Beachcombing

Bitter Cold Outside = Beach Thoughts

2011-01-22T00:27:00.002-05:00

When it gets this cold outside, it's easy to start dreaming about escaping to someplace warm, comfortable, relaxing, tropical.

Give me a bar stool at a beach side bar and a cold beer in my hand along with a fine cigar and I'll be in heaven.

The breeze, the surf, the palm trees the ocean.... Heaven.....

2010-03-05T10:47:00.002-05:00

I am ready for a vacation! I'm not talking about sitting around the house for a week doing nothing!

I'm ready to get on a plane and get out of Dodge!

Beaches,

Bars,

Sand,

Seafood,

Cigars,

Martini's,

Chicas,

The whole 9 yards. The whole enchilada.

Been cooped up all winter..... it's time to let loose!

Which Way To The Beach?

2009-12-28T20:48:00.001-05:00

Good heavens Lovey. It's going to be a cold one tonight!

Had a few inches of snow today and it's nice and windy out there tonight.

Sure wish I was down in the Keys right now with the palm trees swaying in the breeze and the rum drinks going down smoothly.

Or maybe in Miami.

Well, maybe next month......

Tropical Christmas Party

2009-12-19T09:37:00.002-05:00

With snow on the ground and Christmas only 6 days away, we're preparing for a Tropical Christmas Party tonight.

Ham, Jerk Chicken, Pineapple, plenty of rum from the islands and some Red Stripe beer to top it all off.

We'll be mixing up some "Tropical Delite" fruit punch and floating away to warmer, gentler climates. Transporting ourselves to a beautiful beach somewhere in our minds. Bonfire roaring, waves rolling in gently, good friends, good food, good beverages, tranquility and beauty all around.

Have a Merry Christmas everyone.

I'll see you at the beach!

Blackberry Burnout

2009-11-18T19:27:00.008-05:00

Are you ready for a vacation?

After a year like this one, who isn't?

It's been 9 long months since I've had a chance to even think about getting out of town.

At this point, I'd like to go anywhere just so long as I can turn off the Blackberry and get away from it all.

But, as always, when I dream of escaping it all, I can't help but think about white sandy beaches, clear blue water, tiki bars, cold martini's etc. etc. etc.

If you're getting out of Dodge, leave me a reply. I'd like to get some new ideas on where to go and what to do.

Ciao.

White Sand, Cold Drinks, Blue Water.......

2009-02-04T23:33:00.004-05:00

With the temps going down to zero tonight, I can't help but think about taking off for someplace tropical.

I have Jimmy Buffett's "Tin Cup Chalice" going through my head. What a perfect way to sum it all up....... "I want to be there. I want to go back down and lie beside the sea there."

Visions of beach bars are dancing in my head. An outdoor patio right next to the beach. A guy in the corner with a guitar singing Jimmy Buffett songs. Ice cold beer. Fresh shrimp with spicy cocktail sauce, butter and lemon. Some good buddies to hang out with. What more could I ask for? Ahh yes, some nice palm trees swaying in the wind would top it all off.

If you are in such a place, I envy you.

Enjoy it! Savor it!

You could be here.

Getting Cold Up Here

2008-10-15T23:39:00.002-05:00

The temperature is dropping by the minute tonight. Reality is slowly rearing it's ugly head here in the great north.

It's nights like these when I think about:

Palm trees.
Ocean Breezes.
Beaches.
Brasileiras.
Vacations.
Going to the airport.
Turning off my cell phone for two weeks.
Buying a paperback book to read on the beach.
Good coffee. (cafezinho)
Caipirinhas
Churrascarias.
Lord Jim Pub.
Corcovado
Pao de Azucar
American Airlines
Leblon.
Ipanema.
Lagoa.
Centro.
Praca Quince
Drambuie. (Always found in the hotel room fridge in Rio)
Frutos do Mar
Fine Cigars
Rio Shopping

The list could go on and on.

I'm in a Rio mood tonight.

Got My Teva's Out And I'm Ready To Go!!

2008-09-30T21:52:00.003-05:00

I've had my nose to the grindstone for several months and I'm ready to break lose and head to the tropics!!! Talk about a caged tiger!!!

Got my Teva's out next to my suitcase. Got the sunscreen and my swimsuit ready to be packed up!

Time to pick out a vacation destination. Someplace warm, by the ocean, with a little bar next to the beach.

I'm ready to be sitting at that beachside bar with some old friends, some new friends, a big rum and coke and maybe a fine cigar!!

Let's take a vacation!!!

Staying On Course

2008-07-16T05:29:00.002-05:00

I won't be taking any time off until at least September. But, I'm already thinking about where to go on the next trip.

Who knows, I may end up travelling by myself again. That wouldn't be all that bad.

Hmmmm where to go....... ? Europe? Brazil? Asia? Back to Florida again?

I'll put up a poll and let the people decide where I should go next.

Enjoy the day!

One Month After

2008-05-30T06:05:00.002-05:00

I've been back from Vacation for about a month now.

For the first three weeks, I felt somewhat refreshed, invigorated, energetic. Work didn't seem so stressful.

Now, here in the 4th post vacation week, I'm starting to get those longings again. Listening to Jimmy Buffett while I'm in my car at work, waking up and checking the weather down in Key West, thinking about being on the next flight out.

I'm wishing right now at 7:15 am that I was out taking a walk on some beach somewhere. Or maybe sipping on a cup of coffee while watching the waves roll in on some shore.

Time to start planning the next escape.

Unintentionally Travelling By Yourself

2008-05-18T09:19:00.003-05:00

Well, I finally made it to Miami Beach! It wasn't the vacation I expected. But, all in all, it wasn't bad.

I went down to Miami expecting to go with my brother and a friend of mine from my days in college. The closer our day of departure came, the more things started shaping up differently.

My brother backed out a couple of weeks before citing lack of fundage. My friend dropped the ball the week he was supposed to fly down by losing his wallet, I.D. and credit cards included.

I knew I was going to arrive 2 days prior to him. However, I had no I idea that I was in for a 6 day vacation by myself.

So, what do you do when you've flown 3 hours to Miami and you find yourself all alone for the next 6 days? Basically, you do most of the same things that you were planning to do anyway. RELAX!

I spent a lot of time sitting on the patio at Starbucks next to the Marriott reading a great 1200 page long Tom Clancy book that my neighbor had loaned me prior to my departure. I went to the beach for a walk or just to hang out and catch some rays and check out the scenery. I went to Big Pink a few times for lunch and or dinner. Visited Joe's Stone Crab, my favorite seafood restaurant. Taverna Opa! was also one of my visits. I like the energy there and the dancers are very nice indeed.

At night, I visited Ted's Hideaway and fit in just like one of the locals. The crowd there is very sociable and there is always someone at the bar to chat with about sports, politics, living in Miami Beach, etc.......... I also like the bar tenders here. Very nice young ladies. Pleasant to talk to and pleasant to look at as well.

I visited "The Room" as well. A bar several blocks from Ted's. Not as much personality here. But, it's a nice atmosphere, laid back, dark, cool, inviting.

When I first discovered that I was going to be on this adventure by myself, I was a little deflated. I was sitting at the bar at Taverna Opa! after just having watched the dancers come out and do their thing. Feeling good about the evening. Then, my phone rang and I received the news that my buddy wasn't going to make the trip.

It made me think of my situation in life. Really alone in the world. Reality was starring me in the face. I was all alone on this planet.

Well, what to do? I could get depressed and go back to the condo and mope. I decided against that option. Instead, I went to Ted's Hideaway and sat down at the bar and ended up sitting next to a guy named Bob who turned out to be one of the folks who manages the establishment.

I ended up having a great time as Bob introduced me to all of the lovely bar tenders, many of the locals and was a great conversationalist. I ended up leaving the bar somewhere around 3 or 4 in the morning after spending a very enjoyable evening. Had I been there with my friend who couldn't make it, I probably never would have met these great folks nor would I have had such an enjoyable evening of conversation.

What I learned from this vacation is that when life throws you a curve ball and you're left all alone in the world, get out there and open your mouth. Introduce yourself to people. There a so many nice people out there that we could meet if we would only take the time to go sit at the bar of life. In this case, it was Ted's Hideaway for me. Thanks Ted's.

Feelin' Tranquil

2008-03-29T09:05:00.003-05:00

There's nothing better than waking up on a Saturday morning and having not one thing on your schedule for the day.

