The Catalan Capital

Though Spain is one country, it is composed of many regions with individual personalities and customs. Most were independent kingdoms until the unification of Spain in the 15th Century by Ferdinand and Isabella(yes the Columbus couple).
The region in the northeast corner, bordered by France to the north and the Mediterranean to the east is Catalonia. With topography ranging from sun splashed beaches to snowy peaks in the Pyrenees, it encompasses varied climates. Along the Mediterranean coast is Barcelona.
With an area population of over three million inhabitants, it is Spain's second largest city and has one of the busiest ports in the Mediterranean. It's international airport is second to Madrid's in passenger traffic. With roots in the Roman Empire, its personality is a blend of old and new.
The Gothic Quarter is filled with medieval architecture and narrow winding streets. Large tree lined boulevards fill the newer sections with tall gleaming glass office towers. Modernism architecture is exemplified with numerous works by Antoni Guadi and his contemporaries. The Sangrada Familia is still under construction almost 130 years after it was started. Las Ramblas is the main pedestrian area with shops, cafes, street vendors and performers making it quite the spectacle on a nice afternoon.
The beach is right off of downtown to the north. This was the area for the Olympic sailing events, to the south is the cruise port along with fright. The top of Montjuic is the Olympic Stadium, offering a spectacular view of the city and surrounding countryside.
Barcelona, like any major city, does offer a number plenty of options for alternative lifestyles. There are numerous cafes that are gay friendly and a variety of bars to quench your thirst after a strenuous day of sightseeing and shopping. the popular resort town of Stiges is a short drive to the south, so do not forget your Damron Guide to find the best spots to keep you entertained. And contact an agent at Damron Vacations to plan your trip. Damron Vacation's offerings in Barcelona all include a breakfast which makes for an easy start to the day. So if traveling to Barcelona to explore teh city and its environs, or catching a cruise of the Mediterranean, Damron Vacations can help make all the plans.

Corsica

Birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, mountainous island in Mediterranean, land of many faces. Corsica is the 4th largest island in the Mediterranean with just over 3,300 square miles. The main city is Ajaccio on the western coast, with approximately 55,000 people. Lying in the Mediterranean with Italy to the East and France to the north, the culture is a combination of both.
Ajaccio is a wonderful city and very easy to get around. The main square is really a rectangle and leads to the harbor. Date palms add to the tropical feel and relaxed attitude of the city. A short walk off the main square and into the old town section is the birthplace of Napoleon Bonaparte, leader of France during the early 1800s. The remains of a fort occupy the end of the small peninsula jutting out into the harbor. The city has a harbor on one side, and a public beach on the other. Many buildings have a water view. Running through the middle of town is the Cours Napoleon, a tree studded pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes, a definite people watching venue.
The interior of the island is very rugged and mountainous. The narrow roads wind along steep cliffs, passing many small streams and rivers. Breath taking views appear around every twist of the road, small towns line the narrow motorway.
Besides tourism, Corsica has a very productive honey industry. Since it rarely freezes, honey production is year round. As the seasons change, beekeepers move the hives to areas where plants are in bloom, each area and season produces a different flavor and color to the honey. The Spring honey from the coast is light and sweet, the Autumn production from the mountains and made mostly from plant sap is reminiscent of scotch with a dark color and a somewhat smokey taste.
If you are looking for hot gay bars, restaurants, etc., then Ajaccio and Corsica is not the place to spend your vacation. If a cosmopolitan city surround by rugged terrain and the Mediterranean, with a combination of French and Italian cultures, and great seafood, then Ajaccio is a great place. I suggest a cruise to get a taste of the island, most of the US lines have Corsica as a stop on Western Mediterranean cruises. Contact Damron Vacations, and the well trained agents can take you there and and back again.

