I'm Back.....

Yes, it has been quite awhile since I have last blogged. Work has been busy with getting a new project off the ground and I have done much testing on the new website. Keeping our fingers crossed that it takes off and does well.
My travels of late have been low key. I did travel over to the west coast of Florida and visited Naples. Quaint, nice beaches, but kind of dull in the off season. Most of the shops downtown are on limited hours, usually opening around 4pm and catering to the dinner crowd. There were some great end of season sales for up to 75% off, but when the shirt was originally $375, it is still kind of pricey for my budget.
This past weekend was the Miami Metro Zoo. I was quite impressed, it is ranked in the top 10 zoos in the country. The zoo is located in southwest Miami/Dade county and is about an hour from Ft. Lauderdale. The pathway guests follow meanders around the various enclosure for the animals. The only cages were for a few birds and small species that would be hard to see otherwise. Most of the walk is shaded except in the newer stretch near the Amazon are that recently opened. I highly recommend a counterclockwise path, that way the sunny part is in the beginning while you are still nice and fresh.
The complete walk took approximately 3 hours to complete. There are many vendor carts set up along the way selling snacks, cold drinks along with frozen lemonade and ice cream. Facilities are also provided along the route.
Besides being busy at work my home laptop has passed on to that big CPU in the sky and no pictures for now. I need to download some programs on my new one so I can get my pictures off the camera. A coworker is going to try and get my old pictures off the dead laptop.
So if you are looking for a local get away, maybe a long weekend to a nearby city you have never visited? Damron Vacations can assist in just a hotel, an all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean or maybe a multi-city European vacation. Let one of our experienced agents help

T.G.I.F.

It is Friday again and another work week has passed us by. Just have to make it through the day. Plans are the same as last week, Happy Hour at Alibi then home early. There are supposed to be showers in the area today, hopefully I'll make it home dry.
Tomorrow is lunch on South Beach. The excursion last week was postponed to this week while my roommate helped with the painting on the church building he attends. It is only a 45 minute drive to Lincoln Road from home, but a totally different atmosphere. The pedestrian street is closed off to vehicular traffic making for a great people watching environment. All the restaurants have seating outside to take advantage of the wonderful south Florida weather.
After eating a stroll to window shop will be in order. While there are some shops from large, international chains, most are locally owned and offer a wide array of goods. The farther east you head, the more the merchandise is geared towards tourist since it is the end near the famous sands of SoBe.
If lunch on Lincoln Road sound like a great way to spend a Saturday, why not visit? I'm lucky enough to live one county over, but the expert agents at Damron Vacations can help plan your SoBe Escape.

Holidays

Yesterday was Mother's Day in the United States. Countries around the world have similar holidays, but the actual date varies, in England it was in March and in Israel it is in February. I guess Hallmark cannot get everyone to agree to one day.
Since my mother passed away almost four years ago, I had no one to buy flowers for, or mail a card to. My roommate and I went out to lunch after he got home from church. His mother has also been gone for a number of years. It seemed most of the restaurant parking lots were crowded with families out enjoying the day. The place we chose eventually filled up with families with mothers and in some cases grand mothers.
My father used to make sure that their was a card from all the children and a present from us, which he had bought. While still in New Jersey my mother would get breakfast delivered to her in bed. As we got older it was just a big breakfast in the kitchen. But honestly, my father cooked breakfast every Sunday for the family, so only the cards and gifts made it something different.
My family accepted my lifestyle and it was not much of an issue, but so many gay men and women are disowned by their families. And that is such a waste. Relationships that grew for years are destroyed by the truth, and no one is to blame.
If life has taken you away from your family, maybe it is time for a visit? Damron Vacations can help plan a weekend trip to the old hometown. While offering packages to exciting gay destinations, along with Europe and other exotics, Damron Vacations does offer packages to most US cities with an airport. A flight and car can be of assistance if there is no airport nearby. So contact one of the experienced agents and visit your family.

It's over

And I'm not talking about the recession. I'm referring to the work week. It is now 5:20 on Friday afternoon. The sun is shining and it is almost time to hit the streets.
The usual plan will be adhered to tonight. My boss will drop me off, I will consume a few gin & tonics and head home around 9:00. I might treat myself to a few pieces of Humpy's pizza. I have been craving pepperoni lately, hmmmm wonder if that is a gay thing. Alibi should have nice crowd and since there is lots of food served, no smoking inside the bar. One thing I really do like about that place. I can go home and not reek of cigarette smoke.
Tomorrow the plans are to head to Lincoln Road in South Beach for lunch. It is a nice little break from the norm and only 45 minutes away. Will bring my camera to get a few pictures to post. Also send them to people around the country to make them jealous.
It is a bit too late for this week, but check out Damron Vacations for a quick trip maybe next weekend or for Memorial Day. It is not too late and hotels are having some great deals to fill empty rooms!!!

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.

Ahoy Matey!!