Here I sit, watching the birds come and go from the feeder. Sipping on a steaming hot cup of Starbucks Italian Roast.... Just enjoying the tranquility of the morning.

In 27 days, I will be winging my way south to relax beach side down in Miami.

I'm already thinking about what I would be doing right now if I were there. I suppose, if I were in South Beach right now, I would have already finished walking about 4 or 5 miles on the beach. I love to get up and put on my running shoes and head out down the beach.

If you can make it out to see the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean, all the better! It definitely makes you think about your life, where you stand right now, where you want to go, what you doing currently. Are you happy? Would you be happy somewhere else? Ahh who knew that just seeing something that happens every day could bring about life altering thoughts and dreams? Normally, I never even see the sunrise or think about it. But, when you are in a beautiful place near the ocean and have the opportunity, this event should not be missed.

What do I do after my walk? Well, there's a nice little Starbucks right at the foot of the South Beach Marriott that I like to hang out at. So, I'll go inside and grab a Venti coffee and a Miami Herald and head out to their patio to sit at one of the tables. This is a perfect spot to people watch. I love this end of South Beach. Even though I love all of Miami Beach, this has become my favorite area.

After an hour or two of hanging out, reading the paper, relaxing and seeing some of South Beach's sites come and go, I'm ready for some lunch. So, I'll head over to the condo, hit the shower, and walk a block down to Big Pink. It's one of those 24 hour restaurants that has a huge menu, great service and, as mentioned before, great people watching. I think that's what makes Miami such an interesting place. The great diversity of people that you run across every day.

After lunch, you know where I want to go! I'm heading back to the condo for some R&R.

Later on, I'll continue with a typical day in South Beach.

Right now, think I'll go get another cup of Joe and relax.

2008-03-25T06:14:00.003-05:00

Man o man...... 1 month from my departure date for those sunny beaches down south!!

Right now, I'm thinking of the airport down in Miami. I love that place. I love the people from so many countries that are coming and going. I love the cafe con leche at the little coffee shop there. I even love waiting for my luggage to come off the carousel. I love walking out the front doors and feeling the warm, humid, Miami air and watching the palm trees blowing in the breeze. You can tell that everyone is so happy to finally be there.

When you're leaving, there's always that little tinge of sadness that you feel after you've had a great time in Miami. You exit your cab to go inside. Check your luggage. Stop over for a cafe con leche. Step back out into the warm, humid air to sit on the benches out front and have a few last Camel Lights. Savoring the smoke and the memories of the week. Watch the people picking up loved ones. Watch the people sitting out here smoking on the bench. Watch the cabs and buses come and go. Watch the palm trees swaying in the breeze again. Think about your life and how you wish you could find some way to get down here permanently. You sit outside in the warmth until the very last moment. Then, you bite the bullet and head inside to the security line that will take you to your gate. BUMMER. It's official. You're going home now.

You always want to make sure that you're sitting on the right side of the plane on the way down and on the way home. That way you get the best views of the city. It sure is tough when you're flying out to look down at the city below. Seeing you're hotel, down there on the beach, fading into the distance is the moment when you really feel like it's over. The airplane, once a symbol of your freedom, of your escape, now becomes a prison bus taking you back to prison after they let you out by mistake for one week.

Well, perhaps it's time to just do it. Just move down there permanently and exit the frozen tundra once and for all.

We'll see.

Spring Is Finally Here

2008-03-24T04:07:00.004-05:00

Spring is finally here. But, you wouldn't know it. We still have several inches of snow on the ground.

The good thing is, the days are becoming noticeably longer. It's amazing what a little sunshine can do to perk you up and make you feel so much better about your circumstances.

On top of that, I just sent an inquiry to a condo down in Florida about locking it in for a week in April.

I think it's mandatory for my own mental health to get out of here for a week to totally decompress for a while.

I hate to send out posts like my previous one. But, sometimes, I just get so totally frustrated with the job, the stress, the daily grind. I suppose everyone has the same issues. However, lately, I've been falling into a more than a little mild case of "Jimmy Buffett Syndrome." You know, when you're almost ready to chuck your job and trade your house for a sail boat and head south for some distant marina, some tranquil place. Jeez that sounds good! jajaja

Enjoy the day!

And if you're on a beach somewhere, I hope it'll be one of those memorable days that give you much pleasure to think back upon later in life.

Ok, It's Time.

2008-03-20T07:10:00.006-05:00

Some days you just wake up and it hits you..... I really need a vacation.

That's how I'm feeling this morning. Sitting here at my computer thinking about sand, surf, beaches, boats and palm trees.

Plus all of the other things that you do when you are in a place that has all of the above.

Quite frankly, you know it's bad when you almost don't care whether you travel or not. As long as you just don't have to go to work or take another phone call or solve another problem or work on another project. At this point, I just want out for a while.

What ever happened to the two week vacation? Remember back in the day when the family would pack up and go of on excursions to the Grand Canyon or down to Florida or some other interesting place? Well, not anymore.

Now, you're lucky if you can even take all of your vacation time. Let alone go anywhere for any length of time. On top of that, why is it that we need two wage earners to afford the same or less of what our parents had in the past?

I've only been lucky enough to go on one two week vacation in my life. The Traveler went to Brazil for two weeks. It was the best vacation that I've ever experienced. And, after two weeks away from all of the nonsense at work, you actually feel very relaxed and refreshed. You need two weeks off to forget about all of the petty things that were driving you nuts before you left town.

Oh well, I don't mean to go down the negative path on you this morning. But, sometimes a person just has to get it out of their system.

I think it's been about 5 and a half months since my last week off.

I believe it is time to drop out for a while.

Virgin Island Bay Rum

2008-03-15T09:46:00.004-05:00

I was going through one of the big chain drug stores the other day and ran across Ed. Pinaud Clubman Virgin Island Bay Rum cologne. You know, the one with the picture of the ship anchored beneath the moon? You're right, I'll bet you didn't know. Because I didn't know about it either. I'm more familiar with their standard Clubman aftershave lotion and talc which my barber has been using on his customers forever.

Anyway, as a sailor, traveler, and all around fan of the islands, I was instantly drawn to this bottle with the ship on it's label. Thinking about the islands, I had to try it!

So, here I am with a 12 ounce bottle of Virgin Island Bay Rum .... and to be honest with you, I love this stuff! It has a great scent and it feels nice and cool on your skin.

Enough of my ranting about inexpensive colognes! But, I like it! And you may too!

Until next time.......

Traveler

Thinking Of Key West

2008-03-08T10:38:00.005-05:00

Well, it's snowing again this morning. I guess I don't mind too much. If it's going to be cold out there, it may as well be scenic.

Ironically, when I turned on my computer, Bob Marley was singing "Coming In From The Cold" How appropriate on a day like today. Snowy, windy, blustery......

I just looked up the weather down in Key West to kind of escape from my current reality and it's 72 degrees and cloudy. Not bad.... Not bad at all. I'll take it!! Clouds and all!!

I first visited Key West by accident. My brother and I had booked a week at a hotel in Clearwater, Fla. one February back in I think 1993. Well, when we arrived, ready to hit the beach, it was windy and the high temp was around 50 degrees...... the town was desolate.

We were sitting in a bar around 1:00 pm on our first day there. Our waitress, who was very nice, was wondering why we were stupid enough to visit Clearwater in February. With the winds howling outside like a November gale on the Great Lakes, she was kind enough to tell us to get the heck out of there and go to Key West. Never ones to disobey a direct order, we saluted and said "Yes Ma'am!!" and hit Alligator Alley early the next morning.

When you're looking at a map of Florida, Key West doesn't look all that far away. In reality, it took us 8 hours to get down there. Going right past Miami, which I wouldn't discover for another four years. Who knew?

We rolled into Old Town sometime around 6:00 pm that night after an interesting eye opening drive down that two lane highway through the keys. The sight of the blue water is incredible and makes you wish you were the passenger and not the driver as there is so much to look at.

Heck, we didn't even have a hotel lined up yet. So, we cruised around town, looking at the various hotels. Eventually, deciding that we deserved a week in something more than a spring break dive, we settled on the Southernmost Hotel.

What a great place. Right on the water with a little beach next door. Simple rooms, yet very comfortable. Man, I'd like to be down there right now...... Maybe sitting on my little balcony with a big cup of Joe listening to the day come alive. Listening to the breeze in the palm trees and the tropical birds making their morning calls.

