I want to be a cowboy

This weekend in the Sunshine Stampede in Ft Lauderdale. The Florida Gay Rodeo Association is hosting the event at the Bergeron Rodeo Grounds in Davie. The event will draw participants from across the country and local residents.
Scandals the C&W bar in town is the host bar. They will be having specials for the weekends. Shuttles will be provided from two bars and the host hotels to the rodeo grounds. The Saturday Night festivities will include the group Expose, a flash from the past.
The competitions will start on Saturday morning and continue through Sunday afternoon. There will be some campy events like dressing up small barnyard animals in drag. But there will many of the typical rodeo events also, bull riding, barrel racing, etc. So there will be REAL cowboys in attendance.
My favorite watering hole will have a country theme. Last year there were hay bales in the parking lot and parking spaces blocked off with a split rail fence. The only downfall is there will be plastic cups at the bars since the crowd will be so big. It will be a fun weekend of cowboys and cowgirls, in tight jeans wandering around the various bars.
There was also a gay country western themed cruise that departed last weekend and will be back on Saturday morning in time for the opening ceremonies. Cowboys in tight jeans and real cowboy hats, how much closer to Brokeback Mountain can a city slicker gay man get? It is a little too late to book flights and hotel for this year, but Damron Vacations can help with next years plans. The agents are very familiar with the area since Damron Vacations is based in Ft Lauderdale(yes, I know I am lucky). So start taking those line dance and 2 step lesson and prepare for next years rodeo, maybe you can find a bronking buck for the night.

All about the Hoops!!

It is the last week of March and Spring is trying to get established across the country. Here in South Florida, it never was winter as most Americans know it. Yes, it did dip into the 30s a few nights, but when those chilly nights are followed by sunny and 70, it is hard to call it winter. We have been rather dry the past few months, though that was helped some a week ago with a rainy few days. But it is definitely better than the residents of Fargo, ND. It seems the river has crested but there is a chance of several inches of snow during this week.
In various cities around the country the NCAA Men's Basketball Tournament is being played. From the original 64, only 4 remain and they are heading to Detroit for the semi-finals on Saturday and the finals on Monday. In years past, the colleges were placed in brackets to provide good match-ups and also occupancy for hotels. This year, because of the economy, teams started their quest much closer to home. This allowed fans to drive to the venues instead of flying.
Memphis was the scene for the quarterfinal game of UNC and Oklahoma. Both of these school are a days drive away from Memphis, yes it is a long drive, but $75 in gas for 4 people is a much better deal than several hundred each if flights were needed. Remember, there is no 14 day advance purchase, more like 7.
I will watch the game with my alumni association in a local sports bar. Going to the finals would be fun, but VERY $$$. And tickets to the game would be EXTREMELY hard to obtain for less than the value of a kidney. If I had planned to attend, Damron Vacations could have booked my flight, hotel and car. Even though Detroit is not known as a gay mecca, it is one of the destinations offered by Damron Vacations. So if a last minute dash to Detroit to watch UNC win the championship is needed, call or go on line to Damron Vacations, and hake it happen.