Olives and ouzo

The Greek Isles. Sun-drenched beaches set in the Aegean Sea. Unlike the idea most Americans have of islands, palm trees and long sandy beaches like the Bahamas, the Greek Isles are more mountainous and much rockier.
Mykonos is probably one of the better known of the Greek Isles. It has a quaint town with the classic white washed building and winding streets. A rocky beach fronts the main town and it is lined with shops, cafes and bars. Exploring deeper into the town I recognized a familiar name, The Ramrod, with its rainbow flag painted over its door. We did not have a shore excursion on Mykonos so we just wandered through the town. The climb up the windings streets was quite picturesque. The concrete had been painted to resemble large stones set in concrete. Window boxes overflowed with flowers. On the ridge above town, their is a line of windmills. The Greek versions seem much lighter and airy compared to their Dutch cousins. The vanes are sleeker and more graceful. The view from the ridge is spectacular of the town cascading down to the shore.
On our ascent we ran into a few people off the ship that actually live one town away in Hollywood. Since we worked up a thirst, we decided to stop on the descent for some ouzo. The small bar had only a handful of tables and stools. The ouzo was good and the conversation lively. Our bartender was half Greek and born in Iowa, go figure. On the way back to the ship a bathroom break was needed, so another beer was purchased at a beachfront bar.
Rhodes was probably the most fascinating of the three islands visited. It boasts the largest medieval town still inhabited. It was a stop for crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. The high stone wall, turreted buildings, and gates made on to expect Lancelot to come riding out and any minute to save Guinevere. Vehicular traffic is prohibited in most of the old town, so walking is the best means of seeing the buildings. Try some of the local far at one of the many side walk cafes.
The last island visited was Santorini. A possible location of the famed city of Atlantis. The crescent shaped island is the remains of an ancient volcano that's caldera collapsed on itself with its last eruption. The steep climb from the harbor up to Fira is best accomplished my bus or cable car. The donkey are a little aromatic, and the steps will exhaust you. We toured a winery and then walked around town. The city offers fantastic views of the flooded crater. White washed houses cling to the edge of the cliff. Our visit was at the end of the season and some bargains were to be had. Fusion glass is a popular item, colored glass is fused with metal and other materials to produce a mosaic and formed into platters, bowls or sculptural forms. Having a fear of heights made boarding the cable car a little on the spooky side, since the waiting area in on a 45 degree downward slope with only a metal rail at the bottom.
So if the Greek Isles are calling your name like the Sirens of myth, contact Damron Vacations and answer their alluring songs. The agents can help plan your vacation either by land or by sea(best choice), and maybe you will meet your own Greek God. OPA!!

The Golden Horn

The Golden Horn is the old section of Istanbul. It is like a peninsula with the Bosphorus on one side and narrow river like inlet. Located in this area is the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace among other sites.
Originally found centuries before Christ, the city was at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. In fact, it is the only city located on two continents. With over 11 million residents, it ranks as one of the largest in the world. Besides straddling two continents it straddles two cultures, Islam and Christianity. Having been the capital of the Roman Empire for a period of time. And after the Great Schism, it was the capital of the Eastern Orthodox religion. The Hagia Sophia was originally built as a church, with the Muslim overthrow it was converted to a mosque and minarets were added.
Touring the city should include the ruins of the old Circus Maximus from the Roman period; the Great City Wall, which though in ruins, the remaining sections are impressive; the many mosques, and the underground cisterns to name a few.
The ruins from the Roman period have largely been covered up with subsequent development, but can be easily located. The turning posts from the old race track rise near the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. These mosques are impressive with their vast open interiors and soaring minarets, an unusual 6 for the Blue Mosque. When visiting, remember these are places of worship, so be respective of another's religion.
The underground cisterns are an engineering feat in themselves. The area between Istanbul's hills were covered with the use of columns to provide a water supply for the population. This was accomplished with recycled columns and other materials during the Roman time. Muslims will only consume running water, not from standing source. The Medusa heads used to fill in the gaps of column height are an ancient bit of humor.
As with all vacations, shopping is as important as sightseeing. The Grand Bazaar is not to missed along with the carpet dealers. Be careful of the later since you need to get the carpet home somehow. The secret to the Bazaar is never make eye contact with the vendor unless you are REALLY interested, they will follow you for blocks. The Bazaar itself is a labyrinth of alleys and streets all under cover. The merchandise displayed range from religious item, to clothing, to counterfeit items(there are no copyright laws in Turkey), to the usual souvenir items. It is a definite on any visit to Istanbul.
Did I mention the vendors themselves? If handsome dark haired men with deep eyes are you type, then you will be in heaven. Just don't let their looks influence your purchases.
Even though Turkey is a secular country, no official religion, it is heavily Muslim, and therefore not quite as open as people in the United States are used to. The gay bars, though popular, are not as abundant or prominent as in most large cities here. So keep the PDAs(Public Display of Affection) to a minimum unless in a club or the privacy of your hotel room. And remember, a bath house in Istanbul is MUCH different than here, even though the room is full of naked men.
So if a taste of the exotic is what you desire, try Istanbul for a vacation. It is available for an extended hotel stay and also a port on many cruise lines. So call the experienced agents at Damron Vacation to decide which is the best way for you to experience the Orient, while never leaving Europe. Though I highly recommend traveling across the bridge while in Istanbul, just to say you also went to Asia on your European vacation.

Gateway to the Pacific Northwest

In the far northwest corner of the continental United States, in the state of Washington, like Seattle. Laying on the eastern shore of the Puget Sound, the city embraces its weather, location and accessibility.
The Puget Sound is a wonderful natural harbor connected to the Pacific Ocean by the Straights of Juan de Fuca. Seattle started as a Shipping point for lumber headed to San Francisco. The gold rush in the mid-valley of California fueled San Francisco's building boom. Once the lumber demand slowed from the south, gold was discovered in the Yukon, so Seattle became the last place for supplies to be loaded.
In the late 19th Century the railroad reached Tacoma then Seattle itself. With the advent of flight, and the World Wars, Seattle moved to the forefront of aviation with Boeing taking up business in the area. With the rise and fall of the aircraft industry, Seattle's employment fluctuated. In 1979 a small company named Microsoft moved to its founders hometown. The rest is history. The large corporation has fueled many others to help supply its needs. The revitalization of Pioneer Square had a similar though on a much smaller scale to the historic downtown area.
With its large and diverse population, Seattle has always accept people from different walks of life. The Capital Hill area is largely the haunts of the gay ghetto. The shops, trendy cafes and restaurants, and bars are popular with the alternative lifestyle. There are numerous former mansions turned B&B, that make it an easy walk to the main drag.
Besides the Capital Hill area, do not miss Pioneer Park with its turn of the 19th Century architecture. The streets are lined with quaint cafes and many glass blowing shops. Glass blowing needs specific atmospheric conditions, and the Seattle region has the right combination of temperature and humidity. The famed artist Chiluly is based in the area.
Then there is the Pike's Street Market. Stalls selling items from all over the northwest line the many passageways. One shop is known for its 'flying' fish. As people select their purchase, it is actually thrown over the crowd and counter to be wrapped for sale. The variety of food available is astounding. With its large population of people of Asian descent, native Indian tribes and vast array of other nationals, finding a place to eat is hard because of the decisions to be made. But being so close to the sea, I would opt for a seafood stall. The items taste so fresh you would think the waiter caught it after you order was placed.
When in Seattle do not forget the natural wonders within an easy drive. The Olympic Peninsula is across the sound. It can be reached by driving around the south end, or one of the many ferry routes directly across. Mt. Rainier is a short drive to the southeast, but that is obvious since it can be seen from most areas of the city. The city of Vancouver in British Columbia is a few hour drive to the north, just remember to bring your passport.
Since it has a great harbor, Seattle has become a major port for Alaskan cruises. Most of the major lines have at least one ship there for the season. So why not combine a pre- or post- stay in Seattle? Check out Damron Vacations for great deals on flights, cruises, and hotels in the Seattle area. And remember your Damron Guide to make finding a great happy hour easier.

The Great One......