More to come on Key West. But, for now, I'll just leave you thinking about spending a tranquil morning lounging seaside in the tropics, without a care in the world.

Looking Back And Wondering...................

2008-03-03T20:11:00.010-05:00

I was talking to a friend of mine last night who has gone on many trips with me in the past. We were reminiscing about the first time we went down to Miami.

It was actually a bit of a downer to realize how fast time flies and how you can get caught up working and working and working.........And then one day, you wake up and it's 11 years later and you wonder what happened to the time.

I remember that first trip to Miami like it was yesterday....... Key Biscayne, Coral Gables, Coconut Grove, Bal Harbour, touring Vizcaya, watching the Flamenco dancers down on Ocean Drive in South Beach and being completely stunned by the beauty of the women. Not to mention the palm trees, the sand, the blue water, the good restaurants, cafe con leche, the tastiest cigars, the martinis that were the coldest ever made, the ice cold Coronas with lime on the patio before and after going out on the town, the smell of coconut suntan lotion, walking to the little market on a "beer run", waking up and sipping hot coffee on the patio and enjoying watching the palm trees overhead blow in the sea breeze, mocking birds chirping and squawking in the palms..........

God, everything about the place was so amazing to my "midwestern" eyes. I had been to Florida before...Daytona, Lauderdale, Key West, Hollywood, Clearwater. But, none of those places were anything at all like Miami.

As we packed our bags and prepared to head off to Miami International for our flights home, some of our most frequently uttered statements were things like......"Why didn't we go to college down here?" and "We've got to move down here dude!" and "When I get home I'm getting my resume printed up and getting down here."

I remember sitting in the airport sipping on my last cafe con leche, listening to the announcements in Spanish over the P.A. system and being depressed that I was leaving. It was that feeling that you had as a young kid when you went to visit your grandparents or your cousins for a week and had a great time. And now it was over and you had to leave these special people, this special place behind.

Well, here I am 11 years later and quite frankly, not a whole lot has changed. I still get up and go to, basically, the same job I had back then. I still live up north where the snow falls and the winters seem never ending.

I guess the gist of this post is to motivate anyone that reads this to do what is in your heart, go where you want to go, live where you want to live. Don't hesitate because life really does move fast. One day, you're on spring break with all of your pals at the beach. Then next day, you're 20 years older and thinking about all of the decisions that have brought you to where you are today.

So, by god, if you feel excited about something, don't be afraid to pursue it! Don't sit around being indecisive and talking yourself in circles weighing the pros and cons. You will find that you can accidentally spend a lifetime wondering, "should I? or shouldn't I?"

Take some friendly advice from me and

JUST DO IT!!!!

You will be so glad later in life when you can look back and be happy that you took your life by the horns and lived it well.

Staying Positive..... Let's Change The Subject.

2008-02-24T13:14:00.004-05:00

It's awful easy to log in here and complain about the weather, or work, or just not having enough time to do the things that you want to do.

For this entry, I'm going to focus on something positive. Today's Subject: What makes a good beach bar a good beach bar???

Without making it into rocket science, let's list some positives of a good beach bar.

The View. Nothing beats sipping on a cold beer or a rum and Coke while at the same time watching and hearing the waves roll in on a beautiful beach. Watching the "scenery" on the beach can be quite rewarding as well.

Fresh Air. I love to feel the breeze coming in off of the ocean and being totally relaxed. Kicking back with good friends, good beer, a fine cigar and just being care free. Good God! Just writing about it makes me want to quit my job and go!!!

Good Drinks. Your favorite beach bar is probably your favorite not only because of all of the above items, but, because they mix great drinks and serve quality beer that is ice cold. Let's face it, if the beer is flat or warm, or your Gibson tastes like half Gin and half water, you don't care what kind of view there is.

Good Tunes. Your favorite beach bar has to have a great juke box. When you are having a good time, you want to listen to the tunes that make you feel even better. So, the juke box better have plenty of Bob Marley and Jimmy Buffett music to enhance your experience.

Good Food. It's a must for absorbing the alcohol that you will be consuming while at your favorite beach bar.

Good Atmosphere. Great local photos of boats, beaches and palm trees. Maybe some fishing tackle, lobster traps and rowing oars. This bar needs to have some character. Sort of that "lived in" look. A place where if the walls could talk, you would love to hear their stories.

Good Staff. I like to hang out at places where the people who work there at least act like they are glad to see me walk in the door.

Now that you have this simple information, you are fully qualified to go out and scout the world for the worlds best beach bars.

I will start the list and as you locate these fine beachside sanctuaries, you can chime in and add to the list with a short review on what you thought made this place "The Tops".

Cheers!!!

My number one beach bar is one that I haven't been to in a long time. But, I credit this place with introducing me to the world of Buffett, beaches and relaxation in general.

1. Ocean Deck Bar - Daytona Beach, Florida.

2 Degrees. Which Way To The Beach?

2008-02-11T06:10:00.000-05:00

Good God it's cold out there! Here in the great white north, we're stumbling around in a winter induced stupor. I myself am wondering when I can score a plane ticket out of here for the beaches of south Florida or maybe even the shores of Brazil.

Hmmmmm, Already, I can feel the sand between my toes and taste that Captain Morgan's and Coke.......with a little Bob Marley or Jimmy Buffett in the background. Top it off with a fine cigar and I'm in heaven. and warm too! Life's Simple Pleasures are what makes it worth living.

If you are lucky enough to be on a warm beach today, savor the experience and count your blessings. You could be back up here freezing like I am. Or even worse, freezing and working the daily grind as well.

Time For A Little Tranquility

2008-01-15T06:42:00.000-05:00

January 15th...... Just another day on the job. I am so ready to blow out of here for a week or 10 days and just sit back and relax.

Recent discussions point to a visit to Argentina or Northeast Brazil in March and I cannot wait to be in that taxi headed to the airport!!!!

I'm already thinking of how nice it will be turning off that cell phone for the first time in over a year. What a relief to be completely out of touch with the everyday world! No phone calls. No email. I am ready.

The second consideration is which book to take with me on the trip. I usually bring a book with me to read on the plane or at the beach. I think I'll pick out a paperback at the airport bookstore before boarding to give me something to do on the flights. In fact, I may want to get two of them as it's a long long flight to Sao Paulo and then up to Salvador, Recife of Fortaleza or even further south to Buenos Aires.

I'm feeling relaxed already just thinking of laying on the beach with a good book watching the surf, the palm trees and the other interesting scenery.

I wish I were leaving today.

Who Invented The Tiki Bar?

2008-01-04T07:35:00.000-05:00

Seeing that it's 24 degrees outside this morning, I'm thinking of warmth, sun, beaches, the sea....... Of being somewhere else far from the cares of the daily grind.

Oddly enough, the vision of a Tiki Bar flashed into my head. Even more odd is the fact that for some reason, I wondered to myself......"Just who invented the Tiki Bar and where was the first one located?"

Well, I don't have time to research it right now. But, whoever this person was deserves an award for their vision and creativity. This person has changed the world. Or at least given us northern hemisphere folk something to dream of during the winter months.

With the winter winds whipping outside, I wonder how many other people in cold northern climes have visions of Tiki Bars dancing in their heads? Many, I would guess. When it's this cold, who can't help but think about the sun, the ocean breeze, an open aired bar with a thatched roof and your favorite bartender mixing something up in a Martini shaker?

Tonight, we will drink a toast to the inventor of the Tiki Bar. That person who identified the need in all of us to escape from it all.

Snow..... and then some.

2007-12-17T04:27:00.000-05:00

Yesterday, we received about a foot of snow. And for once, I was glad to see it come. The neighborhood looks great. Everything nice and clean looking. Kids out having a good time. My neighbors and I helping shovel each others driveways.

We actually had to shovel them 3 or 4 times yesterday as the snow continued and the wind was swirling around helping to coat everything anew.

I'm looking forward to having a white Christmas this year. However, after new years, I'm always ready to see Spring arrive. It's that period between January 1st and the end of April that can bring you down. A vacation is a true necesity that time of year.

This year, in recent discussions, the idea to visit Northeast Brasil has been bandied about. I can say that it would be a long flight. However, I think it would be a great vacation. Nice and warm there year 'round. And the beaches are some of the worlds most beautiful. So, I've heard anyway. Not to mention some of the worlds most beautiful women. Take all of these items and roll them into a vacation and you've got yourself a week to remember.