Bailout, perks and travel

Since about everyone in the country is watching the economy with a magnifying glass, and news coverage as in depth, actions of CEOs and companies often make the headlines. The banking industry has received billions, yes they do not want to reveal where it went. AIG is in dire need of additional funds, yet passed out over $200 million in bonuses. Two US automakers want billions n loans.
Meanwhile, Congress seems to give the impression they are working on helping the country pull through this. But are they really? Yes, they might have prevented major banks from collapse by infusing capital, but these are the same people that passed legislation that allowed it to happen. It is kind of like taking responsibility for extinguishing a fire, even though you set it. Of course the President at the time gets the blame, but who voted for it? Guess that fact is something that should be kept under the rug.
With regards for the deficit, why doesn't Congress re-write their pensions? After serving just one term in office, a Congressman will receive his salary until he dies. I do not know of any employer that offers such wonderful terms. Is this benefit offered to all federal employees? If not isn't it preferential treatment of the executives? Years ago, my father's insurance plan changed since the executives had a better plan than hourly. Legislation made that illegal so all options were made available to all people. Why does Congress operate differently?
Congress has opened a new probe into the AIG bailout. So there goes more of our tax money going for meetings. I think it should be easy and done in one meeting, just ask, Who got the money and why? I was always under the impression that bonuses were for performance. At AIG, the money went to the Derivatives Department, the same people that destroyed the company in the first place. Where I work a person gets fired for actions like that, not rewarded.
There have been a few more glimmers of hope on the scene. Personal spending rose again in February following a rise in January. Maybe the population is gaining confidence in the economy. House sales are also showing some sign of life too. Perhaps a small vacation is in order? Or maybe a once in a lifetime trip that has been postponed? With tourism down around the world, now is a good time to travel. Europe hotels have major discounts and so to the airlines since planes are not near capacity. So contact Damron Vacations to set the wheels in motion. Rome, Paris, London, perhaps the county of your ancestors? The experienced agents at Damron Vacations can help with all aspects of your trip, including dinner shows or maybe play in London. Why wait any longer?

On Line vs With an Agent

There are so many travel websites, booking a trip can be quite confusing. There are sites from the major airlines, discounters, last minute specialists, niche groups to name a few. Which one to use?
The travel sites associated with a major airline are well established. But the main problem is that they only offer flights on their airline and partners. This limits destinations and travel options. Most of the discounters do offer various airlines, but sometimes the flight connections are on different lines and the chance of lost baggage is increased. Plus, the flights and hotel are usually separate reservations. The last minute operators do not disclose flight times and hotel selections until payment is received. This can be problematic if the hotel needs to be in a certain area, or flights arrive by a certain time.
The main drawback to the last minute and volume discounters is customer service. There is usually no phone number to speak to a live person. Everything is done electronically. Changes are either not allowed or extremely difficult to make.
The niche operators while catering to a specific group of travelers or a certain destination, usually offer more options and can better tailor a trip to meet one's needs. Websites like Damron Vacations offer the flexibilty to book on line, or with an agent, same price. The agents are extremely well trained and knowledgeable about the destinations and optional features. The Customer Service Department is willing to work out issues with hotels or flights within established policies.
While Damron is an established name in the gay and lesbian section of society, the hotels offered include major chains in most cities that have an airport. So if the next trip is home to Butte, Montana, Damron Vacations can arrange a flight, hotel and car for a great rate. You will also be offered a selection of flight options based on service to the destination allowing for additional miles for your favorite carrier, the least expensive, or the best flight schedule.

