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Into the Hato Caves

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8 years ago

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BY ALYSSA MAHADEO

The geological history of Curaçao began almost 100 years ago deep in the ocean. The oldest rock formations are largely volcanic upon which coral reefs began to form in many places and can still be seen today like we experienced at Shete Boca Park on our sightseeing tour.

Just minutes away from the Curaçao Airport is another sightseeing adventure to be experienced in the Hato Caves. These caves had a utilitarian purpose during the early days of the slave trade in Curaçao. Escaped slaves used them as hiding places, and lived in them for months at a time. Even before the arrival of Europeans and slaves, the Amerindian Arawaks used them for shelter, and left behind cave drawings, or petroglyphs, estimated at 1,500 years old. The Hato Caves are more than 300,000 years old and are one of the biggest and most prominent caves on the island of Curaçao.

As we embarked on our tour through the Hato Caves we made our way through the cactus gardens teaming with various types of plants indigenous to the desert like climate of Curaçao. Iguanas ran freely amongst the plants undisturbed, however our guide was careful to point out the various agriculture and their unique and sometimes deadly properties. Outside the cave, you can enjoy an informative walk through the Indian Trail and learn more about the flora and fauna as well as the Indian rock carvings that cannot be found anywhere else in the southern Caribbean.

Before you can enter the cave, you have to walk up 50 stairs towards the opening of the caves, which is most unorthodox considering most cave explorations are underground. The Hato Caves are well preserved and have a paved well illuminated pad through the cave to make sightseeing a much simpler task. Our guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the cave, reminding us that because they were the only commercial cave on the island, flash photography was only allowed in three caverns to protect the historic site and prevent any damage or deterioration to the walls of the cave.

Journeying into the Hato Caves you can find a labyrinth of stalagmites and stalactites of various shapes and sizes. The walls of the cave are very porous and so when it rains the chemical reaction of the acid rain through the stone causes the beautiful limestone formations. If you look closely you can see visions in the limestone formations most famously a statue of Mother Mary holding her child. Because the cave is above ground the air in the cave is very hot and humid and becomes progressively warmer the deeper you go. Most caves that tunnel underground are cold, and to make guests more comfortable on their tour the Hato Caves have fans and other ventilation aids placed throughout the cave. The Hato Caves are located above sea level, which is what makes them different from most.

Our guide accompanied us throughout the tour, leading the way and pointing out the unique properties of the Hato caves including the long nose bats that live in the cave, the pale and stony grey colour of the walls due to no exposure from the natural light, as well as beautiful limestone formations and a stagnant pool of water that gives off no sticky odour. The water pool in the cave gives of no scent because of the porous filter of the cave, filtering out any toxins and making the water clean and even drinkable.

Altogether there are six chambers to the Hato Caves they are an impressive public and family friendly sightseeing tour and their guides are very knowledgeable to help you become familiar with its historic beauty. After your tour, you can sit and relax with a cup of coffee on their terrace, or head onto your next experience of Curaçao’s nature, history and culture. The Hato Caves are open everyday of the week with tours running from 9am-4pm. Find out more on their website at www.hatocaves.com.

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Antigua & Barbuda Welcomes More Canadians as Air Canada Adds New Flights

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2 years ago

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October 10, 2022

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St. John’s, Antigua – The dual-island destination of Antigua & Barbuda is seeing an uptick in Canadian traffic just in time for the winter travel season. Beginning today, October 8th, a new offering of flights from Air Canada is expected to help realize a recovery to pre-pandemic airlift levels in the Canadian market.
The Air Canada flight arrived this afternoon carrying 106 passengers from Toronto and the aircraft was given a welcome back water cannon salute.  Passengers were also greeted by cultural dancers and music and small token welcome gifts.
“We are extremely pleased with Air Canada’s decision to both resume and increase service to our shores and look forward to extending our famous Antigua and Barbuda hospitality to our Canadian visitors,” said Colin James, Chief Executive Officer of The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. “We know many Canadians are more than ready for a vacation and we are equally ready to provide the relaxation and escape that Canadians have been craving.”
As noted, the rollout of the new service begins today with a single direct flight weekly from Toronto (YYZ) to St. John’s (ANU). Service will continue to ramp up to meet the traditional demand of the holiday season, with Air Canada forecasting the eventual operation of five weekly flights at peak traffic.
Travellers from Montreal looking to fly south for the winter can look forward to once-a-week direct flights (YUL to ANU) beginning December 23rd.
The return of Air Canada flights to Antigua & Barbuda comes in the wake of the destination’s latest travel advisory, which has lifted all COVID-19 restrictions for passengers arriving by air, yacht, and ferry. While a successful strategy of mass vaccinations and proactive public awareness campaigns has kept COVID-19 infection levels low, visitors are still encouraged to wear masks and practice social distancing in public spaces where crowds are likely to gather. You can read the latest travel advisory here.
“Over the course of the pandemic, Antigua and Barbuda has seen a monumental, joint effort involving both the government and industry stakeholders to make the destination as safe as it can be,” said Mr. James. “With that goal now realized and our Canadian friends set to return, we are extremely excited that our guests will once again be able to experience everything our home has to offer.”

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Gambling Regulations In Canada And The Caribbean: What You Need To Know

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2 years ago

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August 27, 2022

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There are several trusted licensing authorities that oversee land-based and online gambling in the Caribbean, and in Canada, it’s all overseen in each province by the local provincial government. You also have the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, which is situated on an Indian land reserve in Quebec.

This trusted licensing authority is independent of Canada, and it’s part of the Kahnawake Mohawk Territory government. At one time, it was the licensing authority in the whole of North America, prior to US states regulating online casino gambling. Here is a look at gambling regulations in Canadian and the Caribbean and what you need to know as a player.