I will keep you posted as plans progress. In the mean time, enjoy that snow!

Just Another Monday

2007-12-09T20:55:00.000-05:00

Is Monday morning really the beginning of the work week? I don't think so.

Quite frankly, Sunday afternoons should be considered the beginning of the week. You wake up, go to breakfast or church or whatever your normal Sunday schedule is. Then, the thoughts of Monday start creeping in. The heart rate picks up with each thought of the phone calls, emails and whatever else normally happens at the start of the week. Just enough to basically ruin a perfectly good day off from work.

I would much rather be thinking about what time my flight to Miami leaves the following morning! Or, what time do I want to go to the beach tomorrow. Or, I wonder if we have enough beer and cigars on hand? Positive thoughts!

It seems like my clock runs about 30 percent faster on weekend days than it does on work days. I swear that a Saturday or Sunday does not last anywhere near as long as a day during the work week. Friday comes to a close and the next thing I know, it's Saturday afternoon and rolling quickly into Sunday. Somebody put the brakes on this weekend!!

Well, all we can do is put the nose to the grindstone one more time and muddle through another week and pray that we come out on Friday afternoon in one piece.

Distracting yourself from such depressing thoughts is one of my favorite pastimes. The only way to do it is to think of something else, something tranquil, escape oriented, fun, ....... visions such as walking out the door at the Miami airport into the warmth and humidity of South Florida, walking on the beach, of good coffee at a sidewalk cafe, of warm sunny days, fine cigars on a balcony overlooking the beach, mixing icy martinis, palm trees blowing in an ocean breeze........

Keep on dreaming.......................

10 Degrees

2007-12-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

Well, it's not Friday. It's only Thursday.

The other sad fact of the matter is that it's only 10 degrees out there this morning!

I was just imagining how nice it would be to be waking up down in Miami Beach. 80 degrees.......Slipping on your running shoes and a pair of shorts and heading out to the beach for a nice long walk. Watching the first rays of the sun come up over the Atlantic.

Hmmmm..... Then, by the time you come back, you're ready to stop at Starbucks at the South Beach Marriott. Get your Venti Italian Roast and a newspaper and settle in at one of the tables outside to savor the beauty of being on vacation, of the setting, of the people, of life without worries. However temporary that may be, it is certainly a feeling you never forget. Nor can you get enough of.

Soon, you will be looking for any opportunity to "exit stage left" and do a disappearing act.

I know I am.

Who Can't Wait To Go On Vacation???

2007-11-30T07:08:00.000-05:00

I don't know about you. But, there isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish that I was getting out of town and going on vacation.

Right now, TGIF is all that I can say. It's 7:25 am on a Friday morning. Ten more hours more or less and I will be on my own 2 day vacation known as the weekend.

The only bad thing about the weekend is that they are way too short. By the time you wake up on Saturday morning, you realize that Sunday is tomorrow and the next day is Monday. Granted, two days off is better than one or no days off from work. But, I feel that the only way to really decompress from the work a day world is to take the plunge and get that two week vacation in.

I have only pulled if off once in all of my years. But, it was the most relaxing, rewarding two weeks that I have experienced. When you return from being away from work for two weeks, you really feel relaxed. All sense of burnout has faded from your mind. You have given youself ample time to recharge, refresh, and release yourself from all of the things that were irritating you prior to your departure.

So, these are your orders for the day:

1. Start thinking about when you might be able to get out of town for a two week period.

2. Start thinking about where you might want to go and what you might want to do for two
weeks in order to really escape from the daily grind.

3. Start thinking about how to approach your boss about asking them for two weeks of vacation
in a row.

Enjoy the weekend!

Looking For An Escape Plan

2007-11-27T23:57:00.000-05:00

It's 19 degrees out tonight as I write this. I just heard the furnace kick on. If that doesn't make you want to head for warmer climes, I don't know what would.

Right now, I wish I was sitting down at Ted's Hideaway in South Beach. Or maybe hanging out at Playwrights on Washington Street. Enjoying the beach by day and spending the warm nights enjoying the scenery and sipping on a cold Stella.

The dark dismal days of winter are setting in now. It's getting dark around 4:30pm. This is the time of year when you ask yourself why you live where you do and why you don't just pull up stakes and head for the tropics. I've been asking myself that same question for years.

I remember my first trip to Florida. Spring Break in Daytona Beach. The weather was great and the beach, although not the kind of beach I like to visit now, was heaven. Good friends, cold beer in the Ocean Deck tiki bar on the beach, sun, fun........ hmmm how perfect it feels to walk down the beach on your first day of vacation. Or sit down at the outdoor bar and order up a cold beer or a Bacardi and Coke.

Ever since then, the beach in a warm tropical place has been my idea of the perfect escape from the realities of every day life.

I love waking up and walking out onto the patio with a cup of joe and feeling the sun on your face. Listening to the birds squawking, eating breakfast in an outdoor cafe. Knowing that your biggest problem of the day will probably be deciding what type of beer to buy next door at the little market or what restaurant to go to for lunch.

Here in the great white north, I sit here watching the temperature drop another degree by the hour. It's now 18 degrees and I have to get up in 5 hours to go to work...............

Time to get the plans rolling and get out of here before I freeze up.

All Work And No Play

2007-11-08T18:19:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm sorry to say that since my last trip to Miami, I have been stuck with my nose to the grindstone for over 1 year. That, in and of itself is a crime.

I am beyond needing a vacation folks. As Jimmy Buffett said in the well know song "Boat Drinks", "I'm close to bodily harm." Not literally. However, I am more than ready to blow out of town for a little R & R.

The gears are turning and plans are being formulated for a fabulous trip to someplace warm and tropical!

If you have any suggestions on new, tropical places to vacation, feel free to post a comment here. Let me know of your favorite place to get away from it all. I love going to Brasil, Miami and The Bahamas. However, I feel the need to mix it up a bit and head for someplace new.

I'm planning on heading out on the last week of December or the first week of January.

I can't wait to sit back in that lounge chair on the beach or on the balcony overlooking the ocean. Mix up a nice rum and coke or Martini. Fire up a great cigar and just sit back and let the world go by for a while.

So, if you feel like you know of a place where I might enjoy relaxing next month, post it here and maybe I will give it a shot!

Thanks in advance...........

The Traveler

Mr. October...........

2006-12-09T13:45:00.000-05:00

Well, I finally made it back down to Miami in October. Stayed at the Marriott South Beach for two nights. Then, moved across the street to a nice condo for 7 nights. Very nice to be near all of my favorite spots such as "The Room", Ted's Hideaway, Joe's Stone Crab, Playwright's and Big Pink for that late night/early morning burger. The weather was perfect. Not a drop of rain all week.

My general schedule went like this:

Spent most mornings walking on the beach. Usually up to the Eden Roc Hotel. That's a nice LONG walk from the Marriott South Beach area. It felt nice to be out doing something healthy.

After a long walk, time to head back to the condo for a shower and some quality R and R before heading out to get a bite to eat somewhere for lunch.

After lunch, another period of R and R before summoning the energy to head over to the beach to catch some rays, read my book and admire the scenery. I must say that the scenery in South Beach has never been better in my opinion.

After a few hours on the beach, it was time to return to the condo for a shower and a nap. Nothing better than hitting that airconditioned bedroom for some quality Z's after being out in the heat all day.

Time for a cold beer and a cigar on the Patio:) One of my favorite parts of the day. Usually prior to heading out for the evening, we'd break out some cold Coronas and some fine tobacco and hang out on the patio. What a way to spend the early evening hours.

Ok, now, time to clean up and get ready to head out!! Where to go??? Hmmm well, the choices are many. The usual haunts are a sure bet. This time, we tried a few other places. The names of which escape me now. However, many times, we would end up back at our regular favorites. Playwrights has become the "go to" bar. When all else fails, just go there and you are sure to have a good time. It really picks up the pace in the late evening/early morning hours.

Watched the MLB Playoffs in Ted's Hideaway and saw the Detroit Tigers move on to the world series. That was so cool to be sitting at Ted's in the afternoon on a sunny day with a cold beer in my hand. The doors open to the street and the fresh air and sunshine coming in the bar. Man, nothing better than being on vacation and sitting in a bar at 2 or 3 in the afternoon having a cold one and watching the baseball playoffs. Perfect........

