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.

Success

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

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

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

Left, left, left, right, left

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

More sloths, canals but now add bananas

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

Life the Ultimate Trip

While going on trips, whether for work or pleasure is a great experience, life itself is the ultimate trip. From birth to adulthood, life is filled with many journeys. Some good, some bad, most forgotten, some still vivid memories.
My journey started in New York, but earliest I remember is New Jersey. Norman Rockwell could have used us for a cover picture. Dad the breadwinner, mom the housewife and 5 boys. Summers on the Jersey shore.
Then on to North Carolina. New school, new friends, new neighborhood all another step in my adventure to adulthood. Inner turmoil I ignored was hidden by eating, yes I was a chubby kid. Off to college and the realization of the basis for the turmoil. Yes, I was gay, a MAJOR step in my journey.
Though kept secret it eventually did become public knowledge to my friends. I did loose a few and it is their loss, their journey to acceptance is in a holding pattern. My family accepted the news well and from then on it really did not matter.
I had moved around after college and ended up in Atlanta, kind of a mecca for gay men in the South. After Atlanta I eventually settled in Ft Lauderdale, where I think I will stay. Besides the relocating, I have had the chance to visit many places both here in the United States and Europe. And there are still more I want to see.
But there are many in our community that have had their journey cut short. I am referring to AIDs. I once met a man that said he no longer had any friends that he had known more than a few years. One former coworker that had lived in SFO could rattle off dozens of names. Though still prevalent in out community, the general population has experienced the ravages of the disease. Families destroyed from husbands on the DL(formerly known as closeted). Pregnant mothers unknowingly infecting the unborn.
Then there is Africa. Besides all the social strife, and famine, HIV is wiping out the population. More than 22 MILLION people are effected in sub-Sahara Africa. Lack of medical care and nutrition has lead to over 11 MILLION children being orphans. Social habits, ignorance, rigid sexual practices contribute to the skyrocketing infection rate.
With Spring just around the corner, AIDs Walks are starting their fundraising. In Ft Lauderdale, the AIDs Walk is on 15MAR. Team Damron Vacations is forming and looking for sponsors. Here is a link to my page, feel free to add your name and your contribution Tim at Team Damron. Ending AIDs and its effects in our lifetime is going to take a major effort and cost. Your contribution is tax deductible and greatly appreciated. Remember to ALWAYS wear a raincoat!!

Canyons and Valleys

While Las Vegas and Hoover Dam are impressive sights, they are the work of humans. Over the course of years, mankind has shaped the landscape to fit his need and wants. In the past it was usually in no regard to the environment. Building large dams that flooded vast areas, covering everything under somethings 100s of feet of water. The Colorado River was the focal point of dam building for flood control and as a source of power. With its free flowing water, steep inclination of the river bed and high surrounding banks, it made a perfect source for hydroelectric power. But travel outside of the metropolitan area and nature takes over.
A few hundred miles to the east lies the Grand Canyon. A might gorge cut over the millennium by the Colorado River. Long the home for the Anasizs, it was discovered by the Spanish while on their quest for the famed city of El Dorado. It remained unspoiled except for the occasional visit by Europeans until 1869, when American explorer John Wesley Powell mapped the Colorado River for the Smithsonian Institute. This exploration of the landscape led to more expeditions and research into the geology of the area. With such a large amount of strata revealed, it advanced the science significantly.
While first entrepreneurs entered the are for mining, it was soon discovered that tourism was much more profitable. A train spur from the line at Williams was brought to the South Rim and hotels sprang up. The El Tovar is nestled right on the rim at the entrance to the Bright Angel Trail.
The Grand Canyon is not the only breathtaking area in the southwest. There is Monument Valley, Bryce Canyon and Arches National Park. Through the erosion of the landscape, beautiful spires, pillars and arches have been created.
In Arches National Park there are over 2,000 known arches withe the longest, Landscape Arch stretching 300 feet. There is Double Arch, two graceful arches sprouting from the same base. Balanced Rock seems to defy gravity, a single stone the size of three buses, perched delicately on a spire. The Fiery Furnace looks like a wall of red flames. These fragile natural wonders are subject to the forces of nature, erosion has claimed over 40 arches since 1970.
Bryce Canyon is actually a large amphitheater filled with countless sites. The ground eroded away leaving spires, called hoodoos, some over 200 feet tall. Since it was created by head water erosion it is not technically a canyon.
Monument Valley is an awe inspiring area filled with large spires and columns of sandstone rising out of the plain. The combination of red stone tinged with yellow, clear blue sky and total absence of humanity is breathtaking.
Throughout this whole region, native Americans have left their imprint. Houses of the cliff dwellers, hieroglyphics and remnants of nomadic camps dot the landscape. So remember to leave only footprints and take only pictures so these natural wonders and reminders of past civilizations will remain for centuries to come.
The expert agents at Damron Vacations can help with your exploration of this region. Maybe a few nights at the Blue Moon in Vegas to start and end your trip and a week of rental car in the middle to go where the wind takes you.
The sites of the Four Corner

