trout.
PHOTO: Nihuil 2 power plant
The canyon has beautiful banks, in some places 1,000 feet high, with all sorts of figures (if your imagination is smarter than mine, you will find more figures than those I noticed), and it is a place wortwhile visiting, specially if you combine it with the Valle Grande rafting area, the Andes in Mendoza and the Valley of the Moon in San Juan.
PHOTO: The author of this note in the Atuel Canyon,
near the Nihuil 3 power plant.
This tour may be done from Mendoza (a one day tour that lasts 16 hours and costs 22 Dollars including lunch), but you will have to travel over 400 miles in one day. If you prefer a more relaxed tour, stay at San Rafael (or at the Valle Grande hotel and resort) and buy a local tour from there.
Downstream from the canyon is the Valle Grande dam and lake, and the Valle Grande rafting area (two next photos)
PHOTO: Valle Grande lake: the "submarine"
PHOTO: Atuel River rafting area at Valle Grande. Don't be deceived, in some places the water runs fast...
Enjoy it.
Robert Ingledew ▲ Collapse
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Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | The Mayan Mountains, Belize | Apr 16, 2005 |
I have just discovered a thrilling travel report on this area, that I am sure you will enjoy.
This is the link:
http://www.magma.ca/~elliehh/MayanMountains.html
I am sure you will enjoy it.
Robert Ingledew
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | The Iguassu Falls (Brazilian Side) | Jun 17, 2005 |
To see the beautiful photos that illustrate this note, please go to:
http://forums.about.com/ab-gosoamerica/messages/?msg=540.123
PHOTO: On the way to the falls we see the forest in all its beauty
Many know that the Iguazu river is the natural frontier between Argentina and Brazil. On both sides of the river there are nationa... See more To see the beautiful photos that illustrate this note, please go to:
http://forums.about.com/ab-gosoamerica/messages/?msg=540.123
PHOTO: On the way to the falls we see the forest in all its beauty
Many know that the Iguazu river is the natural frontier between Argentina and Brazil. On both sides of the river there are national parks, that although in the same zone offer completely different alternatives: From Brazil you can see the falls (a mile and a half wide) at a glance.
PHOTO: Santa Maria Fall (Brazil), behind are the Argentinian falls.
On the other hand, in Argentina you can make a far longer walk, above and below each waterfall.
PHOTO: The Devil's throat, the natural border between Brazil and Argentina.
Each alternative has its charm, and it would be a pain to not take advantage of both possibilities.
PHOTO: On the Argentine side, you can literally "touch the water".
PHOTO
A taxi from Argentina to the Brazilian national park costs some 20 US Dollars, to which you must add the admission fee to the National Park (ten US Dollars). This cost includes the travel in bus through the jungle to the falls.
PHOTO: The forest on the Brazilian side
PHOTO: One of the falls on the Brazilian side
Scenery is beautiful, and you can stay at either side of the river, in Brazil or Argentina. There are excellent hotels on both sides of the river. However, you will find more things to do in Argentina, since you can walk along the Brazilian falls in one hour and a half, while you need at the very least six hours to walk along the falls on the Argentinian side.
The fauna of the national park is very interesting, and it is quite common to see the coatis approaching your bag to find out if you have food inside it... This little guy even tried to bite my bag, although I told him that I had no food inside...
PHOTO: A coati approaching my bag to give it a bite... However, they are really friendly, but they are always looking for food...
From Foz de Iguacu you can go to Paraguay (Ciudad del Este, a free port, is the nearest city) or continue your travel to Asunci{on del Paraguay (6 hours on a very comfortable bus).
The Brazilian side is a practically inevitable alternative if you want to see the falls in all their beauty. There are very good hotels on both Brazil and Argentina, but only one hotel on each side facing the falls...
And where the Iguassu river meets the Parana is the triple frontier of Brazil, Paraguay and Argentina, where the presence of both rivers and the colorful vegetation combine to offer their charm to the visitor.
PHOTO
Enjoy it.
Robert Ingledew ▲ Collapse
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Carilo, the most elegant seaside resort in Argentina | Jul 13, 2005 |
To see all the photos that illustrate this note, please click here:
http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&LastModified=4675530618226949127
Then please scroll down and you will find the article, more than half way down the page.
<... See more To see all the photos that illustrate this note, please click here:
http://groups.msn.com/Adictosaviajar/general.msnw?action=get_message&mview=0&ID_Message=891&LastModified=4675530618226949127
Then please scroll down and you will find the article, more than half way down the page.
I would dare to call Cariló the Beverly Hills of Argentina. Of course, it is only a small village with 2,000 inhabitants.
But the rich vacation here; it even has its own golf course, and it is within a beautiful large pine tree forest by the seaside.
It even has a five-acre shopping center...
It would seem as if there is no crisis here: commercial centers full of people, as well as the restaurants and pubs, and the beautiful forest full of 4 x 4 vehicles... It really impressed me. I knew the place, but it has progressed a lot. Although it is still a small village with a permanent population of two thousand inhabitants.
Don´t look for economy hotels here, only luxury resorts exist...
But it is a paradise. Just have a look at these photos.
http://www.parquecarilo.com/
Click on "galería de fotos" and explore each link.