The Conch Republic

Home of Parrotheads, wreckers, Robert the Doll and Mel Fisher, Key West has quite a colorful past and present. Located at the southern end of the Florida Keys, it is the farthest south you can get in the continental United States. The actual island is only about 6 square miles not counting the lagoons and canals.
The drive down starts of rather boring, interstate highway to the Florida Turnpike. In western Miami/Dade, there are subdivisions and gravel pits. At the end of the turnpike at Florida City, traffic is routed onto US1. Built for the most part on the former East Coast Railroad, it crosses vast grasslands of the southern Everglades. To get to the actual keys, a new bridge replaces an old drawbridge, and Key Largo starts the journey. Made famous by a Bogart movie, it has the feel of most beachside town. Since it is the largest key, views of the water are rare. South of Key Largo the islands are smaller and water views are common. Bridges from small 20 foot spans to the famous 7 mile bridge carry traffic farther south and west to the end f US 1 at the Post Office on Whitedhead.
The island and town are essentially one with not town limit signs to be seen. The western end of the island is Old Town, the original settlement area and the tourist area. In the last few years cruise ships have started to use Key West as a port of call, much to the detriment of the town's quaintness. Duty Free shopping areas and the major chains are replacing the small mom and pop shops and restaurants.
Before the advent of cruise ships, Key West was mostly known for its alternative lifestyle. Gay men would flock to the island to stay at one of the many guest houses catering to men. Most located in old Conch style cottages enclosed in a compound with pool, hot tub etc, and clothing optional is the norm. Many gay bars lined the streets from the Copa in an old movie theater on Duval to smaller bars catering to niche clientele on the side streets.
The La te Da complex is alive an kicking with its guest rooms, restaurant, bars and show room. It is a convenient base of operation. The New Orleans House and Bourbon Street Pub are a short stroll up the street, along with the 801. This past Saturday night, a pedi-cab delivered a large drag queen in her sequined gown along with two yummy bartenders in Speedos for their shifts. This is the same bar where on New Year's Eve, a drag queen named Sushi is lowered in a large red slipper.
The 801 is a more laid back kind of neighborhood bar. With doors and windows opening right onto the Duval sidewalk, tourists cannot not help but peak in. Upstairs is a show room where performances are held nightly and the performers stand out front to attract people into the show. Something that the straight tourist would not do at home, but since they are on vacation in Key West, it is okay. Attached is Saloon One on the side street and is much more cruisy.
After checking into the Fairfield Inn, we took the bus to town. We had lunch at the Conch Republic Seafood Company overlooking the marina. Several of the afternoon cruises pulled out loaded with tourist to do some snorkeling, look for dolphins and just enjoy the great weather.
With lunch done we walked to Duval Street and headed south. Since there was no cruise ship in port the sidewalks were manageable. Eventually we made it to the far south end after numerous stops along the way for browsing, shopping and a few photo ops. A quick spin past the Southernmost Point Monument and then back up Duval. After all that walking, a drink was needed and the $2 mojitos at Island Dogs quenched it well.
Some more wandering around and then a stop at Mallory Square. Unfortunately it was too early and the sunset vendors were just arriving for the nightly show. Bargain tee-shirt shopping and then the search for dinner. Menus are posted outside to make selection easier. Christine's was the front runner until it started to rain, and most of their seating is al fresco. Jack Flatts finished first.
Inside Jack Flatts was a rowdy sports themed bar. Maybe because all the televisions, at least 6, were turned to the NCAA Tournament. Luckily our booth was in front of the UNC vs LSU game, GO HEELS!! My roommate was for LSU since it was the last SEC team left, though he went to Auburn, but I informed him that I could make a four hour drive very annoying. Plus, I'm a UNC graduate. There seemed to be an equal number of fans for both sides, but LSU ended up loosing. After the UNC lead was more than 10, other closer games were switched on by the network. BTW, the food was quite good and very reasonable.
Back on Duval after dinner we headed back to the hotel. we flagged down one of the pedi-cabs, but he said it would be like $50 to get there, so we passed it up. Since the Fairfield was out on N Roosevelt, there would be no return fare and we think that was why the price was high. So we walked the mile and a half back.
On Sunday we enjoyed the free continental breakfast and checked out of the room. It was a grey overcast morning and we took a tour of the island. Just before lunch we headed back to Fort Lauderdale for a late afternoon nap. The drive home became sunny after about an hour of driving and was an easy trip, no wrecks on US1.
If Key West seems like a fun place to visit, it is. There are many options of gay guesthouses to gay friendly resorts and spas. Damron Vacations can help make all your arrangements. So plan a trip to America's Caribbean and enjoy the slow lane where most people walk, ride a bike or scooter, or takes a pedi-cab. your stress will melt away in the warm tropical sun.

Friday again

Yes, it seems that people enjoy working on Fridays. The weekend is almost here, thoughts of cold frosty adult beverages are common, people seem more relaxed. Only 76 more minutes, YEAH!!
Even though it is the kickoff for the weekend, that does not mean that work quantity or quality should decrease. Relaxed dress codes does not mean relaxed work standards. In my case, I have worked in three of my assigned duties, from 2GoMedia, Future Vacations Product Development, and Damron Vacations. Mostly just updating the week's work, some promotion at a chain of resorts, and trained one agent on 2GoMedia. I have sat in both of my desks today, I wear several hats at my job.
Tonight I will participate in happy hour at The Alibi, my favorite watering hole. The drinks are good, the videos entertaining and it is a no smoking establishment. I may wander over to Bill's or Sidelines. The Drive in Wilton Manors is the center for gay life in the Ft Lauderdale area. It is full of shops, restaurants and bars, all with in walking distance of each other. I cannot stay out too late since I am heading to Key West in the morning, I know, poor thing.
Tonight I believe is Art Walk too. Local artists will have their pieces on display at a collection of establishments tonight. So as customers walk from dinner to cocktails or the gym, they will have the opportunity to purchase. Never know when you might buy a future FAMOU$ artist. The nice weather in south Florida is conducive to many outdoor shows. Maybe a quick visit is in store for you? The agents at Damron Vacations can help with everything from flights and hotel to tickets to a gay Tea Cruise is you are here the first Sunday of the month.

