Reviews (10)

interesting pictures
I thought it would have more of a written description, not just pictures

Beautiful
This book is such a great buy.The photographs are amazing; filled with rich textures and colors. If you are looking to expand your art library, I would definitely recommend this book.

captured complexity
I have had the opportunity to travel in Cuba on more than one occasion and am profoundly drawn to the people and the environment.Though I often times feel that photographic books do not adequately capture the essence of "real" places, I have found this book to be descriptive beyond words. The photographs tell a story of collapse and revival -- of time lost -- of hope -- of battle -- of corrosion -- ofendurance....Havana is alluring and repulsive in the same glance.Few photographers can capture such complexity in a single image.This book is amazing. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Architecture    2. Caribbean & West Indies - General    3. Cuba    4. Description and travel    5. Havana    6. Havana (Cuba)    7. Individual Photographer    8. Photo Essays    9. Photography    10. Pictorial works    11. Subjects & Themes - Travel - General    12. Subjects & Themes - Travel - World/General    13. Photographs: collections    14. Photography / General    15. Places & peoples: general interest   

Reviews (5)

don't leave home without it
I took a hastily-arranged last minute trip to Cabos, not having had any vacations in 20 years -- and not having much money.I knew we needed expert advice fast, so, trusting Fodor's, we got this book. We ate exclusively at restaurants recommended by this book (we had a car rental.) We made sure we hit both the most expensive place recommended by the book and the least expensive joint that they recommended.Both were equally highlights of the trip.The rest of the time, we ate at recommended places that were towards the lower end of the price scale.We were never disappointed! At Macambo's and Ahorcado, I even took pictures of the food.These were the kinds of places that you would never find by wandering around the tourist area -- let's just say they were "out of the way" and a few a little out of the comfort zone of some tourists.Are we ever glad we took that book! A piece of advice -- take more cash, in small bills, than you think you'll need.If you need emergency medical care like I did (not Montezuma's Revenge, BTW) you'll have to pay hundreds in cash.Far fewer places take credit cards than do in the US. And by all means, take this book. They know what they're talking about.

Los Cabos Guide very helpful
We went to Cabo in February 2006 and found this guide very, very helpful.I don't know what other guides are available, but this one is packed with accurate info (if just slightly out of date as it is a year or two old).It omits a couple of new restaurants that have recently opened but is otherwise very accurate.The recommendations of activities, hotels, places to eat and things to see were spot-on.I think it's worth getting if, like us, you do not know the area.Also, it is small and lightweight and you can just stick it in your pocket or purse.We went to a few restaurants we never would have found but for this guide, and generally they were better than what our hotel had recommeded.

Great Gift
I gave this to my brother who is going on his Honeymoon to Cabo.A great resource to bring along, especially if you cannot access the internet. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Travel - Foreign    2. Mexico    3. Travel & holiday guides    4. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies    5. Travel    6. Caribbean & West Indies    7. Travel Guides   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Essays & Travelogues    3. General    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign   

Reviews (2)

Actually is the only recent guide from Jamaica
I bought this guide because is the only guide from Jamaica published in 2006. Not bad, I haven't gone to Jamaica yet but it has been useful for planning my tryp. I think that I will take some of the advices that I've read.

Ridiculously out of date
While one can expect a guidebook to be somewhat out of date, this one is so out of date it is ridiculous.Published in January 2006, one would expect the information to at least be accurate as of mid-2005.However, that is far from the case.
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Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Guidebooks    3. Jamaica    4. Reference - Guides (General)    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (1)

One of the most definitive books on dives sites for Cayman!
Lawson has continued with the attention to detail that he began in the 1st Edition with the best guide to dives sites for the Caymans.Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Scuba & Snorkeling    3. Skin And Scuba Diving    4. Sports    5. Sports & Recreation    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Water Sports    8. Sports & Recreation / Water Sports   

Reviews (8)

