A Canal, Sloths, and UNESCO Heritage

Isthmus, a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land masses, bounded by water. The most famous of these is the Panama. Connecting Central America to South America. Though narrow, 30 miles at its thinnest, it has profound effects. When it formed approximately 60 million years ago, it altered the ocean currents and changed climates. By separating the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, the warm water from the Caribbean flowed north as the Gulf Stream, raising the temperature in Europe around 10 degrees. The Atlantic also became saltier than the Pacific, these differences had profound effect on the ocean currents.
It was roamed through pre-historic people and was discovered by Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1501 and explored by Columbus on his voyage in 1502. The first person to cross the isthmus was Vasco Nunez de Balboa in 1513. This paved the way for Spanish gold from the west coast of South America to be transported to Spain quicker.
Gold was originally loaded on galleons and traveled around the southern tip of South America before turning to Spain. It was a longest and treacherous voyage. By shipping to the north by sea, then by land across Panama and reloaded, the journey was shortened by months. Of course pirates took notice of this route and the ports were raided quite often.
During the mid 19th Century several attempts were made to construct a canal across the isthmus. Many ideas were proposed, including a sea-level canal that would require MASSIVE excavations though the mountainous central portion. The French started a canal in 1880. After 13 years and approximately 22,000 deaths, the French abandoned the construction.
In the early 1900s the United States resumed construction after helping Panama break off from Columbia. The canal officially opened on August 15, 1914 with the passage of the cargo ship Arcon. The completion of the canal reduced the trip from New York to San Francisco by more than half.
The cost of passage is based on the ship's size and schedule. The daily schedule allows ships to enter both ends of the canal to Gatun Lake during the morning. The flow reverses in the afternoon allowing ships to exit the lake and continue on their journey. Ships on a tight schedule pay a premium, such as cruise ships. The Disney Magic paid over $330,000 in May of 2008. The least paid was $.36 by American Richard Halliburton for swimming the length of the canal in 1928. The highest fee for jumping line was for the tanker Erikoussa, $220,300. If it had waited its turn in line(7 days), the passage would have been $13,430.
Lying in the tropics, Panama, offers diverse plant life and animals. One of the most interesting is the sloth. Yes the term for dirty is an actual animal. While it is very slow moving while in trees, it is even slower if on the ground. Its grayish-brown coat is usually inhabited by insects and algae, a tiny micro-system of its own.
At the western end of the canal is Panama City. There is a historic, colonial section of the city and a modern section to the south. The architecture of the colonial section has earned it the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site. And it contrast greatly with the gleaming towers of the modern area. Be careful wandering the streets of the colonial section, the cobblestones are uneven and falls are common. Also on the western end of the canal is the Bridge of the Americas. The Pan-American highway crosses the canal at his point.
Damron Vacations can help plan your Panamanian Escapade. It offers hotels on Gatun Lake and in Panama City. While down there, do not forget to pick up a Panamanian Hat(even though they are from Ecuador).

Life the Ultimate Trip

While going on trips, whether for work or pleasure is a great experience, life itself is the ultimate trip. From birth to adulthood, life is filled with many journeys. Some good, some bad, most forgotten, some still vivid memories.
My journey started in New York, but earliest I remember is New Jersey. Norman Rockwell could have used us for a cover picture. Dad the breadwinner, mom the housewife and 5 boys. Summers on the Jersey shore.
Then on to North Carolina. New school, new friends, new neighborhood all another step in my adventure to adulthood. Inner turmoil I ignored was hidden by eating, yes I was a chubby kid. Off to college and the realization of the basis for the turmoil. Yes, I was gay, a MAJOR step in my journey.
Though kept secret it eventually did become public knowledge to my friends. I did loose a few and it is their loss, their journey to acceptance is in a holding pattern. My family accepted the news well and from then on it really did not matter.
I had moved around after college and ended up in Atlanta, kind of a mecca for gay men in the South. After Atlanta I eventually settled in Ft Lauderdale, where I think I will stay. Besides the relocating, I have had the chance to visit many places both here in the United States and Europe. And there are still more I want to see.
But there are many in our community that have had their journey cut short. I am referring to AIDs. I once met a man that said he no longer had any friends that he had known more than a few years. One former coworker that had lived in SFO could rattle off dozens of names. Though still prevalent in out community, the general population has experienced the ravages of the disease. Families destroyed from husbands on the DL(formerly known as closeted). Pregnant mothers unknowingly infecting the unborn.
Then there is Africa. Besides all the social strife, and famine, HIV is wiping out the population. More than 22 MILLION people are effected in sub-Sahara Africa. Lack of medical care and nutrition has lead to over 11 MILLION children being orphans. Social habits, ignorance, rigid sexual practices contribute to the skyrocketing infection rate.
With Spring just around the corner, AIDs Walks are starting their fundraising. In Ft Lauderdale, the AIDs Walk is on 15MAR. Team Damron Vacations is forming and looking for sponsors. Here is a link to my page, feel free to add your name and your contribution Tim at Team Damron. Ending AIDs and its effects in our lifetime is going to take a major effort and cost. Your contribution is tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Remember to ALWAYS wear a raincoat!!

