No comments about Fantastic journey: Thelma Peters takes sabbatical in the Caribbean.

3 comments about Diving in the Caribbean.

1. "Diving in the Caribbean" is a gorgeous guide to over 100 underwater attractions in 17 of the most splendid sites in the Caribbean. Veteran underwater photographer and author Lawson Wood takes us from Bermuda and the Bahamas to Belize and Mexico's Caribbean coastline. He not only writes an informed and concise essay on each locale, he provides a side-bar that lists such helpful details as Best Time to Go, Climate, Getting There, Special Interest, Accommodations, and Dive Operations. Wood's photos are large, clear, and plentiful. Some pictures are even double-paged (e.g., giant stingrays at Grand Cayman, a stretch of craggy coastline at Dutch Antilles, and a school of tiny bluehead wrasse patroling resplendid reef crests). Wood is such a fine photographer that I wish he had included more exterior shots of the islands and dive locations! This handsome volume is a commendable purchase.



2. With more than 250 photographs and maps, this book will give you plenty of information about one of the world's hottest diving destinations. From the Gulf of Mexico to the Windward islands, passing through Cuba, the Bahamas and Puerto Rico, Belize, Bonaire and Curacao, you will get to know the best dive sites in the Caribbean, with indication on the best time to go, how to get there, the climate, accommodation and dive operations and useful emergency information. The pictures, by underwater photographer and author Lawson Wood, are extraordinary and there is also a well-written description of the islands and diving locations, and although the book is a little expensive, it is worhty, specially if you are a snorkeler a scuba diver or just love the sea. Go for it!



3. When I saw this book in a local store,I bough it immidiatley.
   It was so great that I have no other book of such beauty.
   Although I know that this is a diving guide and not an overblown photo book,I bought it mostly for the images.
   It is done in a very aesthetic way,accompanied by some short facts about the animals and where they usually live. Although not as species-rich as some other seas of the world,The Caribbean is a very fascinating area with all of it`s shapes in the reefs. There are even some "personalities" among the fishes.
   The photographs are capturing both cuteness and humour,majestic reefscapes,and just sheer beauty,like the stingrays.
   The Caribbean is definitley a very colourfull marine area,and the largest coral reef of the northern half of the world.
   Although I do not dive myself,I find this book very helpfull,because it is telling you about the temperature of water and air,when to go,special interests,etc.
   And,as a sample from the book,here are the ten golden rules for Diving:

   *Avoid touching coral with your hands,fins,tanks,etc.

   *Do not wear gloves

   *Never stand on coral

   *Do NOT collect any marine life

   *Avoid overweighting and work on your buoyancy control

   *Do not feed fish alien foods

   *Make sure your equipment consoles to not drag the coral

   *Do not use spear guns

   *Do not molest marine life

   *Do not climb inside barrel sponges

   *Through your reactions,consider your impact on aquatic life

   *Report any environmental disturbances of destructions of any divesite
   So,that is why I like this book so much. It combines the practical elements with the artistic.
   To the ones interested in diving,buy it for the facts.
   They are certainly good to know.
   To naturalists,buy it for the photographs. They are quite inspiring and attempting. Among my favorites are giant sponges,
   stingrays,groupers,moray eels,and anemones.
   Now,dive in and get your own marine life adventure!

1 comments about Women in Argentina.

1. This book is an interesting introduction to women's issues in Argentina for feminists, and an insightful examination of the relationships between home, country, nation, and literature.

1 comments about Knopf MapGuide: Havana (Knopf Mapguides).

1. It's hard to get much out of this book, which is really a street guide to the various districts in Havana, until you actually get down there. And even then, there is so much to see and feel, you don't really feel like looking at a book.

5 comments about Paradise Found: The people, restaurants and recipes of St. Barthélemy.

1. As a long time visitor to the island, I found the book accurately captures not only the cuisine, but the feel of the island...the blend of french and caribbean influences creates some memorable meals, which the book will allow you to duplicate (well, sorta...LOL) in your kitchen at home.It's a great way to keep memories of St Barts alive, and a wonderful introduction to the island for a first time visitor.



2. St Barts is about great food and this book completely encapsulates the essence of the island cuisine. You want some incredible recipes?. Then get this book and bon appetit



3. This book reveals St. Barthelemy in a unique way. The Brooks' exceptional photographs & revealing interviews with resident restaurant owners present a compelling case. "Paradise Found" is in a class by itself--more than a guide, more than a cookbook. For those who already know the island, it keeps the flame alive between trips. For those contemplating a first trip, it will give a feel for the people, the marvelous cuisine and the ambiance of a special piece of paradise.



4. St. Barts is very dear to my husband and I, but more so for me. It holds a very special place in my life. It has offered me peace, contentment, a chance to regroup, recharge. We have placed our copy of Paradise Found on our coffee table at home. Robert and Kara have produced a book that is both a recipe book and a history of St. Barts. The book takes me back there whenever I look at it, read it. They have captured not only the essence of St. Barts, but the people that make St. Barts what it is. The stories are fascinating. The photographs are breathtaking and when I look at the photo on the front cover, I can smell the ocean, hear the ocean, feel the sun, feel St. Barts. I have tried several of the recipes and so far none have failed. As a "wanna be" gourmet chef, this is quite the accomplishment ! We have been to most of the restaurants featured and have now visited those we hadn't previously. This is a beautiful, wonderful book and if you love St. Barts, you'll love this book. If you've not been to St. Barts? This will make you go !

   Debby Best




5. This book is a wonderful blend of terrific recipes and an inside look at the beautiful island of St. Barths. The photos are breathtaking and the recipes delicious! If you haven't already been to the island, you'll definitely want to put it on your travel list after reading this.

No comments about Caribbean Islands Handbook: With the Bahamas (Footprint Caribbean Islands Handbook).

No comments about Fodor's Bahamas 2009: plus Turks & Caicos (Fodor's Gold Guides).

No comments about Bahamas '96, The: The Complete Guide Including the Turks and Caicos Islands (Fodor's Foreign).

1 comments about Diving and Snorkeling Guide to Cuba (Pisces Diving and Snorkeling Guides).

1. The first thing that struck me when a copy of this book arrived through my letterbox was how thin it was. This is a paper-back book measuring 9" x 6" (23cm x 15 cm) containing 92 pages. With 20 of those pages taken up with such information as; Title of the book (again), publisher's information, contents, acknowledgements, how to use the book, overview (history) of Cuba, geography, transportation, sightseeing, entertainment, index, etc, etc, there is precious little room left for the diving information - for which we purchased the book in the first place.
   
   For much of the content we are then treated to one specific dive site per page each of which is headed with the following information; Typical depth range, Typical current condition, Expertise required, Access, Site No. After this we are treated to a short dialogue which, in many cases, fails to describe the site adequately and in some cases is exceedingly short. And the shorter the dialogue, the bigger the picture which takes up the rest of the page.
   
   Of course the underwater pictures are all of typical Caribbean flora and fauna and the many species of available are almost all mentioned (somewhere!) in order to pad out the text.
   
   In short, could have done much better!
   
   NM

No comments about Diving and Snorkeling Guide to the Best Caribbean Diving (Lonely Planet Diving & Snorkeling Guides).