Wrong side of history as usually for the intellectuals
This is an awesome book which helps the reader understand why intellectuals always seem to be on the wrong side of history.They loved Communism even when it was obvious that Lenin & Stalin were exterminating hoards of people!They are defective in their thinking and they stick to it.The author has a quote at the beginning of the book."A GREAT DEAL OF INTELLEGENCE CAN BE INVESTED IN IGNORANCE WHEN THE NEED FOR ILLUSION IS DEEP."(Saul Bellows) .This book walks you through the 'needs' that these intellectuals seem to have which continually seems to cause them to deny the stark realities around them & cling to their 'ideologies'.I am so glad I read this book as I just laugh now when I hear so much of what is on the news.I GET IT!

As pertinent today as it was 25 years ago...
25 years ago, "Political Pilgrims" documented beyond any doubt the willing self-deception of intellectuals in love with the totalitarian regimes in Cuba, China, the Soviet Union and East Germany.The debate no longer rages over whether these countries were "freer" than their counterparts in the West.They aren't.What hasn't changed, however, is the continued willingness of intellectuals to find paradise anywhere but in the US.
Take me by the hand and let's go strolling in wonderland
Hollander puts the selective moral outrage and selective acceptance of evidence of the Left on parade as he follows these blinkered one's through the various Potemkin Villages of the Totalitarians, from the October revolution forward into most of the 20th century.Smug arrogance knows no political party or religious faith, no gender, race or sexual preference, it seems to be evenly spread among us.In this instance the highly developed capacity for self-deception of the Left is on trial and an amusing trial at that.Their tortured explanations of the intellectually unexplainable are a fictive of mankind's marvelous ability "to transform things to the liking of his desires".Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th century    2. Attitudes    3. Communist countries    4. Foreign public opinion    5. History    6. Intellectual History    7. Intellectuals    8. Political activity    9. Socialism    10. Travel   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Central America    3. Special Interest - Adventure    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Netherlands Antilles    7. Travel & holiday guides   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel    3. Travel - Foreign    4. Travel Guides    5. Bahamas    6. Travel & holiday guides    7. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Reviews (1)

Brief but good.
Caribbean Cruising does not delve into any topics very deeply but does provide a good general overview of cruising the caribbean.Good book for getting the wheels turning. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Boating - General    2. Caribbean & West Indies    3. Caribbean Area    4. Guidebooks    5. Reference - Guides (General)    6. Sailing - General    7. Sports    8. Sports & Recreation    9. Yachting   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Caribbean Area    3. Guidebooks    4. Sailing - Navigation    5. Travel    6. Travel - Foreign    7. Yachting    8. Caribbean islands    9. Travel & holiday guides   

Reviews (3)

Helpful snapshot of Haiti
This book is helping me to understand the situation of Haiti in historical context.Its information, format and pictures strike me as slightly out of date but it certainly will give you a background even if not covering the last few years.Since there aren't a lot of books like this one about Haiti I would recommend this for anyone who wants to know more about it but does not want to read a long in-depth tome.

Right on focus!
You'll be fascinated, impressed, depressed, and delighted with Arthur's succinct introduction to the people, culture, and history of a small nation so very close to U.S. shores and U.S. history, yet so very far from our thoughts. From the joyful cover image to photos of brightly-painted buses to the clear maps and tips for travelers, Arthur delivers more than promised--as does Haiti herself. You'll come back for more, once you taste this brief introduction to the famed Hotel Oloffson, tap-taps and Vodou, rara and compa and rasin music, Sweet Micky & Boukman Eksperyans & Tabou Combo, the "little church" and "the flood," peasant movements and death squads, creole pigs and deforestation, poverty and structural adjustment, Toussaint Louverture & the slave revolution, the Duvalier dictatorship and the Tonton Macoutes, poetry and paintings. This book came just in time to enlighten & amaze students in my class on the prize-winning works of Haitian-American author Edwidge Danticat. We all give this little book a two-thumbs-up!