Anticipation

Today is Wednesday, 18th of March. It is a very unusual day here in South Florida, it is raining. Yes, it is winter and most of the country is used to cool, dreary, rainy weather, but winter here is our dry season. The dry season is the opposite of hurricane season, it starts in December and runs through the middle of May.
Monthly rain totals in these months is usually less than one good afternoon storm in July. The first year I lived here, we had a storm in late June that dumped 10" of rain in 4 hours. In the winter, a wet month would be 4" for the entire month. It rained through out the night and some parts of Miami/Dade and Broward counties are experiencing some minor flooding.
It is supposed to rain on and off today as a slow moving front passes through the area. And it better, I head to Key West on Saturday for the weekend. It is just a one night minication, but will be nice to get away. The drive is easy and once on the Overseas Highway, the scenery is quite nice. We should be in Key West by noon on Saturday, a nice lunch a stroll along Duval Street, maybe a beer or three.
There is a place on Front Street, east of Duval, that has 1/2 Mojitos in the afternoon. Might have to stop in there too. Dinner will probably be at 7 Fish. It is off Duval in a rather plain building, but the food is great. I have eaten there on every trip I have made to KW for 10 years.
If a quick escape to America's Caribbean sound like a good idea, contact Damron Vacations. The well trained staff there can help make plans whether flying from out of town or driving. Lodging options range from small conch style cottages to luxury resorts, and can fit most budgets. I suggest not renting a car in Key West since Duval is a great walking street and parking comes at a cost.

Success

Well Sunday was the AIDs Walk in Fort Lauderdale. Team Damron Vacations had 15 active walkers and raised over $1,000. GO TEAM!!!
The fun began when my ride came and then two more joined the crowd on our way downtown. Luckily the walk started just two blocks from the office so no one would get lost trying to find it. And as an added bonus, free parking since we used the company garage. We all had bright red Damron Vacations shirts, I provided flower leis and a bubble blowing pistol, one team member brought doughnuts, YUM!
After we were all assembled, we walked over to the meeting place and regrouped at the Damron Vacations space. It was a beautiful morning after the few random showers passed. The entertainment included a few speeches from people involved in the AIDs Walk, a local singer, then some aerobics to warm us up. Blair Underwood gave a short speech, then we were off.
The whole crowd of 2,500 passed through a small arch and hit the streets of downtown Ft Lauderdale, tying up traffic for blocks. So drivers seemed annoyed that we were in their way, and postponing their caffeine fix from the local coffee shop. Eventually we ended up heading east on Las Olas Boulevard, heading past the Venice of America. Large houses surrounded by canals and the Intercoastal Waterway with large yachts. The only hill on the route was the drawbridge over the main channel which offered great views.
At the two pit sotp areas, local drag queens helped pass out water and posed for pictures. 6 foot tall men with beards should not wear pink chiffon so early on a Sunday. Plenty of snacks were also available, bananas, oranges, chips. Along with LOTS of bathroom facilities.
Once the hole team finished, we split up and went to a few restaurants for lunch. My group ended up at the Alibi. The homemade onion rings and chips were popular and the sandwiches were devoured quickly. After stopping at To the Moon for candy, it was home and time for a nap. Plans are already being made for next year's walk.

All work and no play.......

