By Jennifer Ciotta
Key West, Florida:
Barely considered a member of the Caribbean, this tourist-based island is exactly that. The famed literary attraction is, of course, Hemingway's house, complete with six-toed cats. But for pirate lovers the Pirate Soul Museum is a sight worth visiting. Founder Pat Croce, a one-time owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, took his childhood love of pirates and built a $10 million museum dedicated to the Golden Age of Piracy. Through Disney-esque animatronics and interactive touch screens, Croce allows all ages to enjoy such artifacts as the sole pirate treasure chest in America, a 1696 Wanted poster for Henry Every, Blackbeard's genuine musket and 500 other items including cannonballs, weapons and original pirate gold and documents--making this pirate collection one of the largest in the world. Perhaps it is the layout of Pirate Soul which is most inspiring since a guest can see both the upper and lower decks. A visiting sailor can saunter down on a street in the late 17th century/early 18th century Port Royal, Jamaica, the pirate capital in its heyday, or on the upper deck, sneak into the captain's cabin to catch a glimpse at an authentic Jolly Roger flag and Captain Kidd's journal from his last voyage at sea. In fact, in Blackbeard's cell, located on the lower deck, one can listen to strange sounds that a pirate must have once heard while awaiting his death sentence. The Museum is reasonably priced and is open from 9am until 7pm thus allowing optimum research and playtime.
Negril, Jamaica:
Earning a trustworthy international reputation for partying and debauchery, Negril surprisingly has a pirate history as well. Port Royal served as the capital during the Golden Age of Piracy due to the tucked away harbor, safe atmosphere for trading and lively taverns and brothels. It was here that Blackbeard possibly was born, although he claimed various birthplaces. Beginning with the history of Negril, there is not much to tell. Now home to frequent tourism and commercial enterprises, Negril was once a forgotten region covered by a large swamp, and roads desperate for reparations. Captain Jack Rackham, Calico Jack, decided to attack and then take a rest in the tropical paradise; however, this mistake proved fatal. Upon governor's orders, Jack was captured, supposedly while in the midst of sipping on rum punch. Immediately sent to trial, it was discovered that two of the pirate's crew members were actually women--a discovery which ended in death sentences for both female pirates. As for Calico Jack, he was executed, cruelly leaving his body hanging on an iron frame as a warning to his buccaneer peers. This section of Negril, where Jack's body was hung, today is known as Rackham's Cay, which is a small islet off Port Royal. A visit to the islet is a must for pirate lovers. A final noteworthy fact: It is Calico Jack's flag which is featured in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl. The flag contains a skull with two crossed swords underneath.
St. Vincent and the Grenadines:
It is a wonder that many American tourists have not discovered this stunning island, and its group of smaller islands, the Grenadines. They are best known for Mustique, one of the smaller islands, which is an amazingly well-guarded secret of the filthy rich. On this tiny paradise, the likes of Mick Jagger, David Bowie and Tommy Hilfiger own houses. On the neighboring Grenadine island of Bequia, pronounced Back-quay, it provides honeymooners with a quiet retreat, since the basic way to reach the island is by boat. Once on Bequia there is not much to do except relax and enjoy the beaches, only being transported from place to place by either water taxi or simply walking. St. Vincent is the mother island of the Grenadines, and is most famous for Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl being shot there. A possible trendy getaway in the future for the rich, currently the island mostly receives adventure tourists from all ends of the spectrum. Soufriere, an active volcano, had its most recent eruption in 1979. Hiking around the site is a popular excursion for tourists, especially exploring the black sand beaches, a result of ground lava--a geographic detail which is new to most Americans. Although the pirate life is long gone, native Carib Indians still inhabit parts of the island, while marijuana plantations are run by peace-loving Rastafarians.
Panama City, Panama:
Leaving behind the bright nightlife of Panama City, the next thought for a historical tourist is the Panama Canal. However, for the literary traveler who would like to explore the pirating legacy, rich in various seafaring literature, Panama La Vieja or Old Panama captures the days of Henry Morgan and other buccaneers. Founded in 1519 Old Panama was the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific Ocean. Serving as an ideal geographic trading point, a large percentage of American silver passed through this capital city. Consequently, Old Panama was built up by its inhabitants making solid stone structures for upper class houses, religious centers and government buildings. Today a visitor can marvel over Old Panama's 16th and 17th century ruins, such as damaged archways and pieces of walls. Yet, as fortune would have it, the aging Bishop's House and cathedral with bell tower stand along the flowing ocean. These structures somewhat survived the 1671 attack on the city--led by none other than pirate-extraordinaire, Henry Morgan. After Morgan thoroughly looted Old Panama inside and out, the city's governor burned the capital to the ground. In 1673 Old Panama was relocated two miles away to present day Panama City--the modern gateway into the age of pirate exploration.