Up-to-the-minute Information for Scholars and the Curious
Sometimes it's hard to be an American, and to look out at what we've done to the rest of the world.Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies - General    2. Europe - General    3. Guidebooks    4. Haiti    5. History    6. History - General History    7. Travel    8. Cultural studies    9. Economics, Finance, Business and Industry    10. Historical geography    11. POLITICS & GOVERNMENT   

Reviews (4)

Questionable???
This book was published by the great great great grandson of the author, Aaron Smith.In 1822 A. Smith was captured by a crew of Spanish pirates in the Caribbean Sea.The pirates designated him their navigator and surgeon, and he sailed with them for a number of months before being captured by an English warship and taken to London.Smith then was tried at the Old Bailey Court and wrote this book in 1824.I read the book and highlighted details I found intriguing.But throughout the book I wondered if Smith didn't exaggerate the pirates' abuse and torture in order to save his own hide.(If he was the pirates' navigator and surgeon, why in Heaven's name would they torture him?) I think the book is a farfetched fantasy on the part of Aaron Smith.And I wonder if he ever even went to sea.His great great great grandson does not explain where he got the original manuscript and whether he had it authenticated by scientists to see if it was written in 1824. And he does not mention going to the Old Bailey and looking up the court records. I wonder if this book is a hoax! I suggest that instead readers read THE BONDWOMAN'S NARRATIVE by Hannah Crafts, an autobiographical novel about a slave woman. The editor, Henry Louis Gates, Jr., has 75 pages about the scientists he contacted and the tests they ran to authenticate his manuscript. My suggestion to readers is to look for bibliographies, indices, appendices, photos, etc. then judge for yourself whether the facts within a book are factual or fantasy. Some modern novelists write fiction then in the back of the book explain the truth that the fiction is based on.A good example of that type of book is A Diary of a Slave Girl, Ruby Jo.The storyline combines slaves with pirates, and the author explains much of the history at that time with text and photos.

A Fine Account of Those Most Scurilous Pirates
Aaron Smith was an English sailor who was captured by an unidentified Spanish pirate off of Cuba in 1822.The book chronicles his harrowing ordeal as he is forced by the pirate captain into service as a lookout, navigator, doctor and translator.In constant fear for his life, Smith is perpetually torn between his morality to his fellow man and his undaunted will to survive.Graphic in it's depiction and obviously meant (at least to a degree) as a vindication of his actions, "Atrocities" is a gripping recounting of how incredibly harsh conditions among the pirates could be and the indomidable spirit of a man who refused to forfeit his ethics soley to save his own life.Powerful and engrossing.

a gratifying read
There is much to be said for this account of Aaron Smith's harrowing experience among pirates who terrorized the seas during the early nineteenth century. Captured and forced to work as their navigator, Aaron walks the reader through his daily activities and the many thoughts and feelings that he experienced during his ordeal. His observations, internal and external, are keen. His descriptions seem winningly quaint, the way only true historical writing can. He also provokes the willing reader to examine a very uncomfortable and 'timeless' truth: if a captive does not placate his criminal tormentors, he will be killed; if he placates them too much, he may be identified with them and tried as an accomplice when rescued (apprehended?) Mr Smith takes us to scary places in both his world and ours. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 19th Century World History    2. 19th century    3. Biography    4. Caribbean Area    5. Criminology    6. Cuba    7. Great Britain    8. History    9. History - General History    10. History: World    11. Maritime History    12. Modern - 19th Century    13. Naval History (General)    14. Pirates    15. Prisoners    16. World - General    17. Biography: general    18. History / United States / 19th Century    19. Smith, Aaron    20. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    21. c 1800 to c 1900   

Reviews (15)

