If You"ve Found it Hard To Find Souvenir Spoons , This is The Place For You!
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 STERLING SOUVENIR SPOON STATE OF CALIFORNIA 5453  US $59.99
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 Vintage Silverplate Souvenir Spoon London Coat of Arms US $9.95
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 Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon El Paso Texas US $19.95
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 Jacksonville Florida Vintage Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $24.95
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 Vintage Red Lake Canada Sterling Silver and Enamel Souvenir Spoon US $11.00
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 Vintage Oregon Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon US $10.49
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 Paye Baker Lucky Indian Swastika Milwaukee WI Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon US $22.50
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 Silver souvenir san Diego spoon US $9.99
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 Silver souvenir Massachusetts spoon US $9.99
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 Silver souvenir Rolex spoon US $9.99
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 Silver souvenir Japan spoon US $14.99
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 Sterling Spoon 1934 Century Of Progress Worlds Fair Various Bldgs US $33.91
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 Oklahoma State Capitol Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon US $19.99
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 Miami Florida Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon US $19.99
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 Mexico 800 Silver Souvenir Spoon US $19.99
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 STERLING SOUVENIR SPOON HIGH ROCK SPRING SARATOGA NY US $44.00
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 Sterling Souvenir Spoon Anchorage Alaska w Eagle US $25.00
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 800 Silver Souvenir Spoon Venice San Marco Lion 8g 45L US $19.99
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 Sterling Silver State Capitol Atlanta Georgia Spoon 1900 US $65.00
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 4 Detroit Harbor Michigan Souvenir Spoon US $33.95
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 Esccelsior Springs Mo Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon US $59.99
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 March Flower Sterling 6 Souvenir Spoon US $68.00
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 Philadelphia Pa Sterling Silver 4 Souvenir Spoon US $24.95
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 Gecco Lizard Jacksonville Fl Sterling Souvenir 6 Spoon US $85.00
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 East St Louis Il High School Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $40.00
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 Vintage Wallace Sterling silver Ft Dearborn 3 Souvenir spoon US $27.99
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 55 Arizona Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon w Motif US $99.99
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 16 Sterling Souvenir small spoons 175 grams All marked US $132.50
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 Washington DC Capitol bldg Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $46.00
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 Atlantic City NJ Steel Pier Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $29.95
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 Salt Lake City Utah 6 Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon US $40.00
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 Pasadena California 21g Sterling Souvenir 5 1 2 Spoon US $63.00
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 Minnesota 1898 Sterling Silver 5 1 2 Souvenir Spoon US $55.00
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 Moberly Mo Central Church Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $48.00
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 Concord Mass Sterling Souvenir Spoon The Minute Man US $29.95
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 Capitol Building Washington DC Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $29.95
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 Boston Bunker Hill 4 Revere Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $38.00
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 1905 Strawberry 6 Sterling Flower Souvenir Spoon US $55.00
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 Yreka California 6 Sterling Flower Souvenir Spoon US $59.95
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 Luray Caverns Virginia cut Out Handle 4 1 4 Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $29.95
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 Petoskey Michigan 4 Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $29.95
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 Balance Rock Garden Of The Gods Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $35.00
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 Washington Monument DC Sterling Souvenir 4 Spoon US $24.95
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 Philadelphia Pa Liberty Bell Open Handle 3 1 2 Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $24.95
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 January 6 Sterling Flower Souvenir Spoon US $65.00
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 Indian Masonic Temple Chicago Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $59.95
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 1907 Christmas Cherub Sterling Souvenir 6 Spoon US $70.00
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 Colorado Sterling Souvenir Spoon Pikes Peak Summit US $34.95
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 Will Rogers Shrine Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon 128g US $29.95
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 Iowa 4 Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon US $24.95
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 Indianapolis Ind 5 3 4 Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon US $55.00
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 Connecticut 5 3 4 Sterling Silver Souvenir Spoon 73oz US $49.95
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 Landing Of The Pilgrims Mass Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $45.00
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 Morrow Castle Havana Cuba 6 Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $60.00
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 Newark NY Hand Made Lily 4 Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $49.95
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 Indian Handle Hot Springs Ark Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $29.95
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 Woodman Circle 5 1 2 Sterling Souvenir Spoon US $58.00
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Veracruz, A Place Blessed By Nature
Have you ever wanted to visit a place truly blessed by nature? Well, you need not look any further, for Patawalk (http://www.patawalk.com) can show you this place, endowed with a paradise-like rainforest as its backyard and the beautiful Gulf of Mexico as its front yard, lies just in the southeastern part of Mexico and it is named: Veracruz.