Canyons and Valleys

While Las Vegas and Hoover Dam are impressive sights, they are the work of humans. Over the course of years, mankind has shaped the landscape to fit his need and wants. In the past it was usually in no regard to the environment. Building large dams that flooded vast areas, covering everything under somethings 100s of feet of water. The Colorado River was the focal point of dam building for flood control and as a source of power. With its free flowing water, steep inclination of the river bed and high surrounding banks, it made a perfect source for hydroelectric power. But travel outside of the metropolitan area and nature takes over.
A few hundred miles to the east lies the Grand Canyon. A might gorge cut over the millennium by the Colorado River. Long the home for the Anasizs, it was discovered by the Spanish while on their quest for the famed city of El Dorado. It remained unspoiled except for the occasional visit by Europeans until 1869, when American explorer John Wesley Powell mapped the Colorado River for the Smithsonian Institute. This exploration of the landscape led to more expeditions and research into the geology of the area. With such a large amount of strata revealed, it advanced the science significantly.
While first entrepreneurs entered the are for mining, it was soon discovered that tourism was much more profitable. A train spur from the line at Williams was brought to the South Rim and hotels sprang up. The El Tovar is nestled right on the rim at the entrance to the Bright Angel Trail.
The Grand Canyon is not the only breathtaking area in the southwest. There is Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park. Through the erosion of the landscape, beautiful spires, pillars and arches have been created.
In Arches National Park there are over 2,000 known arches withe the longest, Landscape Arch stretching 300 feet. There is Double Arch, two graceful arches sprouting from the same base. Balanced Rock seems to defy gravity, a single stone the size of three buses, perched delicately on a spire. The Fiery Furnace looks like a wall of red flames. These fragile natural wonders are subject to the forces of nature, erosion has claimed over 40 arches since 1970.
Bryce Canyon is actually a large amphitheater filled with countless sites. The ground eroded away leaving spires, called hoodoos, some over 200 feet tall. Since it was created by head water erosion it is not technically a canyon.
Monument Valley is an awe inspiring area filled with large spires and columns of sandstone rising out of the plain. The combination of red stone tinged with yellow, clear blue sky and total absence of humanity is breathtaking.
Throughout this whole region, native Americans have left their imprint. Houses of the cliff dwellers, hieroglyphics and remnants of nomadic camps dot the landscape. So remember to leave only footprints and take only pictures so these natural wonders and reminders of past civilizations will remain for centuries to come.
The expert agents at Damron Vacations can help with your exploration of this region. Maybe a few nights at the Blue Moon in Vegas to start and end your trip and a week of rental car in the middle to go where the wind takes you.
The sites of the Four Corner

Viva Las Vegas!!!

The modern day Sin City. What happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas. One of the most popular travel destinations in the country.
The original settlement was farmers in the area. In 1905, the first plots in what is now the city of Las Vegas were auctioned off. The town was officially incorporated March of 1911. With the liberalization of divorce laws, a quicky divorce was one of Nevada's main attractions. During the Depression, construction of the Hoover Dam brought more population, power and water to the area. WWII brought with it military bases due to the sparse population in the surrounding countryside.
After the end of the war, lavish hotels and casinos began to spring up, first downtown and then along Las Vegas Boulevard, the Strip, as it was to become known. Iconic names like The Sands, The Dunes, The Stardust. Unfortunately, most of the original hotel/casinos have been torn down to make way for the new mega-resorts. Fantastic complexes with 1000s of hotels rooms, massive casino, high profile restaurants, and glamorous shopping arcades. Most with a theme, ancient civilizations, international cities, and stories.
In the downtown section of Las Vegas, there remains some of the original casinos, The Golden Nugget, the 4 Queens and Fitzgerald to name a few. A recent addition to the downtown scene is the Freemont Street Experience. The street has been covered with a canopy of LEDs that create an overhead show. Jet fighters, whales, floating clouds, an ever changing ceiling. Just watch out for pick pockets, with every one looking up, no one is watching around them.
The main resorts cater to all types of clients. The families wanting a cheap get away(though why bring children), high rollers from here and abroad, conventioneers from Peoria for the BIG shoe show. Though wonderful experiences, and welcome all visitors, alternative lifestyle travelers may feel a little out numbered. But do not despair, the Blue Moon Resort is Las Vegas's only exclusively gay male resort. Though not on Las Vegas Boulevard, its convenient location makes it easy to hit the Strip. And speaking of strip, part of the grounds is clothing optional.
So if mingling with international high rollers, a winning round of 7 card stud(or any stud) sounds like a nice way to spend a trip, but Monte Carlo would bust the bank, try Las Vegas. With the option of an all male resort, or a very gay friendly mega-casino on the strip, the knowledgeable agents at Damron Vacations can make your arrangements.