Here are some more photos of this beautiful place (some pages have an English version; sorry, I have a lot of work today and cannot go into the details, just click on English version, when available):
http://www.argentinaturistica.com/informa/carifotos.htm
http://www.welcomeargentina.com/carilo/fotografias.html
http://www.ruta0.com/img.asp?i=255
As I said, only four and five star hotels exist here. You will notice that looking at the photos. Prices here are over double what you would spend in Mar del Plata, but it is a VERY quiet spot if you want to relax.
Regards from Mar del Plata.
Robert Ingledew ▲ Collapse
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | The Talampaya Canyon (Argentina), Patrimony of Humanity | Aug 7, 2005 |
TALAMPAYA NATIONAL PARK (ARGENTINA), PATRIMONY OF HUMANITY
To see the photos that illustrate this note (all taken by me), please click here:
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&tsn=128&tid=540&webtag=ab-gosoamerica
PHOTO: Talampaya National Park, Argentina. The sphinx
... See more TALAMPAYA NATIONAL PARK (ARGENTINA), PATRIMONY OF HUMANITY
To see the photos that illustrate this note (all taken by me), please click here:
http://forums.about.com/n/pfx/forum.aspx?nav=messages&tsn=128&tid=540&webtag=ab-gosoamerica
PHOTO: Talampaya National Park, Argentina. The sphinx
There are a few places in Argentina that have been declared Patrimony of Humanity by the United Nations: and Talampaya is one of these. Together with the Valley of the Moon (San Juan) the Las Quijadas Park (San Luis) and the El Chiflòn State Park in La Rioja, it is the area of the Triassic Age where the first dinosaurs lived.
PHOTO: The "chimney"
There are hardly fifty miles from the Valley of the Moon to Talampaya, so if you get up early you can visit both parks in one day. The nearest cities are San Agustin de Valle Fertil (San Juan) and Patquía (La Rioja). The first town has better hotel accomodation (Hostería de Valle Fértil, a 3 star hotel) where you can get a very nice room for 25 Dollars per night (there are cheaper hotels in the town for as little as 5 Dollars a night, but I do not recommend them).
PHOTO: The totem
Unlike the Valley of the Moon, that has no vegetation, the Canyon of Talampaya runs along the bed of a dry river, where occasionally a trickle of water appears, only to dissappear again after a few feet downstream. It is unwise the visit the site on your own, because when it does rain (very rarely) you can have seven feet of water in the canyon in a matter of minutes.
PHOTO: The "gulleys"
The effects of wind and water erosion are really breathtaking. 500 feet banks that seem polished with a grinding machine... and curious forms from the Cathedral to the Chimney or the Totem... impact us with their beauty.
PHOTO: The Cathedral
Let the photos speak for themselves. All of them were taken by me, and you may copy and use them for any purpose.
PHOTOS
Some additional links:
http://www.argentinacontact.com/turismo/en_tour/Talampaya-e-Ischigualasto-22.html
http://www.inargentinatourism.com.ar/en/la_rioja/index.php
The following link suggests the priorities you might want to consider when visiting Argentina:
http://www.argentinaturistica.com/2loimperdible.htm
Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina
Robert Ingledew
[Edited at 2005-09-14 22:49] ▲ Collapse
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Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | Copacabana, Bolivia, on the border with Peru | Sep 14, 2005 |
I was quite near Copacabana, when I was in Puno (Peru) but did not have the slightest idea that something so beautiful was so near. Just like when I went to Zermat (Switzerland) to the Materhorn, and did not know that I was treading a mountain that was on the border with Italy...
Copacabana is a small pintoresque village that is worthwhile visiting if you ever travel either to Peru or to Bolivia. The nearest airports are La Paz in Bolivia, and Juliaca in Peru.
Just ... See more I was quite near Copacabana, when I was in Puno (Peru) but did not have the slightest idea that something so beautiful was so near. Just like when I went to Zermat (Switzerland) to the Materhorn, and did not know that I was treading a mountain that was on the border with Italy...
Copacabana is a small pintoresque village that is worthwhile visiting if you ever travel either to Peru or to Bolivia. The nearest airports are La Paz in Bolivia, and Juliaca in Peru.
Just have a look at this web page. I am sure you will enjoy it.
http://www.caminandosinrumbo.com/bolivia/copa/indexe.htm
The photos included are also very good.
Here are some more references and photos of the village:
http://www.joshrenaud.com/bolivia/archives/000087.html
http://www.travellerspoint.com/photos/gallery/size/XS/features/tags/Bolivia/
http://www.boliviaweb.com/photogallery/la_paz8.htm
http://community.iexplore.com/advancedSearch/default.asp?searchType=photos&location=Bolivia&phrase=&alias=&submit1=Search%20Photos
http://www.jacekphoto.com/bolivia/bolivia1.html
http://www.hat.net/album/south_america/bolivia/2_titicaca-copacabana/detail005.htm
http://www.traveladventures.org/continents/southamerica/copacabana.shtml
Regards from Mar del Plata, Argentina.
Robert Ingledew
[Edited at 2005-09-14 23:15] ▲ Collapse
| | | | Robert INGLEDEW
Argentina
Local time: 15:50
English to Spanish
+ ...
TOPIC STARTER | | | | Pages in topic: < [1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8] > | To report site rules violations or get help, contact a site moderator: You can also contact site staff by submitting a support request » Travelling through Latin America | Anycount & Translation Office 3000 | Translation Office 3000
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