Well, more to come in the future...... At this point, I can say that it was another great time hanging out in Miami Beach. Looking forward to my next vacation. Wherever that is, I am sure it will be nice and warm and there will be a beach next door.

Ted's Hideaway - One Of My Favorites

2006-08-24T06:07:00.000-05:00

One of my favorite bars in Miami Beach is called Ted's Hideaway. It's located at 124 2nd Street.

The thing I like about Ted's is that it is such a laid back place. There's nothing special as far as the decor is concerned...... Some beer signs on the wall, several t.v.'s placed around the bar so that you can watch the game of the moment.

I think that's what makes Ted's something special. It's a place where you can go to really unwind, socialize with friends, drink some beer, smoke some cigarettes and just be. It's a real escape from the stresses of everyday life. It's similar to having a backyard barbecue with your 30 or 40 close and not so close friends. Everyone just hanging out and relaxing as if they were in their back yard. Shorts, t-shirts, flip flops and deck shoes are the norm here. No requirement to worry about what you are wearing as nobody really cares. They're here to escape from those types of worries.

When Friday rolls around and it's beautiful outside, I always wish I was able to take the afternoon off and go to Ted's with some good friends.

I have to mention the girls working behind the bar as well. Very easy on the eyes. They provide great service as well. You rarely ever have to wait for someone to ask you if you're ready for another beer.

So, if I have my way, I will be paying a visit to Ted's here in the next month or so.

I can't wait to have a seat at the bar, say hi to the girls, sit back with an ice cold beer and just let the stresses of the world disappear.

See you soon Ted's...........

Old Post Cards

2006-07-22T11:50:00.000-05:00

I was in an antique store the other day and I ran across a huge collection of old postcards from years past. Many of them were from people who were vacationing in various beachside locales in Florida back in the 40's and 50's.

I must have spent an hour or so sifting through them, reading the greetings from so many years ago. I love to read these old post cards and about the travels of these unknown people. Brothers, sisters, husbands and wives, friends, families on vacation. No matter how many years go by and how many generations come and go, we all feel this connection to adventure, escapism, new places, the beach, good weather in winter. Some things never change.

It kind of makes me a little sad to read these hand written post cards that are forty or fifty years old. Tales of trips to Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Pompano Beach, Bal Harbour, Naples, Flagler Beach etc......warm weather, palm trees, sunburns, swimming in the ocean, eating in good restaurants, fishing trips, honeymooners, girlfriends, boyfriends, youth...... Timeless.... things that fifty years from now, people will be enjoying just as we do today, just as they did fifty years ago.

It's amazing how you can relate to the words of young woman writing to her sister back in Chicago back in 1952. The way she describes the beauty of the beach, the palm trees, the restaurants that they have visited, the hotel and the excitement of being someplace new are relevant and stir the same emotions inside of you even today.

I will keep on traveling and keep on writing about the things and places that I see and visit. Someday, it will be interesting to look back on so many great experiences.

Get Your Suit Case Out..... We're Going On A Trip!!!!

2006-07-22T10:53:00.000-05:00

I was chatting with a friend and fellow traveler of mine the other day after a grueling day in the trenches at work. The subject of our usual haunts down in Miami Beach came up as usual..... Ted's, The Room, Playwrights, going to the beach, eating lunch by the sea with a cold beer, smoking cigars on the balcony overlooking the ocean....

Immediately, it was decided that another excursion to the beaches and bars of our favorite vacation spot was a necessity.

Wow!!! What a change in attitude comes over you when suddenly you have a vacation lined up and you have something to look forward to!

The countdown clock has again been started! 58 days until I again set foot at the airport in Miami...... I can already feel the humidity as I step outside from the baggage claim area to the curb to catch a cab to Miami Beach. I can see the palm trees blowing in the breeze and feel the stress evaporate as the reality of being on vacation sets in.

Every part of a vacation, from beginning to end is a great experience. However, if you break down your vacation into little segments, I think that the moment when you walk into your nice, cool, comfortable hotel room and put your bags down has to be one of the best. Open up that sliding glass door to your patio and hear the ocean for the first time. Ahhhh...... Now, you really feel like you have arrived. This is what you have been waiting so long to be doing.

Get those khakis and Bass Weejuns off by god! It's time to relax!

If I Were On Vacation Now...............

2006-06-28T20:24:00.000-05:00

If I were on vacation now, what would I be doing?

Well, it's 9:22pm. If I were on vacation right now, I think I would be sitting on the balcony of my hotel room, sipping a glass of wine or a very dry martini and smoking a fine cigar!!

Closing my eyes, I can imagine the sound of the waves gently coming on shore, the palm trees above me whispering in the air and the scent of the sea.

Hmmm.... What will I do for dinner tonight? A big juicy New York Strip with a baked potato? Fresh lobster with melted butter? Shrimp with plenty of cocktail sauce? How about a big fillet of grouper with lemon and butter sauce? An ice cold beer perhaps? Yes!! Definitely!!

Food is one of the things I try to indulge in when I'm on vacation. I love the seafood that is available when you visit great cities on the ocean. I am also a huge fan of good beef. When I'm in South America, I can't resist the beef. To me, it is incomparable and certainly a reason to travel!

After dinner, I'm off to a coffee shop for a cafezinho or maybe to a nice casual bar for an after dinner drink and a cigar.

Good God Man! Where is my plane ticket???!!!

Palm Trees, Surf, Sand And A Good Bar

2006-06-14T05:58:00.000-05:00

Lately, as my workload increases, the thought has crossed my mind of what I would rather be doing instead of putting in a 10 hour day on the job.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I would rather be doing anything other than going to work and dealing with all of the problems and challenges!

But, mainly, I always tend to wish that I was at a seaside bar that serves great seafood and has a casual fun atmosphere.

One such place that I recall from my first trip to Florida was located in Daytona Beach. Correct me if I am wrong here. It's been 20 years since my last trip to Daytona.

It was my first trip to Florida..... Spring break. My friends and I ran across a beachside bar and restaurant called the Ocean Deck just up from our hotel. I have no idea if it is still there or not. But, they had great seafood, cold beer, a casual atmosphere where you could come in off of the beach and grab a table and a pitcher of beer. Man o man!! I was in heaven!!

One thing I remember most about The Ocean Deck was that it opened up on the front and sides so that you basically had an open air restaurant. It was so cool to sit there and feel the breeze, hear the ocean waves coming on shore, hear the palm trees rustling above my head, feel the warmth of the sun and not have a care in the world. I thought I had reached Jimmy Buffett's version of Nirvana!

It was such a great experience, that I even bought one of their Ocean Deck t-shirts. I wore that shirt for years before it finally began to fall apart. It was one of my connections to a great experience in my life. My first feeling of euphoria at being on vacation and getting away from it all.

That feeling of joy and euphoria has never left me even to this day. As I look back on life, maybe I can blame the Ocean Deck for my love of escaping the mudane world of work, of traveling to new and exotic places, of kicking back and relaxing beachside with a cold pitcher of beer or a margarita.

Who knows? I probably would be this way whether I had visited there or not. But, definitely, experiencing a beachside bar and grill called The Ocean Deck in Daytona Beach, Florida gave me my first taste of what it is like to be completely carefree.

Here's to The Ocean Deck and places like her. Little do they know the effect that they have on the average young joe from the Midwest. Creating that bit of inspiration inside of us to continue to search for that ultimate place of peaceful tranquility by the beach.

Coping With Another Monday

2006-06-04T18:45:00.000-05:00

28 Days since my return from Miami.

Tomorrow is Monday again. I'll be as busy as ever with my nose to the grindstone.

In the last 28 days, some of the things that I have thought of during these days of drudgery are of the good memories of my trip to Miami.

Going to the beach and swimming with a school of fish.

Finding "The Room". A cool, dark little bar in the quieter part of south beach. I spent a couple of nights here drinking beer and checking out the local scene. I highly recommend it.

Going to Ted's Hideaway. Another favorite bar of mine. Great laid back bar. Good looking bar tenders. Good beer. What more can I say.

The Marriott Hotel at South Beach. One of my favorite hotels. Comfortable, right on the beach, close to all of my favorite bars in town. No need for a rental car or taxi cabs.

Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant. This restaurant was a great find. A classic seafood restaurant that has been around for many years. A testament to great food and great atmosphere. Definitely makes you feel like your doing something special when you eat here.