More close to home

When people think of Miami and Ft Lauderdale, visions of white sandy beaches, glamorous hotels and Art Deco buildings come to mind. While all this is true, the 'settled' area is just a narrow band stretching only a few miles westward from the tranquil waters of the Atlantic. The major north/south routes are A1A, US1, I-95, the Turnpike, the Sawgrass Expressway and farthest west, US29. The Sawgrass as its name implies is the last road before the Everglades, the River of Grass.
This area of sawgrass plains, shallow marshes, small islands with trees and slow moving rivers used to cover almost the entire area south of Lake Okeechobee. Low ridges along both coast diverted the slow moving water into the Florida Bay. As development encroached, houses and subdivisions sprung up on the eastern border, sugar and farmland advanced from the north. There is currently a major push to restore the natural flow of water to the area. many plans are in the works with the purchase of vasts amounts of farmland from a major sugar company the latest.
Along the western fringe of the cities are a few businesses catering to the exploration of the Everglades. Due to the the shallow water and many dense patches of grass, air boats are the predominate for of travel. Just a 5 minute ride away from civilization, one is surrounds by swaying grass that blocks the surrounding view from the channel. Wildlife proliferates here, birds, alligators and mosquitoes.
The alligators lounge on the muddy banks and swim lazily in the currents. The air boats will drift up close for many good photo-ops, so keep your camera handy. On the small hills that are really islands in the wet season, camps have sprung up to attract tourists. These camps usually feature information on the native Indian population, and wildlife displays. And since this is 'gator country, some wrestling with the reptile is almost required.
On the more tranquil and laid back western coast is Naples, a quick hour plus drive across I-75, Alligator Alley, as it is known. The interstate cuts across in an almost straight line. The view is mostly sawgrass and trees on the islands, an occasional building can be spotted. The drive at night is phenomenal with the abundance of stars.
One in Naples there is always the beach, more family oriented than the eastern relations. Sanibel and Captiva are known for the shelling done. There is also the Naples Zoo, though not in the big leagues, it is a nice experience. A water tour of the canals in the area is a great way to see Florida as it was.
So if South Florida is calling to you, especially those of you in the frigid north, call Damron Vacations and get the process going for a warm weather break. With accommodations from gay guesthouses to oceanfront resorts, the options can fit any budget. Just remember the sunscreen and insect repellent if visiting the River of Grass.

Minications

Hey, if a Madison Avenue advertising company can create staycation, I can create minication. To me a minication is a short trip away from home. It can be for just a day, a weekend, or maybe a three day weekend.
Many people have no idea what attractions are in their area. Just last night I was watching the Travel Channel' Ghost Adventures, and they went to a house in Palm Beach, a 45 minute drive from my place. It was about a house that was formerly the caretaker's house at a cemetery, and has been moved to a village of historic structures. While still at the cemetery, a man hung himself in the attic and reputedly haunts the structure. There was unknown voices, boards being moved and items being knocked over. So will add the house to one of my weekend trips. Plus, if you have not watched the show, you should, one word - WOOF!! Zac the main guy is quite tasty, and the two other team members are nice too. Lots of the hosts on the Travel Channel are similar, the Mark & Olly series.
There are many more interesting sites in the area. There is the Bonnet House, the Stranahan House here in Ft Lauderdale. Also in Palm Beach County there is Whitehall, the Breakers Hotel and others. In Miami there is Vizcaya(home of the White Party), the Deering Estate, The Art Deco District to name a few.
While doing research for work, I found the Oheka Castle. It is about 20 blocks from where my family used to live on Long Island. It is the second largest home in the country, only to Biltmore in Asheville, NC. Built to resemble a French chateau, it has extensive gardens and is currently used as a hotel. Tours are still offered of the estate.
So if you want to get away even for a day, check out the local Convention & Visitor's Bureau, they will have a list of nearby attractions. Many are very reasonable, and some offer free admission days once a month. If you want to travel farther afield, log-on to Damron Vacations website and check out the deals. If you have any questions, contact one of the knowledgeable agents to help plan your vacation.