Veracruz was established by the well-known Spanish conquistador, Hernan Cortes in 1519. Cortes "baptized" the city as Villa Rica de Vera Cruz (Rich Villa of the True Cross) because of the area's wealth of gold and silver and because he happened to land on Good Friday. Due to its location, Veracruz became a key component of Spain's business in importing and exporting goods. Unfortunately, due to the riches of the city (mainly gold) pirates were attracted to this port. As a result, the city built a fort in order to protect itself from the callousness of the pirates. During the 16th century African slaves were brought to Veracruz to work on the sugarcane plantations as well as to help in the shipping docks. In the 17th century a municipal palace, a monastery, and a hospital were built, and as a result the population began to increase. Veracruz has also been the playground of two other invasions, one by France and the other one by the United States. Despite these invasions, Veracruz remains one of Mexico's most important ports.
It is interesting to note that Veracruz is a lesser known tourist destination, which personally makes it even more attractive. Why it is not a better known destination is almost a complete mystery, for it has more than its share of attractions as any other popular tourist destination. For instance, one particular place to visit here is the Plaza de las Armas (Plaza of Arms) or better known as El Zocalo. This is like the city square. It is surrounded by trees and it is always a busy place; people playing dominos, others selling goods like cigars and snacks, people dancing or playing live music is an everyday event in this place. So, if you want to mingle with the locals and get a true taste of Veracruz's culture then you must visit this area.
What set Veracruz's culture apart from the rest of the Mexican Republic are the strong Caribbean and African influences. What better way to witness this rich cultural mix than by trying some of the culinary specialties. One particular tasty dish is Huachinango a la Veracruzana (Red Snapper Veracruz Style). This dish consists of cooking a red snapper fish with a variety of local fruits and vegetables including chilli peppers, tomatoes, olive oil, garlic, and cappers. Caldo de Mariscos (Seafood Stew or Soup) which is a stew of various seafood including fish, shrimp, and octopus; oh, and rumor has it that it can cure a hangover! Pollo Encacahuatado is another traditional dish; this culinary delicacy has strong African influences and it is basically chicken cooked in a special peanut sauce. Another interesting dish to our tastes buds is Carne de Chango (Monkey Meat), but don't fear it is not actual monkey meat; in reality this dish consists of smoked pork. One particular place to indulge in these heavenly delicacies is "Las Barricas" (The Barrels) which also features a live band to accompany your meal. "La Mera Madre" is another restaurant that offers not only the typical dishes but a very international menu. "Mariscos Ochoa" is a well-established restaurant that has been around for over 30 years and also features live music.
Veracruz's drink of choice is coffee and as so, the city is filled with an array of coffee houses. The most famous coffee house is "Café de la Parroquia" where people from around the world and a multitude of celebrities have visited. This coffee house invented the "café lechero" which has become a staple of Veracruz. This drink consists of having a glass (notice that it is not served in a cup) of coffee and the waiter pours (from a distance) boiling milk. Oh, and if you want a refill all you have to do is tap your spoon against you glass and the waiter will come immediately.
Why not visit a piece of history and that which propelled the increase of population: go to the Municipal Palace. Although it was built in 1608 it still stands today as strong and powerful as when it was first built. This governmental building was built in a baroque architectural style and most astounding is a tall tower that stands at one corner of the building. The tower provides an excellent view of the port, as it was built to keep watch of the port. Speaking of history why not visit the cathedral, Virgen de la Asunsion (Our Lady of Assumptiion) which was built in 1731 and is conveniently located next to the Municipal Palace. The overall architectural design of this building is breathtaking.
Another incredible site to visit is the Fort San Juan de Ulua, which was the fort built to keep pirates out. This fort is actually located on an island, which is now connected to land, and is home to La Gallega coral reef, now a natural reserve. This fort became a military prison in the 19th century, which reminds me of the Alcatraz Prison. As a prison, it became the home of some notorious figures such as Benito Juarez (a former Mexican president), Fray Servando Teresa de Mier (a Mexican priest who promoted the independence of Mexico), and Jesus Arriaga, aka "Chucho el Roto" who can very well be compared to Robyn Hood, for he stole from the rich and gave to the poor.