Depending on a person's position in a company, sometimes a business trip is part of a job. In days of cost cutting travel expenses usually take a major hit. More teleconferences instead of face to face. Plus with the advent of cameras that broadcast over the Internet, people can be face to face.
Depending on company policy, travel is either booked by a specific person or department, or reviewed once arrangements are made. Corporate travel departments usually have arrangements with travel agents or hotel chains. Where as in small companies, individual can use their own sources.
With Damron Vacations, were offer lodgings across the country not just in the Gay Meccas. In all the major cities we offer a range of accommodations. And in smaller locales Damron Vacations still offers national chains, though not as many.
This is also true for trips home to see family or friends. Sometimes a hotel is better than your old bedroom since you cannot bring your partner in the house. A flight and car or add a hotel if needed and a trip home can be a fun time. Bring along the latest issue of the Damron Guide and the post family visit time can be filled with family.

Left, left, left, right, left

Sunday, 15MAR is the Aids Walk in Ft Lauderdale. Being the foremost name in GLBT travel, Damron Vacations is entering a team. The event starts just a few blocks from the office, heads down Las Olas to the beach, loops around and heads back, 6.2 miles. It is supposed to be in the low 80s and sunny, and since it is near the water a nice breeze.
Our team is very diverse, from working mothers do divorcees, to gay men. From reservation agents to product development to the director in charge of the department. Damron Vacations has a very friendly atmosphere where coming to work is usually fun. Jokes are told and sometimes we can get a bit loud. But if you cannot have fun at work, you spend most of your time there, maybe you need to find a new job.
After the walk, a local restaurant will be hosting the after party. They will be providing specials for the walkers. Rosie's features a large outside area so it should be fun, during the Gay Pride festivities, they close their parking lot and put tables there too. Good thing it is pay day this week.
When the Aids Walk comes to your town, lend your support. If you cannot afford to donate money because of the economy, donate your time. There is a need for volunteers to help set up and dismantle, along with water stops along the way. A cure for Aids needs not just support in out community, but from the whole population. Being part of the walk will bring attention to the issues and hopefully inspire someone to donate.

City of Light

Yes, we have returned to Paris, the city of light. Though there is no definitive origin for the name, it thought to be from it being a center of learning and ideas, or possibly from its early introduction of street lights. Where ever it was derived from the name is fitting.
Monuments are meant to be seen, both night and day. With advancements in technology, designers are no longer confined to spot lights pointed at a structure. Halogen and ribbon lighting are two options to highlight features.
The Eiffel Tower originally erected as a temporary structure, is still standing with pride over the left bank of the Seine. Work has replaced weakened elements and light have been installed. When in Paris a trip to the top is a definite MUST. The view is amazing with the Seine winding past the base and the large boulevards designed by Haussmann stretching off into the distance.
A little up river and on the opposite bank is the Louvre, one of the most famous museums in the world. It started as a small hunting lodge and was transformed by various kings into a monumental palace. After the French Revolution, it was turned into a museum by Napoleon Bonaparte. Its most famous current resident is the Mona Lisa, La Giaconda.
Further up river, but this time on an island is Notre Dame. A massive Gothic cathedral on the Ile de la Cite. Construction lasted almost 200 years beginning in 1160 at the bidding of Bishop Maurice de Sully. During its lifetime, it has been blundered, altered and restored. It has also been home to one hunchback.
To the west of the city lies Versailles, Palace of the Sun King, Louis XIV. He moved the government of France to the palace in the late 17th Century and expanded the building. Lavish spending on the construction nearly bankrupt the country(sound familiar). Later occupants were known for their love of cake, and loosing their heads.
Besides the main landmarks of Paris, there is plethora of smaller less known sights. Museums run the gamut from antiquities to Impressionism. There are monuments to former leaders, historic homes, and more churches than one can pray in. Quaint streets offer cafes to while away an afternoon sipping cafe au lait and munching on pastries. In the Marais section there is a very active alternative community with bars, clubs and cafes catering to its niche clientele.
Let the experienced agents at Damron Vacations help plan you visit to the City of Light. It is a definite Bucket List city.

