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.

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!!!

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.

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?

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.

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!

BRRRRR........

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

What is a Staycation?

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

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

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

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

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

The Conch Republic

At the far southern end of US 1 is the small town of Key West. First discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513, Key West has had a varied and colorful history. It was fairly deserted until just after the Revolutionary War, when Spain gave it to Juan Pablo Salas, who in turn sold it to American business man John Simonton. After promoting the island to the Navy as a possible base, it became a point of entry to the United States.
With a small population of 'wrecker's', kind of a local pirate, a bit of lawlessness prevailed. These people would lure ships onto the reefs, then claim the cargo. With the legal salvaging of wrecks, the population was one of the wealthiest per capita in the country. Other industries that grew included: sponging, turtle harvesting, and cigar rolling.
In the 1920s, Prohibition gripped the country and more illegal activity helped Key West Thrive, bootlegging. Rum and beer from Cuba and other spirits from the Bahamas. In the 60's it was marijuana. Seem like many people made money in not so legal ways there.
But now for the present. Key West is an easy, if not speedy, way drive from the mainland. The roadway, trestles and bridges make a scenic drive, especially the southern half. Though once there, a car is basically not needed. If driving is not for you, the major lines offer flights directly to the island.
Once in Key West, your options are numerous, from large resorts with spa facilities, to B&Bs in restored cottages. There are plenty of male/female only and clothing optional is quite common. Most of which provide a nice continental breakfast, and some have afternoon Happy Hour. What more can you want, no searching for breakfast, and free drinks? Prices can accommodate a vast array of budgets. As I have gotten older, I prefer the larger resort hotels, favorite being the Hyatt on Front Street. It is convenient to Duval and the waterfront, but secluded at the end of the street.
With the arrival of cruise ships, commercialization has taken over the north end of Duval. While watching the sunset from Mallory Square is still popular, it has a more 'Disneyesque' feel to it than in the past. So head south to experience more of why you headed there.
There are still many of the old favorites drawing in the boys and girls. La te da still has shows and serves food. The patio is a great place to watch people pass. Bourbon Street and the 801 are busy from open til close. One of the more interesting bars is the Green Parrot. Is it gay? straight? whatever? What ever it is, it is still a great place to enjoy Key West as it used to be, laid back and relaxed.
There are the tourist favorites like Hog's Breath and Sloppy Joe's, but they are usually full of people off the cruise ships and can be kind of on the loud side.
Key West has great places to eat. I tend to stay away from the large chains at the north end. A Planet Hollywood is a Planet Hollywood, no matter what town it is in. 7 Fish on the corner of Elizabeth and Olivia is my favorite. The food is great, service superb, feeling is eclectic chic, and dinner will not send you to the poor house. Try the Yellowtail Snapper in Yellow Curry, to die for!! Other favorites are Blue Heaven(named after a type of chicken), Pepe's(oldest restaurant in the Keys) and the Raw Bar at the Turtle Kraals.
If a beach is your destination, hate to tell you, but Key West is not really the place for you. Most of the island is coral and the largest, Smather's is sand from the Bahamas. So if beaching it is what you want, choose Miami or Ft Lauderdale with their miles of powdery sand. If quaint, fairly gay, and lots of fun, Key West is a great place to relax, unwind, and get an all over tan at the pool at your gay guest house. So if this sounds like an experience you would enjoy, call Damron Vacations and speak to one of the experienced agents, and plan you escape to the Conch Republic.

Oo la la in Gay Paris!!!

