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.

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.