Ancient Greece, birthplace of.......

Democracy, modern civilization and gay rights. Athens the capital of the Greek civilization was the center of knowledge and learning at its zenith. It laid the foundation of many of today's practices.
There was the democratic form of government originated in Athens approximately 500 BC. All while males were allowed to vote on the issues. Previously only the wealthy elite controlled all the power. This was a turning point and a launch of modern society.
Though still a society of classes, the poor had the same voice as the wealthy. One man, one vote. The population would meet to discuss the issues before casting their ballots. I wonder if their campaigns lasted for almost two years with ENDLESS commercials?
In regards to gay rights, homosexuality was just a part of nature. There was no stigmatism associated with it. In fact it was promoted in the army since soldiers would be less likely to leave a lover on the battlefield than just another soldier. Legions of homosexual men conquered vast areas for Athens. What gay man would have passed up the chance to watch the Ancient Olympics? Hot sweaty athletes performing in the nude. WOOF!!! Many of he Greek gods were also at least bisexual. Zeus and Ganymede, Apollo had many lovers, along with Hercules. Diana had females lovers also.
After the Classical Age and the start of the Dark Ages, homosexuality became a social taboo. Laws were enacted against homosexual acts, and people were condemned to death. Though the punishment by death faded into the past, the acceptance of homosexuals did not gain momentum until the 1960s. With the hippie movement and free love, social norms began to fall. As society relaxed, it was gradually accepted that homosexuals do exist. There are now several states that allow same sex marriages.
With the opening of closet doors, why not open your wallets and celebrate your lifestyle? Many Gay Pride celebrations are on the horizon, and Damron Vacations can help plan your trip. NYC Pride is the end of June to coincide with the Stonewall Riots that ignited the gay right movement. If Pride celebrations is not on your list of must do's, how about the Honolulu Rainbow Film Festival? Great movies and great beaches in the tropics, what could be better? These are just two of the options at Damron Vacations, so pack up the suntan lotion, or your gay pride flags and get on the move.

Looking to travel?

As the years have passed the world has become much smaller. I remember the days when people dressed to go on an airliner, and it had propellers on the engines. To fly over the ocean was incredible, that was the domain of he liners, the United States, the France, the QE II. Remnants of a long forgotten age. The France became the Norway and is currently being cut up into scrap on a beach in the Indian Ocean. The United States is rusting in Philadelphia, I once saw her berthed in Tidewater. The QE II, the last remaining liner is about to become a hotel in Dubai.
There are two successors to this lineage, both Cunard Liners, the Queen Mary II and the Queen Victoria. Both of these have purpose built hulls to cross the North Atlantic, even in rough weather. This is in contrast to cruise ships that are built to ply gentle seas. These cities at sea can carry 1,000s of passengers to exotic ports around the world.
Unlike residents of other countries, United State residents usually do not have a valid passport. Crossing the border to Canada, Mexico or flying to the Caribbean until recently did not require one. Over the past few years, since September 11th, the rules have gradually changed, starting with air passengers requiring passports and slowly adding remaining with all people traveling will need a passport starting this summer. I have actually had a passport for aver 30 years.
With the economy in upheaval as the result of the housing bubble and credit crunch, there are a lot of empty airline seats and vacant hotel rooms. Air carriers are offering discounts to fill seats and hotels are slashing rates. The dollar has gained against the euro since a low from last summer. Maybe now is the time to hit the airport and see the land of your ancestors?
I have been to Italy three times where my maternal relations hail, and would move there if I could. la dulce vita. WOOF! to all those humpy Italian men. I have only been to England once which is the closest to my paternal family, they are from England, Ireland, and Scotland. Hopefully soon I will find out what they really wear under those kilts.
Damron Vacations can help with your travel plans. Whether a cruise close to home, or a European vacation, the agents can assist in making memories to last a lifetime. So, if you do not have a passport, now is the time to get one, and start the process before the summer rush.