Springtime in Paris, what a wonderful time to be in such a lovely city. With its wide boulevards lined with sycamores, quaint side streets with hidden gardens, and large parks, the city is alive with greenery and flowers. The city itself is arranged in districts, spiraling out from the center of town, with the higher numbers on the outskirts and along walk or Metro ride back to the center of things.
The sites to visit are vast in number and diverse to, from the Crypts of Notre Dame, to the French Impressionists at the Musee d'Orsay, to the incomparable Mona Lisa(is it really Leonardo in drag) and other masterpieces in the Louvre, to the indescribable view from the Eiffel Tower. Plus there is a myriad of smaller museums, galleries and monuments scattered around the city.
One thing to keep in mind is not to hurry from one place to another. Parisians to not run, but stroll, and enjoy the architecture from the Beaux Arts and Art Nouveau periods of Paris's building heyday. If going a long distance, the Metro is well laid out and easy to use. Metro passes are a good investment, they provide a specific number of consecutive days of Metro travel. Also available in the Metro Stations are visite passes. These also are for a specific number of days and provide access to the major sites. The best benefit is line jumping, with the pass you head to a separate line to enter which is usually 1/10 the length of normal admission line. Thre important exclusions from the visite pass are the Opera Garnier, Notre Dame's Towers and the Eiffel Tower, more on them later.
Starting with the Ile de la Cite, Notre Dame's imposing Gothic architecture is amazing. Begun in the 12th Century, building took almost 170 years to complete. One of the earliest examples of Gothic architecture with soaring arches and flying buttresses, it endures today. The climb up the north tower is made easier with an elevator( the reason for no line jumping) and the view is breathtaking. A farther climb up the south tower is accomplished through a narrow stair, so if claustrophobic, skip this part. The famous gargoyles are visible from the first gallery.
What card carrying gay man does not know at least one song from Phantom of the Opera? The Opera Garnier is the location for this production, and it is actually built over a small lake. The large chandelier is still suspended under a dome that was redone by Marc Chagall. The grand staircase with its various colors of marble hearken back to a bygone age of regally dressed men and women attending the performance.
The most noticeable landmark is the Eiffel Tower. Rising up along the left bank of the Seine, it was originally supposed to be dismantled after the World Exposition. Even with protests from many of Paris's more enlightened populace, the tower was allowed to stay. The ride to the top is accomplished by two elevator rides. At the first level is a post office so, drop you postcards there for an Eiffel Tower postmark. The view is spectacular during the day or after sunset with the city ablaze in lights below.
For a gay old time in Paris, head to the Marais. The former Jewish ghetto just east of the Louvre. The area is full of restaurants, cafes and bars. One aspect of Parisian bars, you can buy a bottle of liquor that they will serve you on subsequent visits, much better buy then nightly drinks. Check out the Damron Guide for the latest listings.
For souvenirs the selection is vast. There are quint local shops or the major stores like Printemps or Galleries Lafayette, along with teh major Paris fashiopn houses. Just remember some food products are NOT importable. Wine is allowed, but meats and cheeses are strictly forbidden. I recommend bringing a packing tube with you. Between the Seine and the Louvre, street vendors set up stand and you can purchase a watercolor of Paris actually painted by a Parisian, the packing tube ensures it will get home safe.
So if Springtime in Paris is the vacation you and you partner have always desired, now is a good time to go. With travel down and the dollar gaining strength against the euro, bargains are plentiful. Check out Damron Vacations to the best advice and experience in planning your trip. The knowledgeable staff will help with all the details.

The Eternal City

Rome, the ancient city that is still alive. Founded approximately 2,700 years ago on seven hills along the banks of the Tiber River along Italy's central western coast. The Roman Empire slowly grew to encompass most of the known world until it was sacked in the mid- fifth century.
Having already been the seat of the Catholic Church, the Popes continued to reside there even after the Great Schism which established both the Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Church. Th papacy kept Rome from total obscurity during the Dark Ages. The Renaissance began in Florence and quickly spread to Rome. Many spectacular churches, palaces, monuments, etc still hold prominence on the cityscape.
My favorite building is the Pantheon. Built around the year 250, it stand a testament to Rome's engineering ability. The inside is the same height, width and depth. The soaring dome with its oculist is a single piece of concrete that was pour in one continuous job. The base of the dome is thicker and as it reaches it summit, the walls thin and lighter aggregate is used. The coffers also decrease its weight as it climbs. There is also a drainage system in the floor for rainwater.
The Vatican's St. Peter's Cathedral is breath taking. The soaring apse, with the Bernini designed Baldacchino, and the Michelangelo designed dome along with the artwork is phenomenal. The colonnade surrounding the square's symmetry and adornment attest to the skills if the craftsmen.
Walking through the Forum to the Coliseum brings you back to the time of the Caesars. When people's fates were decided by wild animals. Though in ruins, the form still possesses a certain majesty and awe. Though stripped of its marble exterior, it was used for later works, the Coliseum still impresses. With its planned entrance and exits to the layers of seating based on social status, is unsurpassed today, the fact that gravity is the only thing holding it together for centuries is no small feat.
There is an active gay scene in modern day Rome. Most of it is towards the main train station. Check out Damron Vacations to get you to this mesmerizing city and the Damron Guide once you are there.

Back to the drawing board.....

After holding the cruise yesterday, I discussed it with my roommate, and we decided that it is still a bit too much. After adding the cost of shore excursion, it would push the total over $8K and probably close to $8.5K. So time to check out other options.
Damron Vacations offer all the major lines, so tonight will be a night of research on the web. Both Princess and Celebrity offer South America, so there is lots to choose. I was also considering a repositioning cruise. Fly over to Europe and then take the ship back to Fort Lauderdale. Those are usually a good deal since days at sea equates to no port charges. Will have to check out the options.
While I am there, will also check out some quick get a ways for the Spring. Damron Vacations is adding properties to its vast supplier base already in place. I really do like heading to the Keys for a weekend. The drive is spectacular. This is the view from the Bahia Honda Bridge. It was part of Henry Flagler's railroad to Key West. After the devastating hurricane, it was topped with a roadway for vehicular traffic, and ws later replaced with a new span. Looks very tropical, huh? So now you have an idea of why I like the drive.