More Staycation Information

This past weekend was beautiful in Ft Lauderdale. This is the dry season in South Florida. Translation: clear sunny blue skies, no humidity and a nice breeze. The reason that people move here. The only ice hazards here is too many mojitos.
On Saturday, a nice ride down A1A showed that Spring Break is in FULL SWING. I have not seen the sand that crowded in a long time. I guess the economy has curtailed some travel for Spring Breakers. Instead of flying to Mexico, 4 guys in a car driving to Ft Liquordale.
Also this weekend was the Atlantis Celebrity Solstice cruise. Celebrity's stellar new ship, the Solstice carrying over 2,500 gay men. That might be just a few too many men for me. The bars over the weekend were hopping with early arrivals, lots of new faces.
Since it was the first full weekend in March, the Las Olas Art Fair was held. The main shopping street in Ft Lauderdale is closed for several blocks and tent are set up along the median. Artists from around the country come to display their artwork. The items on display are towards the high end of traveling art shows. No puppets made out of socks. In one of the intersections was a display of large metal animals with bobbing heads painted in bold primary colors. I think a few of these by my pool on the intracoastal would be nice. Guess I better buy some LOTTO tickets so I can buy that point lot.
With the economy barely breathing, and budgets being tightened, check out your local newspaper for local events. Most museums have a free day during the month, or account holders at certain banks get discounts. Or check out your local fag rags to check out Alternative events. I know the Gay Rodeo is coming to town. YUM!! Gay cowboys.
If a trip out of town is what you desire, try Damron Vacations. With possibilities to fit any budget, Damron Vacations can make your travel dreams reality.

Travel on a Dime

The downturn in the economy has also had an adverse effect on the travel industry. With the Federal bailout, many companies have recently canceled meetings as a result of adverse publicity.
Las Vegas and other popular cities have been hard hit and trying to fill vacancies.
This does have an upside. With empty rooms to fill, bargains are everywhere. There are many websites that offer last minute deals. Also some send weekly emails with specials they have uncovered. Though some are still on the $ side, some are quite reasonable. Maybe it is just a weekend away in a nearby city that you drive to, or a cheap flight to visit friends.
Low budget does not mean boring and dull. Staying in a 5 star property in your own city for a great price is a nice get away. Instead of a few hundred dollars in airfare, use the money for spa treatments, show tickets, or that expensive restaurant you always wanted to try. So many people are always waiting for a special occasion to pamper themselves. Why wait? There could be a bus out there just waiting........
Damron Vacations offers some great deals to great destinations. The experienced agents can help plan a quick get away to Vegas, or maybe someplace warm and tropical? A little stress release is just a phone call away.

The 'Good Old Days' of Travel

I remember traveling as a child. Back in the 1960s middle America would load up the station wagon and drive off to vacation. Ours was a green 1963 Chevrolet Belair with green interior, luggage rack, AM radio, and NO seat belts. Living in New Jersey, summer vacations were spent in a rented apartment or house in Seaside Heights, NJ.
My parents would go shopping for supplies, mom would make tomato sauce and a lasagna, 'Grandma' Poplopski across the street would make us stuffed cabbage to take, and off we would go. I think mom traded another lasagna for the cabbage. The next week or two would be spent going to the beach during the day and the boardwalk at night. Amazing how much fun a child could have with $2 in those days.
I had never been to and airport until August 1968. My father had a business trip to Los Angeles and my mother could go too. We dropped her off a few days before hand so she could spend some time with her brother who lived there. I remember mom got dressed up to fly, heels, hose, and dress. At the end of the gateway, we were mesmerized as we watched her and similarly attired individuals boarding the flight. WOW!!
My first flight was in 1973 from San Francisco to Charlotte. It was at the end of a cross country trip when the family explored the West. Mom, my little brother and I flew home while dad and two older brothers drove home. We got dressed with ironed shirts and khakis, since we were on vacation, we had no ties to wear. We obeyed mom's directions and sat quietly in our seats. Even though it was a VERY long flight we never acted up, we knew the consequences.
Flash forward 30 years. Air travel is no longer for only the wealthy. With discount prices, more people have taken to the skies. Though with the discounting also comes a cheapening of the experience. People no longer look at a plane flight as anything special. No more getting dressed up, I've seen people in outfits I wouldn't sit around the house in. Children are not controlled by parents, guess the figure the flight attendants are baby sitters. Last year a family was removed off a flight because the children were too unruly and the mother was not controlling them.
Of course many groups chimed in that it was unfair. But then, what about the other passengers on the plane? Should they be subjected to loud children playing in the aisles? Besides being annoying, they are a safety hazard. A responsible parent would bring enough things to keep their children occupied during a flight.
Maybe this is why I have taken to cruises. I usually sail on Celebrity, which is mostly an older crowd. On the last cruise there were less than 20 children on a ship of 2,000, not bad odds. And on most cruise lines, dressing for dinner is the norm. Whether khakis and a nice shirt, or a tuxedo, it hearkens back to an era when travel was a special treat, not a routine event.
If the return to glamorous vacations interests you, Damron Vacations can book First or Business Class airfare, and many high end hotels. Maybe a room overlooking the Eiffel Tower to celebrate an anniversary, birthday, or just because. Life is too short to fly coach!