Starbucks Coffee in front of the Marriott Hotel. So nice to sit at a small table and sip your coffee while watching Miami Beach come to life. Birds chirping, people cycling and walking...... going to the beach. This is relaxation at it's finest.

These are just some of the things that I indulged in during my last trip to Miami Beach. I highly recommend all of them.

I'm already looking for another opportunity to hop a flight back to my favorite tropical location.

Thinking about a late Friday night flight with a return flight on Sunday. If I can find a good weekend to do it, I am there!

Seven Hours To Takeoff

2006-05-03T22:26:00.000-05:00

T-Minus 7 hours and counting......

I'm just finishing up my last bit of packing. After a 12 hour day at work, it feels great to know that tomorrow I'll be relaxing on the beach in Miami. My flight leaves in 7 hours! I'm ready to settle back in that window seat and relax.

The weather forcast is calling for sunny skies and 85 degrees every day.

Just what I have waited for. Perfect weather.

The vacation is just ahead. I just updated my email "out of the office" message. That is such a great feeling. It's like putting up some sort of force field or invisible shield that repels everything in life that you don't want to deal with.

Well, time to go to bed. I'm getting up at 3:00 AM.

Got the sunscreen, got the cigars, the Martini shaker, the Tevas, the shorts, the t-shirts, the sunglasses. I think I'm all prepared!

Hasta tarde folks!

I'm going to the beach!!

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday................

2006-04-30T08:02:00.000-05:00

Just the 4 days I have to make it through to get to Thursday!

Listened to Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville last night. Now that will get you in the mood for a tropical vacation! Visions of beachside tiki bars danced in my head. Saltwater fishing, laying on the beach, watching the palm trees sway in the breeze. I am so ready to go.

I think half the fun of going on a vacation is just "the going". When I'm on my way to the airport, I'm the happiest person in the world! This past week, while I was at work, the thought that I would be on vacation crossed my mind a few times. All I could do was smile and laugh with joy inside. I get that same feeling when I'm on my way to the airport. Wooo Hoooooooo!!!!! Finally!!!

Today, I received a comment to this blog from a technical college that thought I was unhappy with my job. They wanted to show me the light to happiness with an associates degree in one thing or another.

I had to laugh. For me, it's not "what" I'm doing to make a living that makes me happy or not. For the most part, I like my job. It's the fact that I have to get up and go to work each day that is the part that I'm not a big fan of.

It may sound a little irresponsible. But, I am happiest when I don't have any resposibilities at all. The most annoying thing in life to me is having to be somewhere every day.

Well, I have 4 more days to make it through before I forward the cell phone to the office, sling my bag over my shoulder and head for the airport.

If anything, that comment from the technical college woke me up. Now, I really have to start making some plans for the future. If I want to live this carefree lifestyle, I'm going to have to get cracking and find a way to accomplish that. Otherwise, you'll be reading comments like this for the foreseeable future.

Hasta Pronto

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

2006-04-28T19:12:00.000-05:00

4/28/06 Five days left until I blow out of here for 4 days of sun, sand, cigars, Martinis, limes, olives, beer, seafood and things unknown in the south of Florida.

I'm sure you know that, by now, I am more than ready to pack up my suitcase with my shorts, sandals, t shirts, my portable humidor and my sunscreen and head for Miami.

The humidor is packed with 15 of my favorite hand rolled cigars. My shorts and shirts are folded and ready. Sandals placed strategically on top for easy access. My traveling medicine cabinet is stocked with suncreen, Imodium, band aids, benadryl (you never know when you might have that allergic reaction to something) and plenty of extra strength Bayer aspirin.

I like to be prepared when I'm on the road. Nothing is worse than being under the weather when you're out of town. Having to find a drug store when you're feeling terrible is something you don't want to have to do.

So, It's not that I'm expecting to be under the weather. However, in the event something happens while I'm out of town, I come prepared to handle it. It's reassuring to know that you have the ability to combat a hangover, a bad case of the gastrointestinals, a bee sting or bug bite or a cut toe with your arsenal of medical supplies. You never know when you'll "blow out your flip flop, step on a pop top or something worse and have to cruise on back home" as Buffett says. It's nice to be able to deal with it right there in the comfort of the hotel room.

So, that being said, I'm ready to head to the airport, pick up that paperback in the airport bookstore, my cup of Starbucks and head for the gate to board that silver bird headed for south.

Finally! It's just around the corner!

So Close. Yet, So Far Away

2006-04-22T08:07:00.000-05:00

11 days and counting to Miami. I AM READY!!

Things are really heating up at work. I am more than ready to jump ship and head for the tranquil side of life.

How many times have I thought to myself "How wonderful would it be to chuck it all and buy a boat and sail off into the sunset?" Down to the tropics....... as they say.

Well, I suppose the best thing to do would be to "just do it". Buy the boat, stock it with things that will provide me with a comfortable life aboard. Say "adios" to my boss and cast off the main bow line!

However, my thoughts also turn to a more stationary yet tranquil existence. Thoughts of moving to northeast Brazil creep into my head...... The beaches, the year 'round warmth, the culture, the idyllic lifestyle that one might be able to create in a place such as this. This has a lot of appeal to me.

I'm not sure how I became this person who is always thinking "How do I get out of here?" or "Where is the next adventure." But, I have always been one to do my own thing. I have never been one who follows the crowd too closely. Although, at the same time, I've tried to live a life that my folks and peers would be proud of. (good job/financial stability/good reputation/friends etc.) However, I have always loved the thought of a relatively stress free lifestyle. Someplace where the daily grind is going to the beach, having lunch in a little seaside cafe beneath the shade of a palm tree, talking with friends, laughing..... Enjoying the good people around me and the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

When Jimmy Buffett wrote "Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attidudes" he was somewhat correct. I think it's more the other way around however. Most people have the correct attitude. Yet, they are stuck in a latitude or a lifestyle that doesn't allow them to exist as they would like to.

Well, enough of this. I need to get down to business and start planning on how I'm going to exit the rat race and get myself "Down To The Tropics" on a permanent basis.

The Countdown Continues

2006-04-09T14:41:00.000-05:00

Well, I'm down to T minus 24 days and counting. Nothing to do now but endure the days until departure. Work, go to the gym, try to stay busy so that the time flies past quickly. It never goes fast enough though.

My flight leaves for Miami at 6:30am on May 4th. That is one time when I will not care about getting up early! In fact, I love those early flights out.

It's great to arrive at the Marriott South Beach just in time to go down to the beach and get a few hours of sun before coming back to the room for a cold drink and a nap before dinner.

The airport is usually pretty calm at that hour too. Perfect for grabbing a cup of Starbucks and heading to the gate with a magazine or a paperback from the gift shop and your travel bag. Man oh man, I cannot wait!!!!

I always feel sorry for the folks at the gate next door who are departing for some other cold destination in the northern hemisphere. They look over at you and you can read their minds.... they're thinking something like...."Damn, I wish I was going to Miami today!" Instead of flying to some dismal grey town up north.

Meanwhile, you're over at the other gate humming the tune to Jimmy Buffett's "Cheeseburger In Paradise" and thinking to yourself how damned glad you are to have your cell phone calls forwarded to the office and how in 3 hours you'll be going over the causeway towards Miami Beach. Checking out the cruise ships as you go by and thinking about what restaurant you'll go to. What bars you'll kick back in with a cold beer or a martini. Which cigar you want to enjoy on the balcony overlooking the ocean when you get to the hotel.

Well, until the big day arrives, all we can do is keep on keepin' on and eventually that date of departure will arrive. The next thing I know, it'll be May 3rd and I'll be celebrating wrapping up the last few hours of work and making plans for a good pre vacation dinner somewhere.

It can't come fast enough !! I am ready for some good seafood and an icey martini.

Afternoon Balcony Cigar

2006-04-03T20:23:00.000-05:00

I took this foto as I was smoking a fine Montesino Maduro Super Belicoso on the balcony of my hotel room at the South Beach Marriott in Miami Beach.

There just isn't anything more heavenly than being on vacation, sitting on a nice balcony near the beach and having a great cigar with an ice cold beverage.

I like to bring out a good W.E.B. Griffin book, mix up an ice cold martini and pull up a comfortable lounge chair. After lighting my cigar, I sink into my lounge chair and relax in the world of Pickering, McCoy and all of the other characters sprinkled throughout WWII in his novels. Savoring my cigar and my martini of almost pure Tangueray whilst reading my book is quite an enjoyable experience!