Birthplace of Democracy

Athens, capital of modern Greece, original site for the Olympics, birthplace of democracy. Athens is one of the oldest still inhabited cities in the world. The original habitation occurred well before 1500 BC and was an important settlement for the Mycenaean culture. After surviving the Doric invasion around 1200 BC, it lost much of the power it previously held and the population dwindled. In the 9th Century Athens again rose as a powerful city whose influence was felt over a vast region. Social unrest in the 7th Century led to reforms, first by Draco with strict regulations(hence draconian), then to a new set of laws by Solon around 600 BC.
This revised system divided society into classes based on wealth and ability for military service. A first was the right to vote for all members, though only the higher classes could hold office. While it was a good idea, class tensions remained. After Solon was overthrown by his cousin, Athens entered its Golden Period. The city became more powerful with the establishment of a navy, and tribute began to pour into the city.
It was during this period that many of the monuments in ancient Athens were built. The Acropolis was crowned by the Parthenon, a temple to the Goddess Athena. It replaced an older structure that had been destroyed during one of the many wars that Athens was involved. remember homosexuality was preferred in the Greek army, lovers fought harder to save the other. It is considered one of the last examples of the Doric style and featured a towering statue of Athena. If you want to see the temple in its original condition, travel to Nashville, TN where it is recreated. Yes, I know this seems strange, but it is true.
The view from the Acropolis is breathtaking. The metropolis of Athens spreads out all directions. And just a s a note, all Greek cities had an acropolis, Athen's is just the most famous. The view includes many ancient ruins from both Greek and Roman times.
Also in view is the original stadium from the modern Olympics. Built for the games in 1896, it still stands, the first great stadium of modern times. Also in Athens, but more towards the outskirts are the facilities for the centennial Olympics in 1996. The games are a recreation of competition in ancient times between the city states. Though unlike their modern version, the original athletes competed in the nude. Now that would make me a definite sports lover.
At the base of the Acropolis is the Platka. It is a neighborhood that is vibrant and alive with many side walk cafes, shops and bars. Just be careful to stay on the main streets and be alert to pick-pockets. One of the shady cafe patios is a wonderful way to pass an afternoon eating Greek specialties and your favorite adult beverage, but watch out for ouzo, it sneaks up on you.
If the spectacle of ancient athletes competing in the nude(I think I have seen that video), stuffed grape leaves and ouzo, and ancient monuments sounds like a great vacation, call Damron Vacations and have one of the agents plan your Hellenic Escapade.

Costa del Sol

The southern coast of Spain fronting the Mediterranean is referred to the Costa del Sol, the Sun Coast. It stretches east from Gibraltar towards the coast turn to the north and heads towards France. Beaches line the coast provided sun worshippers ample space. It is a favorite destination of Northern Europeans and the British. Being a short plane ride from the frigid north, the warm winters attract the European version of Snowbirds.
The largest city in the area is Malaga. Originally settle approximately 3000 years ago by the Phoenicians, its control has passed to all the major players in the Mediterranean. The Romans were the first major empire to control the area, then came the Moors, with the unification of Spain at the end of the 15th Century, the area was once again under Spanish control.
With each conqueror, archaeological evidence can be found. There is a 1st Century BC Roman theater. It was only discovered by accident in the early 1950s. The main hill in the city is covered by rebuilt Moorish fortifications. Originally built in the 11th Century and rebuilt in the 13th and 14th. It dominates the hilltop with its encircling walls. The grounds are open and are filled with gardens and information on the history of the area. It has become a major tourist attraction for the area and offers spectacular views of the harbor and the surrounding countryside.
In the lower city, there is the Governor's Palace, many gardens and the required bullring. In the harbor is a ship from the famed Spanish Armada, which is open for tours and also as a venue for functions. Also in the modern area of town is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Fronting one of the main squares it has been turned into a museum of the famed artist's life. Another fantastic piece of artwork from Malaga is Antonio Banderas. Saw the Picasso house, but the search for Antonio was a bust.
The main shopping area for Malaga is alongside the waterfront. It is a series of streets closed to vehicular traffic which allows for casual strolling and lots of people watching from the many sidewalk cafes. Leather goods predominate the local goods. During the time I was in Malaga, these shopping streets were the backdrop for sculptures by Auguste Rodin. There were many works by the acclaimed French sculptor with identifying plaques. His masterpiece The Thinker was placed at the south entrance welcoming shoppers to buy.
Part of the Spanish cuisine is tapas. Not a specific food item, it is a collection of appetizers. Small plates that offer a bite or two of a food item. They range from marinated and grilled vegetables to beef, or seafood. With its proximity to the coast, Malaga has a fantastic array of fresh seafood. Sardines and anchovies are popular in tapas. Spending an afternoon with friends sitting and enjoying wine and tapas is a popular passtime in Spain, and with Malaga's near perfect weather, it is a year round activity.
So if the search for the roots of Picasso, or Antonio Banderas awakens your wanderlust. Try Malaga on Spain's Costa del Sol. It offers architecture, history, fantastic seafood, and is a good base for exploring southern Spain. It is just a short drive from Seville and Torremolinos, and we have all heard stories about there. The agents at Damron Vacations can help plans your Iberian Escape and maybe you will be luckier than me and find Antonio B.