Mt. McKinley, Denali, in the local Athabaskan language translates to the great one. And it is breathtaking. Rising out of the Susitna River valley to over 20,300 feet it is an impressive sight. Especially considering the river valley has an elevation of around 400 feet. Its snow capped peak and glacier clad sides is a winter wonderland even in summer.
I was lucky enough to do a flight-seeing trip to Denali. As the plane approaches the southeastern flank, the monolith fills the view out of the cockpit. Beneath the plane is the braided river bed glimmering in the sun, and jagged granite outcrops flank the slowly advancing glaciers.
Our flight path was up the Ruth Glacier, a moving river of ice. Medial lines marked where smaller flow have blended into the main stream. Ridges of moraine flank the sides, earth movers could not have been more precise. At the end of the glacier, a river of water exited to join the Susitna on its was to the Gulf of Alaska. The flight was one more item on my bucket list.
The little airport we flew from was in the small town of Talkeetna. Nestled on the banks of the Susitna River, it is very quaint and picturesque, just like a postcard. The main street is lined with shops, restaurants and a few houses. The Alaska Railroad runs through the east end of town.
The Alaska Railroad is a lifeline in the area. It will stop for passengers to board or leave the train anywhere along its route. This is to provide access to homes and cabins, due to the lack of roads. My experience on board was compliments of Princess Cruise line. The trip was to see the hotels they offer on their Alaska Cruisetours. All of which were superb.
But back to the train. It is comprised of dome topped cars for the Alaska Railroad itself and the various cruise lines. The observation are on the top floor offers panoramic views of the landscape, and opportunity to view wildlife. On our trip, a few caribou(wild reindeer), salmon(as we crossed numerous bridges), and bald eagles(feeding on the salmon, on a sand bar). The lower level was the restaurant area and the service and food were fantastic.
My trip started with flights from Ft Lauderdale to Seattle to Anchorage to Fairbanks, then returning from Anchorage, through Seattle and home. The flight from Anchorage to Fairbanks is quite short, less than an hour. But as we approached Denali, the pilot tilted the plane to give us a view of climbers on the south face, and their small base camp.
Once in Fairbanks we went to the Museum of the North on the University campus. It explained a lot of the area history, people, wildlife and customs. The view to the south of the Alaska Range looked more like a movie set then reality. The tour also included a stop at a gold mine and the Alaska Pipeline. In town, we sampled some local beer (isn't that part of learning a culture?), shopped and wandered around. Though it was very strange to have day light at 10:30 at night.
Unfortunately, in Anchorage I was too tired to do much of anything. Explored the neighborhood of the hotel and in bed early for the flight home the next morning.
If Alaska is on your vacation radar, try Damron Vacations. They can assist in planning your flights and hotels, or a cruisetour with a major cruise line. And do not forget your Damron Guide to help with the social aspects of your trip.

I left my heart in........

San Francisco. The city by the Bay. The Golden Gate. One of the most picturesque cities in the United States, and a great base for a vacation. And one of the gayest places around.
The city started off with the Spanish exploration of west and southwest. Always looking for gold and the Fountain of Youth, if the had waited, it is called plastic surgery. San Francisco became the port of preference after gold was found at Sutter's Mill. about 100 miles inland past Sacramento. Travel by ship was the most common way during the period, and will a fantastic natural harbor, San Fran thrived. When gold was discovered in the Yukon, it became the place to load up on supplies for the miners heading north.
The city does have one kind of minor problem, its straddles the San Andreas Fault. On April 18, 1906, the fault let loose with a sizable quake. The damage from the quake, and resulting fire, almost destroyed the city. In what was probably the first example of damage control by politicians, the devastation was down played to lure people to return to the city. I guess it worked well, the city still thrives and continues to grow.
So how did it become so gay? It supposedly started with the US Navy. San Francisco was the drop off point for sailors that misbehaved in the head. Wonder where that led? Being kicked out of the Navy for being a homosexual was not something that was well accepted in middle, north, south, east or west America. With no place to go, the sailors just stayed there. With its accepting attitude more people moved there since they fit in with society. No need to stay in the closet in Peoria.
The Castro became the center of the gay ghetto. Bars, restaurants, and shopped lined the street. Bed & breakfasts opened in restored row houses. It was its own thriving neighborhood in a very diverse city. Today it is still the heart of the gay community and a good place to get a feel of an accepting community.
Besides the city of San Francisco itself, there are lots of attractions within an easy drive. There is Carmel and Monterrey to the south with its famous Cannery Row. To the north, coast redwoods abound in the Muir Woods, and the Point Reyes Lighthouse has a dramatic setting. If adventurous, a little farther north is Bodega Bay, the setting for Hitchcock's thriller The Birds. Just short drive to the northeast is the wine county of Napa and Sonoma. The wineries offer tours and the local cuisine is legendary. When taking the tours and tastings, try new types and varietals, maybe you will find a new favorite. You can pick up a few bottles as mementos.
So if San Francisco sounds like a great place to visit, check out Damron Vacations, the knowledgeable agents can arrange the perfect get away. And don't forget your Damron Guide, with over 40 years of experience, it is a great way to find the perfect bar, restaurant, or shop to make your experience complete.

