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.

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.

A Canal, Sloths, and UNESCO Heritage

Isthmus, a narrow strip of land connecting two larger land masses, bounded by water. The most famous of these is the Panama. Connecting Central America to South America. Though narrow, 30 miles at its thinnest, it has profound effects. When it formed approximately 60 million years ago, it altered the ocean currents and changed climates. By separating the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans, the warm water from the Caribbean flowed north as the Gulf Stream, raising the temperature in Europe around 10 degrees. The Atlantic also became saltier than the Pacific, these differences had profound effect on the ocean currents.
It was roamed through pre-historic people and was discovered by Rodrigo de Bastidas in 1501 and explored by Columbus on his voyage in 1502. The first person to cross the isthmus was Vasco Nunez de Balboa in 1513. This paved the way for Spanish gold from the west coast of South America to be transported to Spain quicker.
Gold was originally loaded on galleons and traveled around the southern tip of South America before turning to Spain. It was a longest and treacherous voyage. By shipping to the north by sea, then by land across Panama and reloaded, the journey was shortened by months. Of course pirates took notice of this route and the ports were raided quite often.
During the mid 19th Century several attempts were made to construct a canal across the isthmus. Many ideas were proposed, including a sea-level canal that would require MASSIVE excavations though the mountainous central portion. The French started a canal in 1880. After 13 years and approximately 22,000 deaths, the French abandoned the construction.
In the early 1900s the United States resumed construction after helping Panama break off from Columbia. The canal officially opened on August 15, 1914 with the passage of the cargo ship Arcon. The completion of the canal reduced the trip from New York to San Francisco by more than half.
The cost of passage is based on the ship's size and schedule. The daily schedule allows ships to enter both ends of the canal to Gatun Lake during the morning. The flow reverses in the afternoon allowing ships to exit the lake and continue on their journey. Ships on a tight schedule pay a premium, such as cruise ships. The Disney Magic paid over $330,000 in May of 2008. The least paid was $.36 by American Richard Halliburton for swimming the length of the canal in 1928. The highest fee for jumping line was for the tanker Erikoussa, $220,300. If it had waited its turn in line(7 days), the passage would have been $13,430.
Lying in the tropics, Panama, offers diverse plant life and animals. One of the most interesting is the sloth. Yes the term for dirty is an actual animal. While it is very slow moving while in trees, it is even slower if on the ground. Its grayish-brown coat is usually inhabited by insects and algae, a tiny micro-system of its own.
At the western end of the canal is Panama City. There is a historic, colonial section of the city and a modern section to the south. The architecture of the colonial section has earned it the designation of a UNESCO World Heritage site. And it contrast greatly with the gleaming towers of the modern area. Be careful wandering the streets of the colonial section, the cobblestones are uneven and falls are common. Also on the western end of the canal is the Bridge of the Americas. The Pan-American highway crosses the canal at his point.
Damron Vacations can help plan your Panamanian Escapade. It offers hotels on Gatun Lake and in Panama City. While down there, do not forget to pick up a Panamanian Hat(even though they are from Ecuador).

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.

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.