I sit reclined, hearing the waves washing ashore, the sea gulls crying, the people laughing and having a good time down on the beach......

I just can't wait to get in the taxi at the airport. I love that ride over to Miami Beach. Checking out the skyline of Miami, the blue waters of the intercoastal and all of the cruise ships and other interesting boats...Then, plunging headlong into the south beach neighborhoods and their people, restaurants, bars, music............

31 more days!!! until my arrival in the Capital of the Caribbean!!!

April 2, 2006

2006-04-02T09:37:00.000-05:00

Still here in the chilly north country...... Although there is a hint of of spring in the air, it still doesn't compare to being down south. I looked up the weather for Miami Beach last night after returning home from watching the basketball games and drinking Coronas with Limes all afternoon. 70 degrees at 11:00pm last night! 80 and sunny again today! How I would love to be walking the beach this morning. Or sitting at a table in a nice little restaurant having breakfast.... leisurely, without a worry in the world, breeze coming in off of the ocean. Or maybe spending the morning at a good coffee shop sipping a colombian or italian roast and watching the people come and go while reading the Miami Herald.

I recently discovered Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville/Sirius 31 channel on his website and I am enjoying it immensely. It kind of alleviates that feeling of being so far away from where you want to be. Good tunes transporting your thoughts to the sea.......the tropics.....boats........ seafood.........palm trees........ducking into Eckerds for sunscreen and a beach towel that you couldn't fit into your suitcase ;)

32 MORE DAYS!!!!!! :)

49 More Days

2006-03-15T22:32:00.000-05:00

Well, here I sit in the freezing north. My only saving grace at this point is that in 49 more days, I'll be boarding a flight for Miami at 6:30am and escaping for 4 days of sun, cigars, and martinis in sunny south Florida.

Can't wait to stop by the little liquor store after my arrival to pick up a bottle of Tangueray, some limes and some large olives. Nothing better than christening the new hotel room with your first icy martini of the vacation.

It's even better if you have a balcony to sit on overlooking the sea.

Sitting back, relaxing with a cigar and a martini. Taking relaxation to the ultimate level.

It's what I dream of when I think of a vacation. Cold drinks, Beaches, Cigars.......
Total exclusion from the working world that I leave when I go on a trip.

Counting down the days..........

4 Days In South Beach

2006-03-15T22:04:00.000-05:00

Well, we made another trip to Miami and had another great time. Spent 3 nights at the Marriott South Beach. Could not have asked for a better location.

I have stayed at the Marriott before. I always enjoy it. It's comfortable, clean and staffed with friendly helpful people. One of the best things about it is that it's located right across the street from Ted's Hideaway and within walking distance to many great places.

I like paying the extra $$'s for the hotel and skipping the rental car/taxi fees. It is so much more pleasant to be able to walk to wherever I'm going.

Anyway, spent the days at the beach lounging in the sun, swimming in the ocean, eating lunch at the hotel restaurant. It's so nice to sit out on the patio and have a nice lunch with a nice breeze coming off of the ocean.

Night times were spent going to dinner, going to Ted's Hideaway and Playwrights Pub. Also, we made the nightly post bar visit to Big Pink to alleviate some of the late night munchies.

Mornings were spent downstairs at Starbucks on the patio out front of the hotel. Sipping a venti coffee of the day and reading the paper. Watching the people come and go. I like the corner table to the left of the front door as you get a nice breeze from the sea to keep you comfortable as you sip your hot joe.

Well, nothing new to report other than the regular haunts that we seem to end up in every time we go to Miami.

I'm going back in May for another long weekend. So, I'll have to do some research and do something different and fun the next time.

Had a great time as usual and can't wait to go back.

Palm Trees Are In My Future

2006-02-11T10:25:00.000-05:00

Well, today is Saturday...... Five more days until I leave this grey, gloomy, cold environment and escape to the warm beaches of South Florida once again.

My first real sense of shelter from the world is when I arrive at the airport of my departure. Finally! I have made it to the airport and left the job and all of my worries behind.

The first thing I like to do is take out my cell phone and forward all of my calls to the office. Now that is great feeling..... to be able, with one push of the button, to transport your daily problems, concerns and workload to someone else who is not lucky enough to be out of the office that week too. Instantly, I feel the tranquility of having no responsibility flow over me.

The next stop is the airport bookstore. I like to buy a paperback before leaving so that I have something to read on the plane, the beach, or in the hotel room. It's also fun to write something on the inside cover as a little memory of this particular trip. Someday, someone will find it so interesting to know that you read W.E.B Griffin's "Counter Attack" as you were laying on the beach in Rio or Miami or some other tropical paradise.

Next stop..... Starbuck's for a cup of Italian Roast..... God I love that stuff.

Then, I make my way to my gate, scan the rows of seats to find one with some space around it and settle in with my book and my coffee.

Somehow, I don't get much reading done while waiting. There are always people walking by that I have to look at. Things to check for the second or third time. Like, making sure I still have my boarding pass. Or, is my wallet still in my bag? Or, did I forget my sunglasses? Or, wonder what that stock is doing today? Think I'll look it up on my Blackberry.

The days are going by fast now..... Soon, I will be in the airport doing all of these things in real life. And I can't wait.

A full report will be published upon my return...... That is, if I don't buy a sailboat and check out of my current world for another more tranquil existence.

Miami Beach--New Years 2006

2006-01-27T20:49:00.000-05:00

December 27th to January 3rd 2005/06

Went to Miami again this past month...... Stayed at the Eden Roc Hotel. It's main claim to fame is that many of the stars of yesteryear visited the Eden Roc when they were in Miami Beach. Sinatra, Deano, Lucille Ball and many others were regulars. A great place.... still very nice and comfortable. Currently owned by Marriott yet you wouldn't know it when you visit. The Eden Roc still retains it's own personality and charm of days gone buy. Yet with all of today's modern comforts and expectations and a wonderful staff.

Found some new bars this time. My new favorite South Beach dive bar is Ted's Hideaway..........

A dark, casual spot that is in complete contrast to the normal "club" scene so prevalent around the area.

It's nice just to pull up a bar stool, order up and ice cold beer..... sit back and relax in a casual atmosphere. It's right around the corner from the Opium Garden..... so it gets the spillover crowd from there when the line gets too long.

Also went to Playwrights..... another casual "Irish Pub" type establishment with good beers on tap and plenty of sociable people.

Also visited Coconut Grove a few times..... always a nice experience.... good restaurants, good bars, beautiful women..... It has a more tranquil atmosphere compared to South Beach. So, it's nice to hang out in the grove for a change.

Spent a lot of time on the beach as well. It's always nice to relax in the sun.

Miami was over run with fans for the Orange Bowl game. So, we were surrounded with Penn State fans. Which in itself is not a bad thing. But, when you go to Miami to escape the Midwest, it kind of tough to be surrounded by the people that you have just flown 1200 miles to get away from.

I'm returning to Miami in February. Staying at the Marriott South Beach. (Coincidentally, right across the street from Ted's). Can't wait to get back to the beach, the bars, the scenery and the warm weather.....

Key Biscayne Journal

2006-01-26T22:13:00.000-05:00

April 7th, 1997
Sunny 80's

Didn't write anything yesterday as there was not much to write and I was pretty tired.

Basically, we just spent the day going to the beach and hanging out at the condo.

Went to Coral Gables last night to go to some bars. But, after a short while, we were just too tired to stay out any longer. Returned home around Midnight. I think the combination of the sun, all of the walking on the beach and the sun really takes it out of you. I went without sunscreen yesterday and that was a mistake as I received a pretty good burn. Feeling better today though.

Today, I woke up around 9:00am and had some coffee. Steve and I went down to the beach to take one more walk and hang out one more time.

Returned to the condo and had some lunch. That KFC across the street comes in handy! Sure tastes good after a morning at the beach.

I took a twenty minute nap on the couch while Steve packed his bags and prepared to leave for the airport.

Then we left for the airport. Dropped Steve off at the airport and headed back to Key Biscayne. I'm spending one more night here in Miami/Key Biscayne by myself. Should be pretty low key as I really don't feel like eating out tonight or going out alone. Also, I'm leaving at 8:00am tomorrow and must be up early.

All in all, it was a great vacation and we both are still going to make an attempt at moving down here. I guess we both figure that there really isn't anything interesting going on in our present situation back home.

It sure would be interesting living down here as there is plenty to do, plenty to see and plenty of beautiful latinas everywhere you go.