BRRRRR........

Yes, winter has arrived in sunny Ft Lauderdale. The temperature this morning was a FRIGID 40 degrees, and tonight might even be lower. YIKES!!! This is worse than Yankees in Atlanta!!! Of course it will be back up into the 70s by the end of the week. So, there might be a few non-beach days this week, but it is still better than the rest of the country.
I spoke to my family over the weekend, and it was colder in Memphis on Friday morning, than in Fairbanks, Alaska. The same was true for Charlotte. It was a dreary cloudy day on Sunday when I called my brother in North Carolina. I was on my balcony in shorts and a tee shirt. So I guess it is okay for a few chilly days.
But if your home is above Lake Okeechobee, that seems to be the line that keeps frost to the north, maybe a vacation to a warmer climate is needed. I know Chicago has been cold and windy, but St. Lucia has been warm and balmy, along with the rest of the Caribbean Islands. Maybe a long weekend in the US Virgin Islands, or a week at an all inclusive on Antigua? Check out Damron Vacations for some great last minute trip ideas.
Though the tropics usually call to people this time of year, remember there is also some great skiing in the Rockies. There is Whistler Ski week if you want to combine the fun of a circuit party with the slalom. Damron Vacations can help with both ideas of a great trip, and don't forget your latest issue of the Damron Guide to help fill the nights with more fun.

What is a Staycation?

Staycation, the new buzz word in travel. A staycation is when you do not travel for your vacation, you stay home. Sounds like a long weekend to me. Staying at home for vacation would result in lots of housework.
My last staycation was almost 5 years ago and I redid a bathroom. Yes, I did the work. I removed the vanity, sink, and toilet and replaced them with new. I also put up bead board panelling and trim to frame it and a nice long shelf along one wall. It was quite time consuming, though a neighbor lent me his table saw so the miter cuts was a breeze.
I know that staycations are the result of lack of funds, to be polite. Maybe the grand vacations of the past need to be put on hold until the economy rebounds, but there are lots of good travel deals out there. Instead of a two week stay in Paris, maybe a few days at the beach, or maybe a city you have never been too. With hotel occupancy falling faster than Bush's approval rating, rates are coming down almost as fast. Empty rooms generate no income, discounted rooms at least bring money in.n And if you are lucky enough to live in or near a cruise port, the fares are at the lowest in years.
So check out Damron Vacations for a vacation deal, and leave the staycations to to other people. And don't forget to bring your Damron Guide if visiting a new city. It is loaded with useful information

Live from the Jackie Gleason Theater in beautiful.....