Olives and ouzo

The Greek Isles. Sun-drenched beaches set in the Aegean Sea. Unlike the idea most Americans have of islands, palm trees and long sandy beaches like the Bahamas, the Greek Isles are more mountainous and much rockier.
Mykonos is probably one of the better known of the Greek Isles. It has a quaint town with the classic white washed building and winding streets. A rocky beach fronts the main town and it is lined with shops, cafes and bars. Exploring deeper into the town I recognized a familiar name, The Ramrod, with its rainbow flag painted over its door. We did not have a shore excursion on Mykonos so we just wandered through the town. The climb up the windings streets was quite picturesque. The concrete had been painted to resemble large stones set in concrete. Window boxes overflowed with flowers. On the ridge above town, their is a line of windmills. The Greek versions seem much lighter and airy compared to their Dutch cousins. The vanes are sleeker and more graceful. The view from the ridge is spectacular of the town cascading down to the shore.
On our ascent we ran into a few people off the ship that actually live one town away in Hollywood. Since we worked up a thirst, we decided to stop on the descent for some ouzo. The small bar had only a handful of tables and stools. The ouzo was good and the conversation lively. Our bartender was half Greek and born in Iowa, go figure. On the way back to the ship a bathroom break was needed, so another beer was purchased at a beachfront bar.
Rhodes was probably the most fascinating of the three islands visited. It boasts the largest medieval town still inhabited. It was a stop for crusaders on their way to the Holy Land. The high stone wall, turreted buildings, and gates made on to expect Lancelot to come riding out and any minute to save Guinevere. Vehicular traffic is prohibited in most of the old town, so walking is the best means of seeing the buildings. Try some of the local far at one of the many side walk cafes.
The last island visited was Santorini. A possible location of the famed city of Atlantis. The crescent shaped island is the remains of an ancient volcano that's caldera collapsed on itself with its last eruption. The steep climb from the harbor up to Fira is best accomplished my bus or cable car. The donkey are a little aromatic, and the steps will exhaust you. We toured a winery and then walked around town. The city offers fantastic views of the flooded crater. White washed houses cling to the edge of the cliff. Our visit was at the end of the season and some bargains were to be had. Fusion glass is a popular item, colored glass is fused with metal and other materials to produce a mosaic and formed into platters, bowls or sculptural forms. Having a fear of heights made boarding the cable car a little on the spooky side, since the waiting area in on a 45 degree downward slope with only a metal rail at the bottom.
So if the Greek Isles are calling your name like the Sirens of myth, contact Damron Vacations and answer their alluring songs. The agents can help plan your vacation either by land or by sea(best choice), and maybe you will meet your own Greek God. OPA!!

The Golden Horn

The Golden Horn is the old section of Istanbul. It is like a peninsula with the Bosphorus on one side and narrow river like inlet. Located in this area is the Blue Mosque, the Hagia Sophia and the Topkapi Palace among other sites.
Originally found centuries before Christ, the city was at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. In fact, it is the only city located on two continents. With over 11 million residents, it ranks as one of the largest in the world. Besides straddling two continents it straddles two cultures, Islam and Christianity. Having been the capital of the Roman Empire for a period of time. And after the Great Schism, it was the capital of the Eastern Orthodox religion. The Hagia Sophia was originally built as a church, with the Muslim overthrow it was converted to a mosque and minarets were added.
Touring the city should include the ruins of the old Circus Maximus from the Roman period; the Great City Wall, which though in ruins, the remaining sections are impressive; the many mosques, and the underground cisterns to name a few.
The ruins from the Roman period have largely been covered up with subsequent development, but can be easily located. The turning posts from the old race track rise near the Blue Mosque and the Hagia Sophia. These mosques are impressive with their vast open interiors and soaring minarets, an unusual 6 for the Blue Mosque. When visiting, remember these are places of worship, so be respective of another's religion.
The underground cisterns are an engineering feat in themselves. The area between Istanbul's hills were covered with the use of columns to provide a water supply for the population. This was accomplished with recycled columns and other materials during the Roman time. Muslims will only consume running water, not from standing source. The Medusa heads used to fill in the gaps of column height are an ancient bit of humor.
As with all vacations, shopping is as important as sightseeing. The Grand Bazaar is not to missed along with the carpet dealers. Be careful of the later since you need to get the carpet home somehow. The secret to the Bazaar is never make eye contact with the vendor unless you are REALLY interested, they will follow you for blocks. The Bazaar itself is a labyrinth of alleys and streets all under cover. The merchandise displayed range from religious item, to clothing, to counterfeit items(there are no copyright laws in Turkey), to the usual souvenir items. It is a definite on any visit to Istanbul.
Did I mention the vendors themselves? If handsome dark haired men with deep eyes are you type, then you will be in heaven. Just don't let their looks influence your purchases.
Even though Turkey is a secular country, no official religion, it is heavily Muslim, and therefore not quite as open as people in the United States are used to. The gay bars, though popular, are not as abundant or prominent as in most large cities here. So keep the PDAs(Public Display of Affection) to a minimum unless in a club or the privacy of your hotel room. And remember, a bath house in Istanbul is MUCH different than here, even though the room is full of naked men.
So if a taste of the exotic is what you desire, try Istanbul for a vacation. It is available for an extended hotel stay and also a port on many cruise lines. So call the experienced agents at Damron Vacation to decide which is the best way for you to experience the Orient, while never leaving Europe. Though I highly recommend traveling across the bridge while in Istanbul, just to say you also went to Asia on your European vacation.

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

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.