Veracruz is not just historical buildings, and as a matter fact it is home to some very modern buildings of which the Pemex Tower is the most renown. Although it was built in 1950 it can still be considered a modern building. Interestingly, and unlike most buildings, it is in the shape of a rectangular prism. The tower is open to the public for them to enjoy the smaller version of maritime ports and a gallery of artifacts and photos of early Veracruz. What's the best part? Well not only is it open year round, but it is free!
Even more modern is the Veracruz Aquarium, which was built in 1992. In fact, this aquarium is not only the largest in Latin America but also the most important. The aquarium features 13 exhibitions with species from the continents of Africa and Asia as well as South America. Perhaps the most popular attraction is that of the sharks; this is an exhibit that contains more than 20 species of sharks that swim around you as you walk through a very safe and reinforced tunnel.
Like most port cities, Veracruz boasts of a beautiful malecon or beach strip. This beach extends along the Gulf of Mexico, in other words it covers various miles of scenery. Whether you take a stroll during the day or night, you'll see it full of life as it is filled with vendors selling souvenirs, people jogging, and others just enjoying the cool breeze. Being that it is a port city, Veracruz has some amazing beaches. Right next to the aquarium is Playa de Hornos, where it is completely safe to swim and local vendors offer banana rides; but if you wish to relax then sit under an umbrella and order a refreshing fruity drink. Villa del Mar is a very popular beach, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. Play Marti is even better for sandy sports for it is well-equipped with nets to engage in some friendly competition in a game of volleyball or soccer.
Veracruz is like a sleepless city, particularly at night where people can be seen living the life until the wee hours of the morning. People gather in coffee houses to chat with friends, other dress up and dance in the city's various nightclubs. Cocoo's and Beers is one particular place to visit at night; here you can enjoy a yard of beer while chatting with friends and listening to the diversity of music in the background ranging from norternas (music from the north of Mexico), to rock and pop. If you're looking to do some dancing then you'll definitely have a blast in "La Bartola" which features a circular bar area in the dance floor, not to mention that it is very stylish. "Los 7 Pecados" (The 7 Sins) is a particularly interesting video bar and when you're here don't forget to hang out on the terrace and take in the beautiful nightly view of the seawall area.
If you're looking to do a little shopping then you should most definitely visit downtown where Mercado Hidalgo, Mercado Orizaba, and Plaza Acuario are located and where you'll find everything from souvenirs to household items. This last one, Plaza Acuario, also features a wax museum. "Las Americas Shopping Mall" is a very modern shopping mall featuring everything from well-known department stores to a food court.
Ever heard of the song, "La Bamba"? Well, this song made famous by Ritchie Valens is actually a folk song of Veracruz. The original "La Bamba" is the epitome of Veracruz's typical music, which has musical influences (like the food) from Africa and the Caribbean.
Now, that you're ready to visit the beautiful port of Veracruz I should tell you that if you're really looking for adventure then you must visit during the carnival, which takes place in late March and early April or around Easter. The Veracruz Carnaval is one of the city's most important cultural events; it is a nine-day-long party which has been celebrated since 1866. The carnival begins with the "Quema del Mal Humor" or "Burning of Bad Humor (Mood)" as well as the coronation of the Carnival Queen and the King of Happiness. There is a total of 6 parades consisting of various floats, musical presentations and dancers. The carnival comes to an end with the "Burial of Juan Carnaval," which consists of a dramatic parody.
But why not get a preview of this truly endowed port, go to Patawalk (http://www.patawalk.com) and get a virtual tour!
About the Author
I'm an English instructor. I love my career because it allows me to work with students of all ages (from children in kindergarten to mature adults in college) and walks of life. I have a B.A. in English from San Diego State University and have recently obtained my M.A., also in English, from National University. During my free time I travel and write short articles for the Patawalk Virtual Tours website (www.patawalk.com). This site takes visitors into fully mapped virtual tours in 360 formats of amazing places such as Cancun, Mexico. It's like being there!