Miami Beach. I remember the Jackie Gleason show when I was growing up. Little did I realize I would end up living 45 minutes away. One never knows the turns life will take.
Going to Miami Beach is a regular outing for my roommate and I. We drive down on a Saturday to have lunch on Lincoln Road and wander around. Years ago the City of Miami Beach created a pedestrian mall of approximately 9 blocks of Lincoln Road. Great idea. The various cycles of the economy and the surrounding neighborhood had led to ups and downs on the mall. Right now it is still doing well despite the economy.
Parking is easy at the city owned convention center lot, which is only 1/2 block away. Just remember to take your ticket and not leave it in the car. Drivers without a ticket have to produce a drivers license and the information gets recorded. This has cut down on car thefts. And the city lot is the least expensive in the area.
The variety of restaurants is only rivaled by the various nationalities of the visitors. All the restaurants have menus posted which makes selecting easier. Nexxt is our favorite, lots of food for the price. They have the largest outside eating area by far. And with the network of umbrellas and plastic channels, downpours, while numerous in the summer, are under control. After lunch a leisurely stroll past the shops is a good way to burn off the calories. One usual stop is the Ghiredlli shop, free samples, yum. There is a William Sonoma, a Pottery Barn and a long list of clothing stores.
Right about in the middle is Score, the only gay bar on Lincoln Road. I was in it years ago when it was the Kremlin in the mid 90s. That was when it was a slow time in the area. I remember walking down a fairly deserted Lincoln Road to get there. Now it always has a group of guys having a few adult beverages and watching the parade of people.
As you eat, drink or stroll, there is a varied assortment of languages heard. The predominant is Spanish, though Italian, French and German are also common. And lately, Eastern European languages are started to be heard. This is due to Miami International is a non-stop from most European and South American capital cities.
With the varied languages, the beautiful people and the abundance of sidewalk cafes, Lincoln Road is very cosmopolitan and more European than American. Easiest way to leave the country with out a passport, and it is LEGAL!!
At the eastern end of Lincoln Road is the sand of South Beach. Known the world over for young beautiful tanned bodies. The old Art Deco hotels that line Ocean Drive are as vibrant as in their heyday. Gloria Estafan owns the Cardoza, maybe a celebrity sighting? The movie The Birdcage was filmed nearby.
Though South Beach is not as gay as it used to be, it is still a great place to escape winter's hold. I think it is in the minus degrees in Chicago today. With the Winter Party right around the corner and the South Beach Food & Wine Festival, now is the time to contact Damron Vacations to plan your tropical escape. Great food, good drinks, tan lines, and warm tropical waters are just a few of the attractions in Miami beach. Do not forget your Damron Guide to find the perfect bar to make your own memories.

Your next port of call is......

Traveling on the high seas. This was the only way to cross the ocean in ease until the arrival of jet airliners around 1960. In their heyday, the ocean liners ruled the oceans. Each country had its own line and battled for the fastest crossing. Famed ships include the Normandie, United States, both Queen Elizabeths, Norway(formerly the France), and the Andrea Doria, to name a few. These were built with reinforced hulls to tackle the rough North Atlantic. There were various classes and one did not mingle with those of a higher rank. The only remaining true liners are the Cunard Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria. The Queen Elizabeth 2 is on her way to become a floating hotel in Dubai, much like her predecessor the Queen Mary. The United States is rusting away at a Philadelphia dock, the rest have met their fate with disaster or the scrap yard.
Today's ocean travel is accomplished mostly by cruise ships, which ply more tranquil waters such as the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or the South Pacific. These ships are geared more for fun, relaxation, and sightseeing. They come complete with rock walls, bowling alleys, lawns, theaters, and casinos to name a few amenities.
There are a few companies that charter the complete liner for a gay cruise experience. All the shows and activities cater to the tastes of those passengers. Most will cruise the popular routes, Northern Europe, ancient wonders of the Mediterranean, the Caribbean or Rio de Janeiro for Carnival to name a few.
Truthfully, I have never been on such a cruise. I have sailed on Celebrity three times, the Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Mediterranean and the last was the Caribbean. I like to describe the Celebrity line as going to sea in a country club. Very tasteful and subdued decor. The clientele tends to be older and the number of children is usually very low. Makes for a quiet time around the pool.
On a cruise there is a list of daily activities that is published, well daily. On the Celebrity Cruise Line, at 7:30 there is a meeting listed as Friends of Dorothy, it is usually near the meeting of Friends of Bill W. Is this coincidence? Friends of Dorothy refers to the Wizard of Oz, Somewhere over the Rainbow, get the connection? on the Constellation this past December and the Galaxy the year before, the meeting was in the new Martini Lounge on each ship. What a combination, gay men and martinis, is there ever a better match?
A section has chairs pulled together and a small Reserved sign is there to hold the seats. The group varies from cruise to cruise, but usually at least a dozen or so. On the Galaxy, I think we numbered over 30. You get to meet people from around the country or even the world. Some friends continue after the cruise, some do not. But it is nice to have people to do excursions with.
So if a cruise is one of your favorite types of vacation, or perhaps you have always thought about one, contact Damron Vacations, and get connected to our cruise desk. The agents there can arrange your cruise on any of the major lines, along with flights and extra hotel nights if needed. Don't forget your Damron Guide, to find stores, bars, or sights that might not be listed in most guide books.