First Step Taken.....

Well, I have held the cruise from Rio to B.A. We have one week to put down a deposit and hold the price with all the promotional items included. The current price is approximately $3000 less than the same cruise last year. It is amazing how many good deals are out there. So, I guess the running needs to be stepped up and maybe some weight lifting too. Spandex is not a very forgiving fabric.
The nice thing about cruises is that a deposit is all that is needed to hold it until approximately 75-90 days before sailing. This enables payments along the way and it is all refundable until that final date too. Which makes for a nice comfort level if something was to change. And until that final payment name changes are easy, just in case the love of your life changes.
Now with the BIG vacation taken care of, the small ones are all that need to be planned. A few weekend hops to Key West or Orlando, maybe a family visit to NC or TN, and I havee some dear friends in NJ/PA area that I would like to see again, since it has been WAY too long. With Damron Vacations helping with the flights and accommodations, all I'll need is my Damron Guide to find the best places to go when I'm there.

Already Planning......

Even with just returning from an 11 night cruise of the Caribbean, plans are in the works for this years trip. The first cruise that was investigated was from Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aries. But after adding on all the extras, it would have been around the $10K mark which was WAY out of budget.
With the slowdown in the economy, cruise lines are starting to offer early booking specials that are pretty phenomenal. The cruise in question has a 2-4-1 offer, free airfare, per cabin discounts and on board credits. This may bring the price down enough to make it possible. Such a cruise would be nice since I do have a fondness for Latin men. Plus I have a friend that grew up in the Recoleta in BA and I will get to see him.
So, as a result, I have started an exercise routine. I have started running again. Over the past several years, I have slowly accumulated a belly, and while it is easy to hide while dressed, it will not work walking down Ipanema Beach in Rio. Belly+Spandex= NO!!! The cruise is not until December which gives me quite awhile to work on the project. There is a small men's store nearby that is closing due to lease issues, so I purchased a suit for 75% off, thankfully I don't have to loose that much, but it is an inspiration for the weight loss.
In addition to the possible cruise, the birthday that will happen in one year is the other inspiration for getting back in shape. With the body conscious attitude of the gay world, being older is bad, being heavy is definitely out, so combine the two and DOUBLE whammy. I know I will not look like a 2xist underwear model, that is only for the under 25 set. I just want to be able to wear a clingy shirt because that is the style, not because I need a larger size.
When I get a break later, I will contact my Damron Vacation agent I use and get some prices on the cruise. Along with their knowledge and the Damron Guide's over 40 years of experience, this could be the best vacation ever.

First week back to work

Yes, the holiday season is over. Today is the Monday on the first full week of work since mid December. No official work holiday until May 25th, Memorial Day, sigh.
With this past Saturday and Sunday being the first weekend of January, the Las Olas Art Fair was held. The are show takes place in downtown on Las Olas Boulevard, which is the local version of Rodeo Drive. The street is closed to traffic and vendors set up booths for about 6 blocks. The various artists display their work from custom jewelry to large lawn sculptures to bucolic landscapes to abstract murals. The weather over the weekend was fantastic and the street and sidewalks were packed. In fact, a little too crowded. There was a fairly large proportion of family memebers in attendance. Probably since this was a reputable show, and did not have puppets made from a sock type merchandise. The next one will be in March, hopefully it will not be as crowded.
The crowds in the bars will start to decrease now that the holidays are over. The out of towners are back at their jobs like the rest of us. There will still be a number of snowbirds that are escaping winter in their home cities.
The next big event is the Foodnetwork Food&Wine Festival in Mid February. All of the Foodnetwork' hosts and personalities will be attending. There will be cooking demonstrations with personal interaction with your favorites. Various vintners will also hold food/wine pairings. Good food, good wine, and some tasty chefs, what more could a gay man want?
The next weekend is the Winter Party in Miami. Basically a springtime version of the White Party 6 weeks ago held at Vizcaya. Though the Winter Party focusses more of its attention to the beach, with events on the beach, around pools, rooftop decks, and of course the local clubs.
So if any of these events sound good, why not check out Damron Vacations for flights lodging and a car? The agents are very familiar with the are and can direct you to a hotel that suits your needs. And with Damron Guide's over 40 years of information, a great get away is just a phone call away.