Best advice, although a little out of date
My husband and I just returned from a 16 day trip to Belize, and this was definitely our favorite guidebook on the trip! We bought this book as well as Fodor's Belize, and together they were the perfect combo. The Moon book was right-on for budget travelers who want to be more than a tourist--the authors' sense of humor & interest in getting to experience new cultures really made the book. We used the local buses for transportation and tried to stay in places under $50 US (which isn't hard in Belize!), and this book was right-on with recommendations and descriptions. The only negative was that it is getting a little more out of date in regard to lodging, restaurants, and prices, but that's why we bought the Fodor's book as well (Fodor's Belize 2007 edition). Overall, this book is 5 stars, and because of it, we had an awesome trip!

great handbook
i found this handbook absolutely fantastic during my 4-weeks' travel through belize! the authors really know their stuff. every recommendation was great. i found it much better compared to the lonley-planet non-up-to-date version.

An Award-Winning Guidebook
It's fitting that this 6th edition of Moon Handbooks Belize has won the prestigious Lowell Thomas Award granted by the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) in the Best Guidebook category. Joshua Berman has done a splendid job adapting and updating a previous edition by Chicki Mallan - Moon Handbooks Belize has been reborn! It's a state-of-the-art example of Moon's new book design, and you won't find a better guide to Belize than this. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Caribbean Area - History    3. Central America    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Travel Guides   

Reviews (3)

Irresponsible!
I must say I agree with Cramer when it comes to the wealth of Cuban culture.However I have a few concerns about this book.A most shocking part of this book is what is not in it.While it is true that Cuban citizens have no right to bear arms since all weapons were confiscated at the start of the revolution, gun violence is still a factor to consider in Cuba.Consider the case of Joachim L�vschall a Danish student learning Spanish in Cuba who was shot in the back and killed by Cuban state security with an AK-47...In addition, I did not care to hear about how JoAnne Chesimard aka "Asaka Shakur" a fugitive from justice, convicted of killing a NJ state trooper, had learned to adapt to life in Cuba.By sharing the story of Ms. Chesimard Cramer lends credence to her "story" of persecuted victim.In addition, Cramer says he will be balanced but by mentioning the story of Ms. Chesimard an allegedly former political prisoner in the US and not mentioning the plight of dissidents in Cuba (such as Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet... his commitment falls through. The US Department of State has suggestions not mentioned in Culture Shock for those wanting to visit Cuban schools and universities...

A Great Read
I bought this book after I fell in love with the Buena Vista Social Club series and thus Cuba.It is difficult to find unbiased reporting on life in Cuba because most people have very strong feelings about this island.Cramer carefully considers all opinions but actually talks to the people who live there.He doesn't just interview those who love Castro -- in fact, most think Castro should step down.He interviews people who feel that Cuba is racist and those who feel that the "social experiment" has eliminated racism.The book is very intellectually honest which is rare any work but especially one on Cuba.Cramer demonstrates why he is horserace betting's most effective writer.He can teach while he tells amazing stories. Gain insight *before* you go!
Culture Shock Cuba really did it for me. Any imaginable situation you get yourself in while visiting Cuba is mentioned. Coming from a Northern European culture there was just a lot for me to understand, if I didn'twant to behave like a total weirdo. It is an easy and fun to read book Iabsolutely recommend. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 20th Century Description And Travel    2. Business Etiquette    3. Caribbean & West Indies    4. Caribbean & West Indies - General    5. Cuba    6. Culture    7. Customs & Traditions    8. Etiquette    9. National characteristics, Cuba    10. National characteristics, Cuban    11. Social life and customs    12. Travel    13. Travel - Foreign    14. Caribbean islands    15. Cultural studies    16. Customs & folklore    17. Travel & holiday guides    18. Travel writing   

Reviews (1)

Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Turks & Caicos
I purchased this book after having vacationed in the Turks and Caicos Islands for 10 days, and dived 16 of the dive sites mentioned in the book...some of them twice.The descriptions are very precise, as I was able to compare the authors comments with my own that I recorded in my dive log.It's not the first and only Lonely Planet Diving and Snorkeling Guide that I own, nor will it be the last. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Scuba & Snorkeling    3. Swimming    4. Travel    5. Travel - Foreign    6. Sub-aqua swimming    7. Travel & holiday guides    8. Turks & Caicos Islands   

Reviews (5)

The Only Book on Cozumel We Found
Great reference for the island of Cozumel with a lot of detailed hints (reads like someone's diary).And as far as we've found, the author is right: Cozumel is usually a small blip in books dedicated almost solely to Cancun (or the entire Yucatan Peninsula).If you're spending more than one day on the island, definitely worth it.