It's the first Sunday of the month in Ft Lauderdale. It is sunny, with a little breeze and it is time to decide what to do. There is always the beach at Sebastian Street, lunch at Rosies, shopping, the possibilities are endless. As the day progresses, maybe a few drinks with friends?
Hmmmm, Steel? Scandals? Bill's? Even more options. Why not try the Tea Cruise? Departing along the New River at 3pm, what better way to spend a nice afternoon? With drinks, strippers, drag queens, and hot men, is there any place else to be? For three hours the Musette slowly glides past opulent mansions lining the waterfront. With live DJs spinning tunes it is a great time, and much better than standing inside dark bars that you've already spent the past two nights hopping between.
Damron Vacations is sponsoring the cruise on May 3rd. Not only do you have a chance to meet the great agents that work there, a prize package to Cancun is being offered. The package includes two tickets on Continental from the continental United States, double accommodations for three nights at the Hyatt Regency Cancun. Check out the Damron Vacations blog for all the details. So mark your calenders for May 3rd and set sail with Damron Vacations on the Tea Cruise and pretend you have your own yacht and are throwing the Party of the Year!!!

Holy Week

Yes we are officially into Holy Week. Christians around the world are celebrating the start of their religion. Tomorrow is Good Friday, and a long weekend in most parts of the country. It is also the week of Passover when the Jewish people escaped from slavery in Egypt.
Yes I know it is a little last minute to book an escape for the weekend, but not impossible. With the recent cold snap across the South and East Coast, warm south Florida might be the place to grab some sunshine. The white sand beaches of Miami combined with the fantastic Art Deco architecture is like having a part in The Bird Cage, remember it was filmed on Ocean Drive. Being an international destination, the sand in South Beach will be covered with barely covered hard bodies. European and South American women laying out topless, public nudity is not illegal in Miami/Dade. Latin men with almost no body fat will be covered in small pieces of spandex, making the temperature rise even a few more degrees. WOOF!!!
The nightlife in SoBe is known to be festive and starting late. This allows for a late lunch on Lincoln Road, a little shopping, maybe pick up a new outfit and then a disco nap before heading out to the clubs. Score is conveniently located in the heart of Lincoln Road, an easy walk from the South Beach hotels. The next morning maybe brunch at one of the hotel restaurants fronting Ocean Drive with a few bloody marys or mimosas to help get in the proper mood.
So with this weekend quickly approaching, call Damron Vacations and see if an escape is possible. And if not this weekend, maybe one soon? The economy seems to be at least breathing, as opposed to gasping, so maybe a little stimulus trip is needed. And if a hunky Argentinian man in a swatch of spandex isn't stimulating, better check your pulse.

Busy Weekend

It is Monday morning and the work week has resumed. Why does it seem that Saturday and Sunday are much shorter than the weekdays?
After the CLIA 3Sixty trade show on Friday for 2Go Media, I changed into some jeans and headed to happy hour. It was quite crowded since the rodeo was in town, lots of tourists and many people that usually do not head out. It was a fun night watching the boys, home safe and sound just after 10.
Saturday was filled with the second half of the CLIA trade show. Nowhere near as busy as Friday, but productive. Afterward, Elsy and I went to The Alibi for a few drinks. As a fellow blogger for the gay and lesbian market, Elsy found a great source for pictures. The many rainbow flags was a dead give-away, and living a sheltered life in Boca, she did not realize how many more business had been established.
The mechanical bull set up in front of the bar provided the scene for a cute little Latino boy. She just smiled at him and he was astride the beast. Inside, some additional photo ops and a few adult beverages. After a quick refresh at home I walked to a sports bar to watch UNC beat Villanova. GO HEELS!!!! There was a rather hunky guy that was a fellow Tarheel in the gas station I stopped in for LOTTO, tried to get him to meet the alumni group. The final for the NCAA is tonight when Michigan State will get their last loss for the season.
Sunday afternoon was spent on my bicycle. My roommate and I biked to the beach and watched the people. Most of the people were locals since we were sitting at a small park in a residential area. After a nice break it was off to Birch State Park and watch the boats on the Intercoastal. A beverage stop at a convenience store provided a drink and new LOTTO tickets, before turning north and peddling 55 blocks north.
Though my weekend was full, it was also very relaxing. I got a nice bit of sun and plenty of exercise. Many people end up living in places where they have vacationed. Besides wonderful weather in Ft Lauderdle, the gay and lesbian community is strong and sexual preference is not much of an issue in the city. IF you have always wanted to live somewhere new, why not contact Damron Vacations and plan an exploratory trip? Whether it is a gay mecca like Ft Laudedale, Palm Springs or West Hollywood, or maybe something more laid back, the agents at Damron Vacations can help you get there.

Vacation Deals

Even though the economy is starting to show some signs of life, most people are still cautious over spending on luxury items, extravagant meals, designer labels, unnecessary travel. While all of these items are are fun, they are not needed for everyday life. But there are ways around this.
Most websites have places to sign up for specials. Restaurant websites offer coupons and sign up for emails. I just got one today from a dinner I frequent for a burger and milkshake for $8.99, YUMM!! Department store chains offer discount sections on line, TARGET's site also offers free shipping for orders over $50.
Many vacation websites have an email list for specials, Damron Vacations has that option. And when you sign up now, you receive $100 off your first booking of 4 nights or more, restrictions apply. After enrolling, you will receive a weekly newsletter with promotions from Damron Vacations. Makes it easy to find good deals on vacations.

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.

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.