Posts tagged Melting Pot
History and Culture of Mexico
Oct 27th
Located at the southern areas of North America, Mexico is teeming with a vast array of apparent contradictions. Its ancient historical landmarks are in full view of the seeming hustle and bustle of the big city, a teeming melting pot of people from all walks of life. With a unique mix of the traditional and the modern, Mexico is a result of the influx of external innovations and ideas foreign in origin, but converted and modified into a unique culture inherently their own, and is always a favorite destination spot for tourists and travellers alike, whether enjoying themselves in Mexico’s finest beaches, exploring ancient Aztec ruins, or sightseeing and enjoying the Mexican nightlife.
Most of Mexico is situated within what is known as Middle America, lying south of the United States of America, and northwest to Guatemala and Belize. It is surrounded on its west coast by the Pacific Ocean, and the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea on its east coast. Mexico is also crossed by the two mountain ranges Sierra Madre Oriental, and Sierra Madre Occidental.
History
The earliest records of Mexican history start with the beginnings of the Olmec civilization around 1200 BC, in the Veracruz and Tabasco lowlands. They were closely followed by the Zapotecs in 300 BC, and the Mayans in 250 AD, the latter of which became the first of the greatest flourishing civilizations in Mexico.
In 1519, Spanish conquistadors led by Herman Cortes arrived in VeraCruz, conquering the then-thriving Aztecs, who had erroneously believed the Spaniards to be their god Quetzalcóatl. By 1605, only 1 million out of original 25 million natives remained, a victim of the Spaniards’ harsh rule and diseases.
For the next three centuries, Spanish-born colonists were the nobility in what was now called New Spain. However, Napoloeon Bonaparte’s occupation of Spain resulted in a fight for control between the Spanish-born colonists, and the criollos – people born in New Spain to Spanish parents. The beginnings of New Spain’s rebellion and desire for independence began on September 16, 1810, but it would take eleven years of fighting before Spain would grant Mexico its independence.
Over the years, Mexico has seen small yet continuous growth in its economy, although gaps still remain between the rich and the poor. Currently, the government is trying to solve the income inequality and advocate the need for more infrastructure and improvement over obsolete industry policies.
Culture
Mexican culture is the result of centuries of tradition, violently supplanted and enforced in some cases, and peacefully observed in others. Spain has had a major prevailing influence over Mexico, notably in religion. Mexico is predominantly Roman Catholic, and are known for religious festivities including the Day of the Dead and offerings to the Lady of Guadalupe – both using a combination of devout Christian and pagan practices, a legacy of Mexico’s history of injecting Christian themes into pagan customs by their former rulers. Mother’s Day is a major holiday, and globo (homemade hot air balloons) races are a Mexican pastime.
Panama Islands
Oct 21st
Panama Land Panama is a country rich in natural resources, history and culture. The Panama islands, rainforests and mountains have fascinated tourists from across the world. There is much to explore in the country and take home memories that are beautiful as well as precious. It is not surprising that most visitors consider settling down here. The people are friendly and the social culture is a melting pot, ever welcoming. Your clearest images of Panama may be of those that you have seen on the series of the popular American reality show, ‘Survivor’. And thus it wouldn’t be surprising that the Panama islands are what interest you the most.
If you look at the map of Panama you will find that it is a virtual land bridge between North America and South America. The North Pacific Ocean lies on the west and the Caribbean Sea to the east of the country. Most of the Panama islands were formed due to volcanic activity. There are many islands here and while some are inhabited there are many that are still untouched by the human population or civilization. Some of the top Panama islands that you shouldn’t miss out on include the following:
The San Blas Islands: Located to the north east of the mainland; these are amongst the most popular islands in the country. They should be on top of your list of places to visit in Panama. There are over 200 islands here, only half of which are named. About 30 of the San Blas islands are made of corals and a treasure in themselves. You can take short a short flight off the mainland to arrive here. Travel from one part of the island to the other may be by boats or by short flights. The San Blas islands are also home to the Kunas, an indigenous tribe. For a holiday that promises spectacular natural beauty away from the busy cities, San Blas is the place for you. You can enjoy diving, snorkeling, kayaking and fishing in this area.
Colon Island: Located in the Bocas del Toro region, the island is the largest amongst the archipelago of islands. It is one of the country’s biggest tourist attractions and offers its visitors the beauty of an island and the high life of the mainland. You can enjoy some of the country’s finest restaurants, discotheques and hotels. The island also has a strong boating community. While you are here, don’t forget to visit the other islands, which are just a water taxi ride away.
Pearl Islands: The Pearl islands are located about 50 miles from Panama City, the capital of the country. Most of these islands are uninhabited but are accessible by boat. You could plan to stay at the Contadora Island, amongst the largest of the Pearl Islands. It has some great hotels, fine restaurants and offers duty free shopping. It has 13 beautiful beaches for you to enjoy and relax on. Apart from the water sports that you can enjoy, birdwatching in this area is quite famous, especially on the Pacheca Island.
Boca Brava Island: The Island is located in the Gulf of Chirqui. The national marine park, Parque Nacional Marino Golfo de Chiriqui, is on it. This a wonderful place to enjoy a quiet holiday. And it is especially great if you enjoy diving, snorkeling and other non-motorized water sports. With Boca Brava Island as your base you can also explore some uninhabited islands such as the Saino and Las Ventanas.
The islands of Panama, in both the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea offer you a terrific experience. However for diving, scuba diving and deep sea fishing the Pacific waters are amongst the best the world has to offer.
