This post is part of the #StateChallenge that is run by @Denise_Barlock and @jayasimha78 which was originally initiated by @Kwiksatik and @Denise_Barlock
This is part of the study guide for the Caribbean Islands Challenge that is going to schedule for Saturday, April 1st 11:30 am EST. I hope to see everyone next Saturday!
Here are a couple of other links to help you study.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean
This is a fun Jeopardy style show and you can register here
I will briefly touch on some of the beauty and fun facts of these Islands . I can’t definitely do all the Islands justice, there are so many of them. I have had fun visiting so many of them over the years and I have managed to visit 21 different Islands. I will do my best to touch on them.
There are over 700 islands in the Caribbean, 30 of them are inhabited .
The Caribbean region stretches from the Bahamas in the north, Central America in the west, South America to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean in the East.
Many of the islands are mountainous, There is also a mix of tropical growth rain forests on some Islands and of course they are all famous for their beaches.
The first inhabitants of the Caribbean were from South America and they inhabited many islands until the Influence of the European nations from England, France, Dutch and the Spanish. These nations looked for gold and treated the inhabitants very badly. Wars and Battles were fought over many Islands. It also brought slavery where thousands of blacks were brought over from Africa to mine for gold. It also brought about Pirates because of the gold and treasures that were being sent back to Europe.
Through the 1960s to the 1980s many Islands finally achieved their independence.
There is some agriculture throughout the Islands. I loved the Banana plantations throughout St. Lucia. All the bananas produced here are shipped to England.
As exports began to diminish and with plane travel increasing, Tourism began to increase and is now a 50 Billion dollar business. It’s very popular with cruise ship lines and many ports get very busy, with thousands of tourists looking to spend money. There are diamond stores in every port, and St. Thomas is one of the best islands to shop at.
Some interesting Facts:
Jamaica has The highest concentration of churches than any other country in the world.
The largest Island is Cuba and the smallest Island is St. Maarten
The Caribbean has only 2 seasons, really the dry season and the wet season.
The Climate is amazing. Average temperatures are 25 to 33 C (77 F to 90 F) You can see why so many North Americans Look to get away from our cold bleak winters.
There are some weird laws throughout the Caribbean;
-No swimwear on the streets of Grenada, you must be covered up. Also in Grenada ,you are not allowed to
- Be drunk in public
- Allow a naked child over 5 years old into the street
- Have a mongoose as a pet.
There is a law in Trinidad & Tobago that prohibits people from hanging their laundry out to dry in the street
Camouflage clothing may be fashionable, but it’s illegal in some Caribbean countries. Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Antigua have all banned it.
No cursing in public in St. Kitts, The famous rapper 50 Cent was hit with a big fine when he swore at a concert.
Topless sunbathing in Barbados is illegal,
There are many sports Played in the Caribbean, Cricket is still number 1 but Baseball, Soccer and track and field are very popular.
Food is big on the Islands, Because they are on Islands Fish is a staple of their diet, Some popular items from The Caribbean Jamaican Jerk Chicken., Fungee which is made from cornmeal, My favorite Conch Fritters, Saltfish, Roti and doubles. Goat stew, rice, chicken , pork , Curry and much more.
The people are friendly and welcome you with arms. Can I pick a favorite? It’s difficult to remember so many great memories of these islands.
Here are some of my highlights from the Islands.
This was hard to narrow down; Some of these Islands may be on the Quiz. Let me rephrase that Yes these Islands will be on the Quiz.
The Bahamas - Best beaches around
Curacao- Colorful Architecture
Dominica- Unspoiled ,took a cable car above the rainforest.
St. Thomas- Great shopping and amazing views.
Turks & Caicos - Where wild donkeys walk the streets.
St. Johns- Where I discovered snorkeling.
Barbados- Friendly people and historic old churches.
Puerto Rico -2 old spanish forts steeped in history.
St. Lucia- Mountainous and fields of Bananas
Jamaica- Best beer “Red Stripe”
Saint Martin- Visited the famous Nude Orient Beach.
St. Kitts- Playing golf besides the ocean and taking the scenic train ride.
I didn’t realize I had so many fond memories
I have touched on these islands lightly, enjoy and let’s see you at the world challenge.
Loved learning from your article.