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.

Anchors AWAY!!!!

This past Sunday was the monthly Tea Cruise on the Musette. There is free parking right near the ship's berth on the south bank of the New River. After checking with Peter and his crew, the Damron Vacations' staff(no pun intended) boarded the ship. Dana, Sherry, Kirk, his partner David and yours truly took a quick tour. Kirk and David set up the Damron Vacations display in the main lounge on the first deck, meanwhile the rest of us found 'adult beverages' on the open second level and found space at the rail to watch out departure.
After a slight delay for one of the performers, are drag queens ever on time?, we pulled away from land and headed east. The New River winds it way along the south side of downtown towards the intercoastal and the open waters of the Atlantic. Lining the shores are some of the most expensive homes in the area. Large waterfront compounds with plenty of outdoor living space with pools with attached spas, outdoor kitchens that rival most suburban homes.
The on board entertainment included performance from two local female impersonators, a stripper, a porn star and a young guy in his underwear. Of the group, the stripper was DEFINITELY the best. I'm guessing that he was well into his 30s, but had a body to die for. Well muscled but not steroid looking, dark hair, what had not been shaved, and appeared to be nicely equipped under his torn, wet, white, tee shirt. YUMMY!!!
The porn star was no slouch either. A tasty looking Latin man in a well packed Speedo. One of my coworkers(and me) thought it was nicely filled in the rear. So many men work on their chests but ignore other ASSets. He did pose for a group picture, but I have included the other I took.
The weather was beautiful, sunny with a nice breeze, so was a great day for a boat tour. The Tea Cruise is an optional feature for all of Damron Vacation packages if travel includes the first Sunday of the month. There is a variation with the next cruise the last Sunday in May so as not to interfere with Gay Days at Disney.

In Springtime thoughts turn to....

TRAVEL!!! Yes the weather is getting nice in the northern tier of states and spring is starting to show. Dogwoods and azaleas are blooming across the south along with daffodils and tulips. The warm weather is creeping slowly north and lingering.
The warming of the air typically leads to thoughts of vacation. A get of of town trip. With the slight improvement of the economy, maybe it is time to head to the Continent? The effects of last years spike in oil prices were air carriers reduced capacity on trans-Atlantic flights. Even with this reduction there is still an abundance of empty seats and airfare bargains are plentiful.
The European economy is not better than here and decreased travel has left hotel rooms empty in all countries and price categories. Offers of price reductions or free nights make Europe a bargain right now. With high hotel vacancy rates and discounted airfare, this might be the best time to head to Europe.
Spring in Europe is a riot of color, from the tulip fields in Holland, to lavender in Provence. Paris is abloom also. The weather has warmed and the Parisians have shed winter wear for more lively fashions. The Tuileries is full of strollers, lover and children with sailboats in one of the many fountains. Sidewalk cafes have returned their tables to the open air and people watching is back in vogue after a winter vacation. And pop into the restroom, it might surprise you.
One of the must sees in Paris is the Opera Garnier, the old opera house. It is the setting for the Phantom of the Opera from Broadway and cinema fame. Built in the Beaux Arts design, the imposing building is lavishly decorated both inside and out. The grand staircase is constructed of various colors of marble. The Grand Salon looks like Louis the XVI could hold court there. The chandelier hangs beneath a Marc Chagall mural painted inside the original dome.
One of the most recognizable structures in the world is to the south across the Seine, the Eiffel Tower. Built as a temporary structure for the World's Exposition in 1889, it is the most visited structure in the world The view is breathtaking both night and day. Take your postcards and mail form the post office on the second level and they will have a post mark from there. Also pay for the elevator ride, the stairs are a LONG walk.
If springtime in Paris has always been an item on your bucket list, why not make it happen? Damron Vacations can make your dream a reality. If getting away on short notice is a problem, maybe a fall visit with the sycamore trees putting on a dazzling display of leaves. Summer is usually very crowded and I would recommend not visiting then.

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.

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.

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!

Cool blondes, spies, thieves and a casino

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

When in France.....

Before leaving the French country side, let's head east to Provence. Yes, there is that book about the area and a movie, but this is more of the whiz-bang tour. Our ship was docked in Marseilles, there is a movie about there too, the French Connection, but it is a bit more violent than the other. The city of Marseilles is a very large busy port city, think French version of Newark, hence the bus took us quickly outside the city limits.
Once past the coastal hills, the countryside was vast and flat, we were traveling in the Rhone River valley. Farmers fields stretched to the surrounding hills, farmhouses were nestled in groves of trees. Since it was late in the year the fields were fallow, the trees leafless, and very few people were seen about. It was also the season of the Mistral, a strong wind from the north, that provided a clear blue sky.
This was the land of Van Gogh. He lived in Arles for a time starting in 1888. He painted over 200 canvases in his period there. The streets and countryside wee very inspirational to him. His favorite haunt was a small cafe near the remnants of the original city wall built by the Romans. Where they EVERYWHERE in Europe? A short walk away is the coliseum for the city and additional ruins.
The city is a mixture of old and new as is the norm in Europe. The main boulevard next to the Rhone with its canopy of sycamores and lined with cafes, connected with narrower streets that climbed up into the city. Shops and additional cafes, mixed with houses lined the lesser streets. Being ever practical, some stores offered vending machines for NEEDED items.
After Arles the tour continued farther inland and to a higher elevation to Le Beaux. The small town surrounds the ruins of a chateau on a high hilltop. The valley below and adjacent area is renowned for its limestone quarries. One vacant quarry is used for a theater during the summer season with laser show on the exposed walls as concerts are held. The view of the river valley is spectacular. The winding streets prevent access by automobiles, so there is a parking lot just outside the town gate for vehicles.
So if Provence sounds like an intriguing place to visit, contact Damron Vacations and get the wheels turning on a tour of the south of France. When combined with a barge or river cruise, relaxation, good food and wine will not be hard to find.

Barging in the South of France

Does anything sound more romantic? Small ship, attentive crew, a handful of guests. Life is good, just add wine.
Carcassonne, an ancient fortified city in the Languedoc region of southern France. It is the best preserved walled city in Europe. As one approaches the city perched on a hilltop, visions of knights in armor and Cinderella come to mind. The imposing stone walls topped with towers appear to be able to withstand any assault. The narrow winding streets are definitely European, nothing in the United States comes close, except maybe Cinderella's Castle in Disney World.
Beneath the old city is the new part of town with the barge harbor. It is on of the starting ports for barge cruises. With only 4 passengers and a crew of 5, service was exceptional. With a comfortable room and lots of lounging areas, relaxation is the theme. With the barge chugging along at a nice leisurely pace, the country side slowly passes. Sycamore trees lining the banks provide shade and frame the small towns and farm houses as they drift past. Since it is Spring, flowers line the banks and the gardens along the shore. Thoughts of Monet and his gardens at Givenchy come to mind, swaths of pastels and brighter hues under dappled sunlight.
The barge itself is quite comfortable. The cabin, though not large is quite comfortable. The marble accented bath was nicely laid out. The common areas were comfortable with plenty of sunlight. The food preparation was first rate and the wine, well we were in France, does more need to be said? The barge we sailed on was one of the smaller that plies the canals of France. Larger vessels up to 20 passengers are available, but are restricted to larger waterways.
If a slow trip through the south of France seems like a dream come true, call Damron Vacations and make it happen. Perhaps a few nights in Paris before the cruise and after to keep from having to rush. This is a vacation remember. And if going with a group of friends, the Group Department at Damron Vacations, can work out a barge that can accommodate just your party.