Deals on a Budget

With small glimmers of hope in the economy starting to appear, maybe it has reached bottom. Car sales were down, but not as much as forecasted, factory orders increased, all signs of a recovery. Jobs are still being lost, but not at the record rate in months past. Let's all keep out fingers crossed and the worst is over.
But even with a little ray of economic good news, going overboard is not a smart idea. A loosening of the purse strings might be in order though. Maybe a treat out to dinner, one of the first luxuries that gets cut in a downturn. There are many options to find bargains. One is the site Restaurant.com, it offers discounted gift certificates at many local eateries. Just enter your zip code and press go. My local newspaper has the same deal on Friday morning's online edition. Many popular eateries have promotions that can be purchased, but quantities are limited. To me it is a good incentive to try a new place, $25 worth of food for $10 is hard to beat.
Many hotels are offering discounts too. Having a person pay a reduced rate is better than an empty room. Many establishments are trying to keep valuable employees, this may mean reduced hours for everyone, as opposed to reduced number of staff.
These great deals are also available on Damron Vacations. Many high end hotels are offering reduced rates, spa credits, food & beverage credits to name a few of the perks offered. Combining these with a reduced flight cost could make a quick trip easy, convenient and affordable. With tourism down worldwide, hotel rates in Europe have dropped and flight deals abound. The dollar has also rallied against the euro, so once there, prices are affordable. Too many months of frugality can lead to an over abundance of stress, so break out the debit card and treat yourself to a nice meal of maybe a trip, so call Damron Vacations or check out the webiste for your travel needs.

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.

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!

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.

Paul's Letter to the Ephesians

Living in the United States, and especially in South Florida, there is only so much history. Yes in St. Augustine is a structure originally built in mid 16th Century, but was rebuilt after he British burned the city around 1700. In New Mexico there are two structures from around 1610, but they are adobe and stucco which is constantly replaced, so the question is how much is original? In Dedham, MA is my pick, the Fairbanks House, built in 1636. It is a wood frame structure that has been expanded, but the original central portion is still standing, making it just shy of 400 years old.
On the other hand, there are the ruins at Ephesus. Though the years have taken their toll, many structures are recognizable. The large amphitheater is still VERY impressive. The stage area is where the disciple Paul gave his sermons to the local Christians, which in turn became Paul's Letters to the Ephesians in the Bible. This makes the structure in the 2000+ years.
Also in Ephesus is the famous Library of Celsus, and across the street was The House of Love, a brothel(guess it is an old profession, right up there with librarian). For the tourists, a small production is staged at the library, with the actors dressed in Roman garb. Just up the street is the house where it is believed Mary moved to after the death of Jesus. So it is quite the town to visit for Christian sites.
As with any tourist site, shops are plentiful. Mementos range from religious figurines to pagan statues to fake watches. One interesting item was a rather large alabaster penis nestled on the same shelf religious statues. I wonder who was the model?
At its peak, Ephesus was a major port city. But with the silting of the river, it is now 5 miles from the coast. Since this was a stop on my Eastern Mediterranean cruise, the ship was in Kusadasi about 20 miles away. It is a nice little town filled with shops that cater to the cruise passengers. Local handicrafts, leather goods, rugs, jewelry and watches. Remember there are no copyright laws in Turkey, so genuine FAKE Rolex watches are everywhere!! The shops all seemed to me staffed by GQ models. Extremely handsome men with dark hair, pouty lips and most with sky blue eyes, YUM!! All were polite and not as pushy as their counterparts at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul.
Since this was a port of call on our itinerary, by 6:00 pm we were back aboard our ship, so no experience of any alternative lifestyles. Kusadasi being on the small side, probably does not have a thriving gay scene, but just window shopping the staff in the small stores makes for wonderful eye-candy. And besides, living in Ft. Lauderdale, I can see gay men in almost every aisle of my grocery store.
So if traveling the tranquil waters of the Mediterranean sounds like a good idea, contact Damron Vacations to help plan your trip. The experienced agents can help with the cruise selection and additional hotels nights before, after or both. I highly recommend at least one night before the cruise departs to allow for any mis-connections or equipment issues. Trans-Atlantic flights are not easy to substitute last minute, and the cruise ship is not going to wait. Bon Voyage!!!

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!!