Still Worth GettingGreat Book
I tend to disagree with the most recent review of this book.I have been a LONG TIME part time resident of the Island, since 1987. I purchased this book for use by my guests, and have actually used it myself.I agree there are a few editorial errors, and some just barely out of date information, but 95%% of this book is valuable information, with out of the way dining options, that would seldom be found on the internet, and small shops who also do not find their way to the internet or printed guidebooks.Guidebooks are a difficult thing to keep current to the minute, as by the time it prints there are already changes. Used in conjuction with the Cozumel Can Do map, this is a terriffic resource.

Full of factual errors
I have been a Cozumel resident for five years.I had the opportunity to view this guide book last week for the first time.While it appears to those who are unfamiliar with the island as a wonderful resource, buyer beware.There are numerous errors in the book which include but are not limited to: incorrect phone numbers, website addresses, e-mail addresses, improper spellings of establishments, and establishments that no longer exist...one in particular has not existed in over five years!
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Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Mexico    3. Reference - General    4. Travel    5. Travel - General    6. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    7. Travel / Reference   

Reviews (2)

A Beautiful, Helpful Book
Are you trying to find the perfect spot to vacation, forget your troubles and lose yourself in a world all your own?If you are you simply must have this wonderful book and experience in word and pictures the world of the Caribbean.
Fantasy Island
I ordered Caribbean Escapes and was surprised at what I found. I have never seen a publication in an oversized/ coffee table format that focused on high end travel. There's foders, frommers, and lonely planet but they are small and ment to bring along after you figure out where you're going and where you'll stay. Due to its size (11'x13') this one is obviously for trip planning prior to travel. The others also give details on budget dives to luxury resorts. Caribbean Escapes focused on what I was looking for which is indepth detail and experience based information on the best travel options in the islands. This one is for planning before the trip and tells you about the island and then gives you information through articles to pick your hotel. It also recommends the top restaurants and activities as well. It's perfect for those who want to figure out where to go and will spend a few schekels on their vacation. The photos are over the top too. Very impressive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. General    3. Travel    4. Travel - General    5. Caribbean islands    6. TRAVEL & HOLIDAY    7. Travel / General   

Reviews (3)

interesting but not thorough
I also bought their guides for new mexico amd arizona, and really didin't need this guide after all--it touches the high points in each state, but in western kansas, e.g., it didn't
My First Choice
While on the road (Las Vegas, Arizona and New Mexico) I reviewed three USA guides (Fodor's, Frommer's and Let's Go) and, for those for whom money is not a primary issue,my first choice would be this guide. The best
easily the best guide of its kind. indispensible for anybody doing traveling of any kind. a must buy. detailed information on all kinds of sites of interest. maps are helpful. very comprehensive. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. 1981-    2. Caribbean & West Indies    3. Description    4. Description and travel    5. Guide-books    6. Guidebooks    7. Travel    8. Travel - United States    9. Travel Guides - U.S.    10. United States    11. United States - General    12. Travel & holiday guides    13. Travel / United States / General    14. USA   

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Reference - Cruise Guides    3. Travel    4. Travel - Foreign    5. Travel / Caribbean & West Indies   

Reviews (1)

A beautiful book, lovingly rendered
This is a rich book filled with gorgeous photography, detailed history, and cultural details of this often overlooked island. It is hard to classify this work as it is so much more than a coffee table book. It is a love letter to an island. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Caribbean & West Indies    2. Travel - Foreign