Costa del Sol

The southern coast of Spain fronting the Mediterranean is referred to the Costa del Sol, the Sun Coast. It stretches east from Gibraltar towards the coast turn to the north and heads towards France. Beaches line the coast provided sun worshippers ample space. It is a favorite destination of Northern Europeans and the British. Being a short plane ride from the frigid north, the warm winters attract the European version of Snowbirds.
The largest city in the area is Malaga. Originally settle approximately 3000 years ago by the Phoenicians, its control has passed to all the major players in the Mediterranean. The Romans were the first major empire to control the area, then came the Moors, with the unification of Spain at the end of the 15th Century, the area was once again under Spanish control.
With each conqueror, archaeological evidence can be found. There is a 1st Century BC Roman theater. It was only discovered by accident in the early 1950s. The main hill in the city is covered by rebuilt Moorish fortifications. Originally built in the 11th Century and rebuilt in the 13th and 14th. It dominates the hilltop with its encircling walls. The grounds are open and are filled with gardens and information on the history of the area. It has become a major tourist attraction for the area and offers spectacular views of the harbor and the surrounding countryside.
In the lower city, there is the Governor's Palace, many gardens and the required bullring. In the harbor is a ship from the famed Spanish Armada, which is open for tours and also as a venue for functions. Also in the modern area of town is the birthplace of Pablo Picasso. Fronting one of the main squares it has been turned into a museum of the famed artist's life. Another fantastic piece of artwork from Malaga is Antonio Banderas. Saw the Picasso house, but the search for Antonio was a bust.
The main shopping area for Malaga is alongside the waterfront. It is a series of streets closed to vehicular traffic which allows for casual strolling and lots of people watching from the many sidewalk cafes. Leather goods predominate the local goods. During the time I was in Malaga, these shopping streets were the backdrop for sculptures by Auguste Rodin. There were many works by the acclaimed French sculptor with identifying plaques. His masterpiece The Thinker was placed at the south entrance welcoming shoppers to buy.
Part of the Spanish cuisine is tapas. Not a specific food item, it is a collection of appetizers. Small plates that offer a bite or two of a food item. They range from marinated and grilled vegetables to beef, or seafood. With its proximity to the coast, Malaga has a fantastic array of fresh seafood. Sardines and anchovies are popular in tapas. Spending an afternoon with friends sitting and enjoying wine and tapas is a popular passtime in Spain, and with Malaga's near perfect weather, it is a year round activity.
So if the search for the roots of Picasso, or Antonio Banderas awakens your wanderlust. Try Malaga on Spain's Costa del Sol. It offers architecture, history, fantastic seafood, and is a good base for exploring southern Spain. It is just a short drive from Seville and Torremolinos, and we have all heard stories about there. The agents at Damron Vacations can help plans your Iberian Escape and maybe you will be luckier than me and find Antonio B.

The Holy Land

And I do not mean Neiman Marcus, Provincetown, or the Hotlanta Competition. I am referring to the Middle East and Israel in particular. A land steeped in history and traditions. Major religions calling it home, Christianity, Judaism, an Islam. Center of tensions, and beauty.
Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, founded almost 6,000 years old. Birthplace of Christianity, sacred to Muslims, home to Judaism. Ancient parts of the city dating to the time when it was ruled by Rome and before, blend with the architecture of the present and the ages in between. Religious shrines, outdoor markets, winding streets and alleyways, secluded gardens enclosed by century old walls, remind a visitor of the history. Lively street cafes and nightlife highlight its contemporary vibe. Nestled between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea, Jerusalem is surrounded by mountains and riverbeds. The seat of the government of Israel, the Knesset meets there.
Along the northeast coast is Haifa, one of the busiest ports in the Eastern Mediterranean. Established in biblical times, it too has had its share of conquerors and vanquished. The local geography is not a typical seaside plain, with most of the city built on the slopes of Mount Carmel. It is the birthplace of the Baha'i faith, with its Temple and hanging gardens a UNESCO World heritage site. The Sail Building is a striking piece of modern Israeli architecture housing the government.
Farther south down the coast is Tel Aviv, another bustling port city. Merged with the the Arab city of Jaffa, it is Isreal's wealthiest and most cosmopolitan. It is a major destination for travelers wanting a city full of excitement, fine cuisine and lively nightlife. Home of the stock exchange it is the most expensive city in the area and one of the top 15 in the world. It is described as the Mediterranean City that does not sleep. Being founded in the beginning of the 20th Century, its landmarks consists of the 'White City' with its large concentration of Modernist architecture.
Damron Vacations can help with your trip to the original Holy Land. You tour can span the centuries with the birthplace of religions combined with modern facilities and hip restaurants and bars. The experienced agents, with personal experiences in Israel, can provide insider tips on the best way to see the sights.

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.