More sloths, canals but now add bananas

Puerto Limon, Costa Rica. Capital of Limon Provence. Stretching from Panama to the South and Nicaragua to the North, Limon Provence encompasses the rainiest part of Costa Rica, and also its most geographically diverse. From a mountainous western edge to coconut palm lined beaches.
The small town of Puerto Limon cascades down a small hill to the enhanced port. The wharf area is full of vendors with handicrafts for the cruise passengers. Deeper in the town, the streets were lined with shops featuring items for daily living, with the occasional souvenir shop. In the center of town was the main Mercado, an enclosed shopping area featuring produce, meats, and dairy products. I'm sure my local health department would have shut it down, but the variety of products was mind boggling. Cuts of meat that are never seen in my local Publix, were available; sides of pork, hindquarters of beef, chickens with head and feet still attached.
Up until recently, Puerto Limon, was a major port for the export of bananas. Just a short drive from town vast plantations grow the fruit. The fields are full of canals with banana 'islands' filled with plants. Though bananas love water, they don't want too much. Each plant has three shoots, one will produce a bunch this growing season, then die. It will be chopped off and replaced by the oldest stalk for next year, and a new shoot will be allowed to grow. Since it takes three years to produce, there is a mature, adolescent, and toddler stalk on a plant.
The bananas are covered with a bag to protect it from sunlight and insects, weekly inspection keep the harvesters ready to cut the bunches. After they are moved from the trees, they ride a cable that suspends as on the tree and takes them to processing. There the bananas are sprayed, inspected for animal life, then cut into bunches. Or what the public refers to as bunches, technically the whole unit is a bunch, we purchase a hand which is made up of fingers(individual bananas). After another bath, off to shipping and a grocery near you.
Tortugero National Park is just to the north of Puerto Limon. It is known for the large stretches of beach where sea turtles nest. It also features a system of canals that offer great opportunities for observing wildlife. More sloths, large iguanas, monkeys, and a large variety of birds. Originally the canals were used to transport lumber, but now they are used by sightseeing boats. Don't forget your camera and keep a watchful eye out.
Costa Rica offers an wonderful opportunity to experience nature as it was meant to be. With a high percentage of national parks it leads the way for eco-tourism. It has also become a destination for retirees from the United States. The western coast is more popular destination then the east coast due to the proximity to the volcanoes in the central region. If looking for some intense eco-tourism with volcanoes, rain forests and zip lines, call an agent at Damron Vacations. With their extensive knowledge, planning your trip is a breeze. Who knows, after one visit you may be looking for a retirement villa.