Are online casinos in Canada licensed by the Canadian government?

In Canada, gambling at online casinos is legal, and the gambling operator that’s based in that province must be licensed by the local provincial government’s licensing agency. For example, in Ontario, gambling is monitored and regulated by iGaming Ontario, which is a subsidiary of AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario).

In other words, to legally operate an online casino in Ontario, an operator must have first obtained a license from iGaming Ontario. However, there’s still nothing stopping a foreign operator that’s based outside of Canadian borders from aiming their business toward Ontario citizens because they fall outside of Canadian jurisdiction. One of the other major licensing authorities that has issued licenses to hundreds of online casinos is the previously mentioned Kahnawake Gaming Commission.

Because the regulation and licensing of online casinos and other similar real money gambling sites is still relatively new in Canada, it’s why you will see that many of today’s best Ontario casino sites are licensed outside of Canada, by one or more other reputable licensing authorities, such as the UK Gambling Commission, the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority, or the Malta Gaming Authority.

How is online gambling regulated in the Caribbean?

There are several different gambling regulators/licensing authorities in the Caribbean, but these are often referred to as ‘rubber stamp’ licensing authorities. For example, you have the Directorate of Offshore Gaming in Antigua and Barbuda, the Anjouan Offshore Finance Authority in the Anjouan and Comoros Islands, and the Curaçao Ministry of Justice in Curaçao (the former Netherlands Antilles).

While not all online casinos that have obtained a license from one of these authorities can be classed as ‘rogue casinos’, the best thing to do would be to stick to playing at the sites that are licensed either by a provincial Canadian government licensing authority or by one of the others mentioned above (e.g., by the UK Gambling Commission – one of the most trusted online gambling regulators in the world).

Why sign up to a casino that’s licensed by a provincial Canadian government or the Malta Gaming Authority?

These reputable authorities don’t just hand out a license to any old operator that has the cash to buy one. They heavily vet their licensees and carry out the necessary due diligence prior to issuing a license. They have the best legal framework in place, and they only license the most trusted operators. Should an issue arise at a casino that’s licensed in one of these jurisdictions (which is highly unlikely), you would have the proper legal backing that you, as a player, deserve. In other words, your complaint or issue will not go unanswered and will be resolved within a relatively short period of time.

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11 Fun Vacation Ideas That Will Keep You Entertained

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2 years ago

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August 11, 2022

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When it comes to taking a vacation, many people think they need to go somewhere exotic to have a good time. This is not always the case! Plenty of fun vacation ideas will keep you entertained without breaking the bank. This blog post will discuss 11 different vacations you can take without spending a lot of money. So whether you are looking for an adventure or want to relax on the beach, we have you covered!

Hiking and camping

If you are looking for an outdoor adventure, hiking and camping are great options. There are many trails all over the world that you can explore. And if you camp in an RV or tent, it will be even cheaper! This is a great way to get in touch with nature and see fantastic sights.

 

Try your hand at gambling

Gambling doesn’t always mean going to a casino—there are many different ways to gamble, and not all require money. You can play card games or bet on sports games with friends. You may wager on sports, horse races, and other events from anywhere with just a computer or mobile device and an internet connection. You should give it a chance now that single-game betting in Ontario is legal in different provinces. Numerous online betting firms provide bonuses and incentives, and the whole idea of gambling is to have fun.

 

Visit a national park

Another excellent option for those who love the outdoors is to visit a national park. There are parks throughout the United States and in many other countries. This is a great way to see some of the most beautiful places on earth without spending a lot of money. Many parks offer free or discounted admission days, so check out before going.

 

Take a road trip

A road trip is another great vacation idea that won’t cost you an arm and a leg. You can explore different parts of your country or even take an international trip! Just be sure to plan your route and budget accordingly. And don’t forget to pack snacks and games for the car ride.

 

Have a staycation

If you are short on time or money, a staycation is always an option. This is where you spend your vacation at home or in a nearby city. There are many things to do on a staycation, such as visiting local attractions, going out to eat, and seeing movies. You can also use this time to relax at home and catch up on some much-needed rest.

 

Take an art class

One fun activity you can do on vacation is taking an art class. This is a great way to try something new and connect with your creative side. You can find classes for all different types of art, such as painting, pottery, and photography. And you may even be able to find free or discounted classes!

 

Visit a museum

Museums are another great option for those who want to learn on vacation. There are museums for different topics, such as history, art, and science. Many museums also offer discounts or free days, so be sure to check that out before you go.

 

See a live show

Seeing a live show is an excellent option if you are looking for some entertainment on vacation. Depending on your interests, you can see a play, musical, or concert. This is a great way to experience some cultures and see something new.

 

Visit a theme park

Theme parks are always a popular vacation destination. And there are many different ones to choose from all over the world. But you don’t have to spend a lot of money to have fun at a theme park. There are often discounts and promotions available if you plan ahead.

 

Take a cooking class

One last fun vacation idea is taking a cooking class. This is a great way to learn about new cuisines and get some hands-on experience in the kitchen. You can find cooking classes for all different types of food, such as Italian, Chinese, and Indian cuisine. And you may even be able to find free or discounted classes!

 

Visit a winery

If you’re looking for a relaxing vacation, visiting a winery is a great option. You can spend your days touring different vineyards, sampling wines, and learning about the wine-making process. And many wineries offer discounts or complimentary tastings if you visit during certain times of the year.

 

 

These are just a few of the many fun vacation ideas that you can try. So get out there and start exploring! And don’t forget to have fun!

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