The Holy Land

And I do not mean Neiman Marcus, Provincetown, or the Hotlanta Competition. I am referring to the Middle East and Israel in particular. A land steeped in history and traditions. Major religions calling it home, Christianity, Judaism, an Islam. Center of tensions, and beauty.
Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, founded almost 6,000 years old. Birthplace of Christianity, sacred to Muslims, home to Judaism. Ancient parts of the city dating to the time when it was ruled by Rome and before, blend with the architecture of the present and the ages in between. Religious shrines, outdoor markets, winding streets and alleyways, secluded gardens enclosed by century old walls, remind a visitor of the history. Lively street cafes and nightlife highlight its contemporary vibe. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains and riverbeds. The seat of the government of Israel, the Knesset meets there.
Along the northeast coast is Haifa, one of the busiest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean. Established in biblical times, it too has had its share of conquerors and vanquished. The local geography is not a typical seaside plain, with most of the city built on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is the birthplace of the Baha'i faith, with its Temple and hanging gardens a UNESCO World heritage site. The Sail Building is a striking piece of modern Israeli architecture housing the government.
Farther south down the coast is Tel Aviv, another bustling port city. Merged with the the Arab city of Jaffa, it is Isreal's wealthiest and most cosmopolitan. It is a major destination for travelers wanting a city full of excitement, fine cuisine and lively nightlife. Home of the stock exchange it is the most expensive city in the area and one of the top 15 in the world. It is described as the Mediterranean City that does not sleep. Being founded in the beginning of the 20th Century, its landmarks consists of the 'White City' with its large concentration of Modernist architecture.
Damron Vacations can help with your trip to the original Holy Land. You tour can span the centuries with the birthplace of religions combined with modern facilities and hip restaurants and bars. The experienced agents, with personal experiences in Israel, can provide insider tips on the best way to see the sights.

Cool blondes, spies, thieves and a casino

Where do all of these occur? In a Hollywood movie? A best selling novel? The coast of France? The answer is all three, with Monaco being the actual location. There have been a few spy novels and movies set in this Mediterranean country, Bond, James Bond. To Catch a Thief with Cary Grant and Grace Kelly was filmed here. And Grace Kelly was the epitome of a cool blond is there ever was one.
During the filming of the movie is when Miss Kelly met Prince Rainier of Monaco. Their subsequent marriage was covered in the popular press. A princess from Hollywood becoming a true Princess. They led a storybook life until tragedy took Grace's life after an accident on the hill behind the city. Princess Stephanie, sister of the current ruler, resides not to far from the Royal Palace, where the changing of the guards occurs every afternoon. Though not as impressive as the English version, still a spectacle to observe.
The small country is nestled on the Mediterranean coast of France not far from the Italian border. Originally settled on a rock promontory jutting out into the sea, it now encompasses the surrounding countryside. Though the average person would take less than an hour to walk its width. The main source of income is tourism, since there is no income tax on personal income.
The main draw is the Grand Casino in the Monte Carlo district. Built to attract wealthy tourists it has succeeded quite well. Built in the Beaux Arts style is it quite an impressive building. With its purpose to attract tourism, it is off limits to local residents.
Along with the casino there is the Jacques Cousteau Center. It features a large aquarium and many displays from the famed diver's life and explorations. With a marina area formed with the reclaimed seabed, it boast a large collection of yachts, from the small up to the mega yachts. Life in Monaco is not for those of the small bank account. It has officially been deemed a tax haven by many watchdog agencies.
If rubbing elbows with the rich and famous(lots of race car drivers) sounds like a nice way to spend a vacation, consider Monaco. With its polished atmosphere, Grand Casino, wealthy people and mega-yachts, what more could a gay man want? Try Damron Vacations' expert agents to help plan your trip, and say good bye to middle America, and hello to Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous.