I'm Back.....

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

Looking to travel?

As the years have passed the world has become much smaller. I remember the days when people dressed to go on an airliner, and it had propellers on the engines. To fly over the ocean was incredible, that was the domain of he liners, the United States, the France, the QE II. Remnants of a long forgotten age. The France became the Norway and is currently being cut up into scrap on a beach in the Indian Ocean. The United States is rusting in Philadelphia, I once saw her berthed in Tidewater. The QE II, the last remaining liner is about to become a hotel in Dubai.
There are two successors to this lineage, both Cunard Liners, the Queen Mary II and the Queen Victoria. Both of these have purpose built hulls to cross the North Atlantic, even in rough weather. This is in contrast to cruise ships that are built to ply gentle seas. These cities at sea can carry 1,000s of passengers to exotic ports around the world.
Unlike residents of other countries, United State residents usually do not have a valid passport. Crossing the border to Canada, Mexico or flying to the Caribbean until recently did not require one. Over the past few years, since September 11th, the rules have gradually changed, starting with air passengers requiring passports and slowly adding remaining with all people traveling will need a passport starting this summer. I have actually had a passport for aver 30 years.
With the economy in upheaval as the result of the housing bubble and credit crunch, there are a lot of empty airline seats and vacant hotel rooms. Air carriers are offering discounts to fill seats and hotels are slashing rates. The dollar has gained against the euro since a low from last summer. Maybe now is the time to hit the airport and see the land of your ancestors?
I have been to Italy three times where my maternal relations hail, and would move there if I could. la dulce vita. WOOF! to all those humpy Italian men. I have only been to England once which is the closest to my paternal family, they are from England, Ireland, and Scotland. Hopefully soon I will find out what they really wear under those kilts.
Damron Vacations can help with your travel plans. Whether a cruise close to home, or a European vacation, the agents can assist in making memories to last a lifetime. So, if you do not have a passport, now is the time to get one, and start the process before the summer rush.

Good Friday

With Holy Week coming to an end on Sunday with Easter, what better destination to write about than Rome. The Eternal City. Home of the Catholic Church. Full of HOT Italian men.
Rome was the predominant power at the time of Christ. The Empire stretched form England to north Africa to the western edge of Asia and most of in between. At the time the city was ruled by Caesars, and was a mixture of religions, though mostly pagan. Temples to various gods and goddesses survive to this day, though most are in ruins. One building is relatively well preserved, the Pantheon. The imposing facade with its soaring columns and large dome is breathtaking. The immense dome is an engineering feat. Done as a single pour of concrete, the shell decreases in thickness as it climbs to the oculus. A drainage system in the floor keeps rain from accumulating. And all this built around 200 AD.
The current St Peter's replaced a much older structure with construction starting in the early 1500s. In the over 100 years it took to construct, it had many architects and many variations. Michelangelo was the main contributor to the design, with only the extension of the east end into a long nave being the only modification. The large square directly in front of the entrance was surrounded by a colonnade designed by Bernini in the mid 1600s.
Jumping back to the Roman Empire times, the Roman Forum is a collection of ruins from various temples. The Colosseum is adjacent along with the Trajan Markets. All are feats of constructions and are testaments to the engineering skills of the Romans. Sheer gravity is all that hold the Colosseum up, there is no mortar in its joints.
Modern Rome offers a wonderful array of places to dine. Of course Italian is the predominate cuisine. The various regions of Italy provide a wide variety of menu options with different shapes of pasta and sauces. The section of Trastevere is a great place to wander, window shop and eat. Rome also has a lively gay scene with most of it located near the main train terminal. just bring your Damron Guide.
To get to Rome, call an agent at Damron Vacations. With over 25 years in the travel business, the agents have a vast knowledge of the city. So is ancient wonders, delicious food and even tastier men sounds like a dream vacation, Damron Vacations can make it all come true.

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.

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.

On Line vs With an Agent

There are so many travel websites, booking a trip can be quite confusing. There are sites from the major airlines, discounters, last minute specialists, niche groups to name a few. Which one to use?
The travel sites associated with a major airline are well established. But the main problem is that they only offer flights on their airline and partners. This limits destinations and travel options. Most of the discounters do offer various airlines, but sometimes the flight connections are on different lines and the chance of lost baggage is increased. Plus, the flights and hotel are usually separate reservations. The last minute operators do not disclose flight times and hotel selections until payment is received. This can be problematic if the hotel needs to be in a certain area, or flights arrive by a certain time.
The main drawback to the last minute and volume discounters is customer service. There is usually no phone number to speak to a live person. Everything is done electronically. Changes are either not allowed or extremely difficult to make.
The niche operators while catering to a specific group of travelers or a certain destination, usually offer more options and can better tailor a trip to meet one's needs. Websites like Damron Vacations offer the flexibilty to book on line, or with an agent, same price. The agents are extremely well trained and knowledgeable about the destinations and optional features. The Customer Service Department is willing to work out issues with hotels or flights within established policies.
While Damron is an established name in the gay and lesbian section of society, the hotels offered include major chains in most cities that have an airport. So if the next trip is home to Butte, Montana, Damron Vacations can arrange a flight, hotel and car for a great rate. You will also be offered a selection of flight options based on service to the destination allowing for additional miles for your favorite carrier, the least expensive, or the best flight schedule.

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.

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!

A little to the left......

Pisa, once a thriving port, entry to Tuscany, naval power. Now the city with the bell tower. Having been settled long before the birth of Christ, Pisa was the only port between Genoa and Ostia. Genoa was still just a small, sleepy seaside town, its rise in stature still several centuries in the future. Ostia was the port city for Imperial Rome. Archaeological digs have recovered evidence of trade with the Greeks and the Gauls.
It rose in power until the 11th century when it reached its peak in power and influence. At this point it was a major port for Mediterranean trade. By this time the city of Genoa had risen in power and rivaled Pisa in trade and naval strength. Along with competition from Venice, Pisa slowly lost its position as a power in the Mediterranean. Another factor was the silting up of the harbor. One of the important factors, positioned at the mouths of two rivers, was to doom it in the long run. The constant erosion eventually caused the city to become land locked and several miles from the cost.
But by this point, it had grown in favor with the Roman Catholic Church and a magnificent cathedral was to be constructed. The compound would include the cathedral, a baptistery and a bell tower as was the common arrangement at the time. Construction on the bell tower began in 1173 and continued for almost 200 years. Almost immediately the tower began to tilt. The massive weight of the marble caused the foundation to sink into the soft soil. During construction, the builders tried to correct the tilt, by making the columns on the lower side slightly longer. Though this corrected the lean for one level, it continued to sink.
Various pieces of the tower had been replaced due to the abnormal stress on the structure. Attempts were made in recent times to halt the tilt and return the tower to stability. Eventually by enlarging the foundation and removing some soil from the high side. After being closed for a few years, the tower was reopened for the public to climb.
Climbing the tower is accomplished by a staircase built into the outer wall. Light is provided by doors onto the balconies circling the tower. Once a climber reaches the last balcony, they must exit the tower and a small spiral staircase provides access to the open colonnade on the top of the tower. And even narrower stair provides access to a narrow path on top of the last colonnade. The view from the top offers a panorama of the surrounding river valley and the cathedral grounds.
The area round the cathedral is mostly souvenir shops with everything from miniatures of the tower to leather goods, to local handicrafts(Pinocchio is from Pisa). I usually lean towards locally produced items, since they are more authentic to the region and benefit the locals, not a large factory in China.
Damron Vacations can assist in planning your trip to Tuscany and the Leaning Tower of Pisa. From flights directly into Pisa, or maybe into Rome and a rental car, they agents can help your Tuscan experience be all it can be.

Memories......

One of the few things that can never be taken away from us by another person. Time my dim them, some diseases will make you live in them, but they are always yours. There are things from my early childhood I remember as if they happened yesterday. Memories of my mother are circa 1966 and a birthday party where she decorated cupcakes with colored coconut, ice cream was in individual cups with wooden paddles for spoons, and we played games like pin the tail on the donkey.
There were the trips into New York City to visit my maternal grandparents and the Museum of Natural History. The enormous blue whale is still vivid in my mind. The smell of Italian food cooking at my grandparent's apartment. My grandmother in her wheelchair, a harbinger of my own mom's fate. Summers were spent at Seaside Heights in a rented apartment or house, the nights spent on the boardwalk.
After the move to North Carolina, the vacations to Daytona Beach, my parent's favorite place to visit, the Blue Ridge Mountains. 1973, we were the Griswalds years before Chevy Chase and Company. Mom's Country Squire, yellow with wood siding, Charlotte to San Francisco, Painted Desert, Grand Canyon, Las Vegas, Hoover Dam, Death Valley(with broken A/C), Bristlecone pine trees, Yosemite. Then the loop through Tahoe, Grand Teton, Yellwstone and the Pacific Coast Highway. My first plane flight.
Senior year in high school was my first taste of international travel. Madrid and Seville with Mrs Cassale. College spring breaks at the beach and Bermuda for my senior year. Tips to Europe after graduation and cruises. Yes, I love to travel.
Along the way I have owned cars, a condo, watches, etc. Most of which are gone, lost or just worn out. But the memories of all those trips and many more will always be with me and are mine to keep. They include the sights and sounds of the destinations, but also the people I with who I traveled. Some are still good friends, some lost to the years. In a way they will always be with me, whether as a high school senior or as they are today.
There was a conference recently where Ryan Howell of San Francisco State University announced the findings of his latest research. Experiences provided more happiness than possessions. The glamor of a purchase might last for three months, but experiences provided happiness long after the actual event. The experiences provided more of a feeling of being alive, and involved social interaction and bonding. By the way, I have no idea what I got at that birthday party.
Let Damron Vacations help you create some memories to keep forever. Maybe a trip to Europe or teh Caribbean, or maybe a trip home to attend a reunion, remember living well is the best revenge. The knowledgeable agents can help make a trip you will remember for a long long time.

Birthplace of the Renaissance

The Renaissance, the Great Awakening. After the fall of the Roman Empire in the late 5th Century, civilization in western Europe fell into the Middle Ages, also referred to as the Dark Ages. During the first few centuries after the sack of Rome, knowledge and society slipped backwards. Under the barbarian's control, Rome fell into ruins, libraries were sacked, and schools ceased to function. Meanwhile the Eastern Empire continues to thrive and advance.
During this period the cities of northern and eastern Europe grew in population. Many of the boundaries in modern Europe were formed in this time period, due to military actions or consolidation of power through marriage. Tales of the riches of the East began to circulate, and attempts to find a quick trade route spurred exploration.
Within Italy, families had once again established fortunes and thirsted for knowledge and art. One famed family was the Medici clan. Thought to be the precursor to modern banks, the Medicis began as money lenders and their wealth grew. Several men were elected Pope, Catherine became Queen of France and is credited with starting French cuisine, but their patronage of the arts is one of the most famous accomplishments.
The wealthy families would support artists to create masterpieces for their homes and estate. Michelangelo, Botticelli, Donatello, da Vinci, Titian. Names that even non art lovers have heard. These works of these early masters are among the most collected and valued today by art connoisseurs.
Along with artwork, churches were built and decorated. Private funds embellished the newly built structures. Santa Maria del Fiori, il Duomo, was the largest cathedral in Europe at the time it was built. Its bell tower and soaring dome still monopolize the sky line of the city. The Baptistery in the middle of Cathedral Square featured bronze doors that inspired awe, even in Michelangelo, and are considered the first masterpieces of the Renaissance.
The Medicis and other wealthy families built large houses in towns that still survive. Older homes feature a rusticated style that display hand hewn stone blocks. Later structures are clad in finished blocks or marble. In l'Academie, David stands for all to admire. Originally meant to adorn the exterior of a Medici city home, it was moved inside to protect it and a replica was erected on its original site. Many other statures still grace the squares, fair maidens, wild animals and warriors(the best ones) lurk around corners. The sculptors of old appreciated the human form and seem to bring the marble to life with bodies carved to perfection.
Also in the larger square are the houses of the growing middle class and smaller neighborhood churches. These are small than the cathedral but no less impressive in their decoration. At Christmas, these square are filled with stall selling decorations, religious items and food. A great way to experience a cities holiday traditions.
The River Arno flows through the southern part of the city, crossed by many bridges. The Ponte Vecchio is the most well known. It was originally constructed by the Romans, they built half of Europe I think. After it was destroyed in 1333 due to flooding it was reconstructed and lined with shops. Originally food stall and butchers, it now features jewelry, leather and other high end items. There is also a hidden passage way installed by the Medicis so they could cross the river unseen.
Florence, just a short ride from Rome or Pisa. Too many sites to list all of them, and gateway to Tuscany. Artwork, food and wine, what more could you want in a vacation? Damron Vacations can help make your Under the Tuscan Sun adventure come true. So call today and start practicing your Italian. Ciao bella!!

Frozen in time

August 24, 79, the day the world ended for Pompeii, Italy. Mt Vesuvius less than 10 miles north of town erupted, sending hot gas, mud and lava towards the doomed city. When the ash cloud first appeared, residents too to the streets with the valuable they could travel. Thinking the beach would be a safe haven, many awaited their fate. The only known survivor was Pliny the Younger, who took to sea, escaping the nearly 900 degree gas cloud. Death came quick to the mountain's victim.
When the eruption finally ended, the lavish villas of Pompeii and Herculaneum were buried under almost 10 feet of ash and lava. Their secret remained hidden for almost 1700 years. Excavations began around 1748 and continue today. The city was a retreat for Rome's wealthy. Villas were heated with warm air passing through cavities it walls and floors. Water was brought to the city with aqueducts to provide a drinking source and provide for sanitation. Frescoes covered walls and mosaics decorated the floors, sculpture adorned courtyard gardens.
Since most of the destruction came a result of the ash cloud's collapse, the majority of the damage was to the roofs giving way under the weight.
With the excavations, the upright walls, columns and remains of daily life were uncovered. Tracks for sliding doors on markets were uncovered, the remains of the water system revealed themselves, grand villas that occupied entire blocks saw sunlight after almost 2 millennium. A few of the structures have been restored to their pre-eruption state. One a small villa, the other, one of the brothels. Modern man seems as obsessed with sex as much as the ancient Romans. On the tour, the brothel definitely had a longer line to get in that the villa.
The streets were also part of the sewer system, water flowed continuously down the gutters. To keep the population from having to step in the dirty effluent, large stones were placed for stepping stones. The stones were spaced to allow animal pulled carts to pass, necessitating a standard axle length. The groves from so many whens passing between the stones is evident by the grooves worn between the blocks.
Street signs were not as we know them today. They consisted of various mosaic shapes placed at corners. Geometric sunburst of various colors and number of rays, defined the street's identity.
Damron Vacations can help in planning your exploration of the ancient world frozen in time. The Naples/Pompeii area is an easy drive or train ride from Rome for a day trip. Or stay on the dramatic Amalfi Coast and visit the Isle of Capri with its famed Blue Grotto too.