Cartagena

Official name, Cartagena de Indias, though known mostly by just Cartagena. A large city situated on the northern Caribbean coast of Columbia. Originally settled in 1533 by Pedro de Heredia, it became a major port during the Spanish Colonial period.
With its growing wealth, it became an object of interest to the many pirates of the time. After a ransom was paid for the city to Francis Drake in excess of $200 million US in today's market, the Spanish government paid for defenses to be built. With the construction of city walls and a massive fort, it became much harder to capture and plunder the city.
Being part of the Spanish colonies, Cartagena followed the practices of the motherland. One unfortunate issue was The Inquisition. People were brought up on dubious charges out of revenge and paid dearly for it. The Palace of Inquisition is located in the old city on a bucolic square. Inside it has been converted to a museum featuring the equipment used to extract confessions. Most seem QUITE painful.
Along the beachfront on a peninsula jutting into the harbor entrance is a forest of new high rise buildings. These gleaming towers of white with blue windows and balconies could be along Miami's famed beachfront. This is where the wealthy in Columbia either live or have a vacation home.
Back in the old town, traditional architecture is still the predominate theme. There are still some of the old colonial mansions surrounded by gardens that have been in the same family for generations. Many more modest houses fill the blocks. Open door ways to shops show men playing checkers in the cool breeze by the opening. Donkey drawn carts are a common site in the old city a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
I only had one day to explore the city, since I was on my cruise. The city's beat is definitely Latin in nature and vibrant. The colorful flowers cascading over balconies of the colonial town home would make Monet weep with joy. The tanned svelte men in small swimsuits would raise the temperature ANYWHERE! So call Damron Vacations and experience where the 21st Century blends with the 16th. Were tall concrete and glass towers are the backdrop for a colonial mansion whose caretaker rode a donkey to work. Don't forget to look for Juan Valdez, and pick up some REAL Colombian coffee.

How GRAND is Cayman?

Grand Cayman is the largest of the Cayman Islands. With approximately 76 square miles it dwarfs Cayman Brac's 14, and Little Cayman's 10. Though Cayman Brac has a 140 foot high bluff, making it the tallest. With the airport and cruise terminal in Georgetown on Grand Cayman, it is the entrance for most tourists.
On Grand Cayman, the west end of the island is the most developed around the capital. Downtown Georgetown resembles most Caribbean capitals. Lots of shops offering duty free good, local handicrafts and souvenirs. Jewelry, alcohol and watches predominate for the duty free goods. Rum cakes is a specialty of the island and worth a visit to one of the many shops. Free samples are provided along with a shot of local rum. Just do not make it an all you can eat buffet, there are others waiting.
When discovered by Columbus in 1503 on this 4th voyage to the New World, the islands were populated by turtles and was named Las Tortugas. In the 1530s the name Largartos was used meaning alligator or large lizard. This eventually changed to Cayman, the local Indian name for the reptiles. The proliferation of turtles made it a popular stop for ships to gather meat for their crews.
After being depleted, the ships searched elsewhere for a new supply. Currently on Grand Cayman there is a large turtle farm. While some of the turtles are sold for meat, most are released to the wild to replace the native stock, to great success. Caymans and blue iguanas area also raised there.
One popular destination for tourists is an area of black limestone rock called Hell. The origin of the name is lost to history, but has stuck. Many shops in the area offer postcards, t-shirts and souvenirs from Hell.
Since it is a Caribbean Island, it is ringed with stretches of beautiful beaches. The most famous is 7 mile beach, not far from Georgetown and the airport. Along this fantastic stretch of sand are most of the large hotels and resorts. It is a great place to snorkel and just catch some sun.
The Cayman Trench is a popular scuba diving spot. The shallow water drops off to a maximum of over 25,000 feet, making for a spectacular setting for wall diving. For people that do not scuba, there are several submarine rides that offer a view of the undersea world. Another area for water recreation is Stingray Bay where the gentle creatures interact with bathers.
My visit to Grand Cayman was about a Celebrity cruise. The government in the past has turned away gay cruises and there is little alternative lifestyle on the island, so if you are looking for a full on gay vacation, Grand Cayman is not a good choice. But as a stop on a cruise it is a nice port of call. So if you want to try the Caribbean on a Celebrity cruise, or any of the other major lines, contact Damron Vacations and get the wheels rolling. Do not forget that starting in June, 2009, a passport will be required for all re-entries into the United States. Up until then a birth certificate was all that was needed.