Anyway, we'll see what happens.

Presently, I am sitting on the balcony enjoying a Partagas No. 2 cigar and enjoying a slight breeze off of the ocean.

What a way to spend the evening............

6:30pm.

Key Biscayne Journal

2006-01-26T21:48:00.000-05:00

April 5, 1997
Sunny 82 degrees

Woke up at 7:30am and had some coffee on the balcony. What a way to start your day. Watching palm trees blowing in a nice ocean breeze.

Went for a walk on the beach for about 2 miles. The water is probably around 70 to 75 degrees. Very warm.

Following our walk, we went down to tour an old house called Vizcaya. It was built in the early 1900's by an industrialist named John Deiring.

This was an awesome house located right on the ocean. Even has it's own huge carved stone docks. Anyway, it was very interesting.

Next, we drove up to Bal Harbor to see what it was like. I had heard many great things about it from my relatives who used to visit there in years past. Very nice place. The ocean was so blue there. Just like a photograph. Really unimaginable unless you actually see it yourself. Bal Harbor is a very well kept city. Apparently, former senator Bob Dole has a place in Bal Harbor. But, we did not run into him during our brief visit.

Next, we drove down to South Beach and then back to Key Biscayne for lunch. Just picked up something quick at KFC.

Went for an estimated 3 mile walk after lunch. (around 4:15pm) Upon our return, I mixed up some of the finest martinis ever concocted by man. Sipped martinis and enjoyed a great cigar on the balcony.

What a way to spend the week! Martinis, cigars and beautiful women everywhere you look.

Around 9:00pm, we called a taxi and went over to South Beach to visit some bars....

We ended up at the Breakwater Hotel drinking $5.75 Heinekens and watching two beautiful latinas dancing to the music of a guitarist named Alex Fox.

We're having a great time......

Key Biscayne Journal

2006-01-21T12:10:00.000-05:00

April 4, 1997
Sunny 83 degrees

Woke up at 7:00 am this morning and had some coffee. Also, enjoyed a fine cigar.

We sat out on the patio and consumed large quantities of coffee. Then, we went down to the beach for a couple of hours.

Following that, we went to a place called Sundays Restaurant and Bar and had a sandwich for lunch.

Drove around Coral Gables for a couple of hours and then returned to Key Biscayne. Visited a shopping center where I bought some cigars and Steve bought some clothes.

Returned to the condo between 4 and 5pm and had some cold Heinekens and a fine AVO cigar.

Showered around 8:00 pm and took a cab back to Coral Gables to visit some bars.

I can honestly say that I have never seen such incredibly beautiful women as I have seen in the past few days. Everywhere you look there is a gorgeous woman.

Steve and I are awestruck by the sheer numbers of absolutely incredible women here.

Well, anyway, we returned home around 12:00am as we were both tired from our long day.

Going to South Beach tomorrow which should be just as incredible.

Time to hit the sack.
12:30am

P.S. We are both having sincere thoughts of moving down here.

Key Biscayne Journal

2006-01-21T10:53:00.000-05:00

April 3, 1997
Sunny 82 degrees

Woke up around 8:00 am this morning and took a shower. Steve's mom fixed us scrambled eggs, bacon and coffee for breakfast. Then we all walked down to the beach and back to the condo before Steve's parents left for the airport.Steve and I then went to the store and bought some things that he had forgotten. We also stopped at the liquor store for some Martini ingredients.Upon arriving back at the condo, we mixed up some tasty Martinis before going down to the beach to relax.Spent almost two hours out there laying out in the sun. I put on plenty of sunscreen. So, I was not burnt. But, Steve took a pretty good beating by the sun and is now paying for it. He's as red as a lobster.Came back to the condo and watched some tennis on television and relaxed some more.Around 5:00pm, I mixed up some more Martinis and had some nachos and salsa.We then went to a restaurant up the street for a hamburger. This was probably a bad idea because we were both pretty filled up by then and didn't really enjoy it too much.Returned home and watched some of Jaws II...... Just what I needed to see before going back into the ocean tomorrow!Anyhow, we are both wiped out by our first day in Key Biscayne and it's time for me to hit the sack.Since Steve's parent left this morning, we won't have to share the same bedroom and I won't have to endure his snoring tonight. What a relief!!!!12:05am
3, 1997

Saturday Errands

2005-07-19T20:46:00.000-05:00

Nothing compares to paying a visit to a fine tobacco shop. I could spend hours enveloped in the luxurious aroma of the cedar humidor filled with cigars and fine tobaccos.

It's not every day that I have the opportunity to visit one of these purveyors of life's pleasures. However, across the street from my barber shop, there is a retailer of wine, spirits and fine cigars. Occasionally, after stopping in for a hair cut on a Saturday morning, I'll make my way across the street to stock up on the evenings' entertainment.

Half of the enjoyment of visiting an establishment such as this is derived from browsing....Fine wines from around the world, crystal clear gins, vodkas. It is much like spending time in a museum filled with the artwork of the worlds creators of spirits. Each bottle designed and produced with care and creativity. The liquid contents crafted over the centuries by artisans of joy and diversion.

Spirits having been selected, I make my way to the humidor. Sliding open the door, I enter the tropical environment and I am immediately transported to the shores of distant lands. The Caribean, South and Central America, Africa. I think of all of the exotic locales where this fine array of tobaccos were created by masters of their art. My senses are surrounded by the aroma of sweet, spicey tobaccos and the sharp, crisp aroma of cedar. The constant, gentle whir of the humidifier blocking out all noise from the outside world.

I spend untold moments browsing and rebrowsing the different brands of cigars. Each one decorated with it's own specially designed labels, cedar boxes and artwork. I pick up some of my regular favorites, Montesinos, Dunhill's and Fuentes as well as several untried but attractive cigars.

I hate to leave the humidor......

Key Biscayne Journal

2005-05-09T21:44:00.000-05:00

Wednesday
4/2/97
Sunny 65
Sunny 83

Woke up around 7am and let the dogs out.
Made coffee as usual. Only today, I am in no hurry as I am on Vacation. Had three cups of coffee and some cinnimon rolls which I bought at the corner store. I was out of half and half. So, I had to go to the store at 7:15 am.

Spent the day lounging around the apartment consuming coffee and also a fine Cuban Partagas Cigar. What a treat!

Anyway, around 11:00 am, I packed for Florida and at 1:00 pm I showered and shaved.

Woke my brother up around 1:30 pm and we left for the airport around 2:00 pm.

Checked in at the airport and flew to Charlotte, North Carolina. The flight was quiet and uneventful and lasted about an hour.

Virtually right after my arrival in Charlotte, my flight to Miami began boarding. So, I boarded after waiting for only 5 minutes or so.

This flight was uneventful as well. However, there were three or four kids seated three rows behind me who were rather loud and one baby who was being, well, a baby.

It wasn't all that bad. But, there were moments when my blood pressure was elevated to uncomfortable levels.

Anyway, I arrived at Miami International and hung out at the airport with a paper and some coffee for about two and a half hours waiting for Steve to arrive from New York. This gave me plenty of time to pick up the rental car.

If you are going to be down in this area for any length of time, you better be well versed in spanish. Everyone speaks spanish here and I can see where you could run into some trouble not understanding many people.

Picked up Steve after his arrival and drove to Key Biscayne. What a feeling to be finally driving across the Rickenbacker Causeway. Palm trees lining the roadway.

Met Steves parents and then we walked across the street to a little place called La Careta for some Cuban food.

Walked back to the condo where we are staying and now we're just hanging out getting ready for our first day on the Key tomorrow.

Steves parents are leaving tomorrow. So, we will have the condo to ourselves after that.

Time to hit the sack.

12:00 am.

Key Biscayne Journal

2005-05-07T11:40:00.000-05:00

Key Biscayne.....

I first visited Key Biscayne 8 years ago when a friend of mine invited me to come down to the family condo.

I had just started to keep a journal of my daily experiences at the time. So, I took it along on my first trip to Key Biscayne and wrote down some of my thoughts and experiences at the time. I never thought I would ever read about it again. But, now that eight years have passed, I find myself reading the passages with great enjoyment. It is amazing how many things we forget about over the years. The thoughts and deeds of ones life just evaporate into thin air as time goes by. Thankfully, I am able to relive that vacation with the turn of a page. Interesting or not, here is my first vacation to Key Biscayne and Miami straight from my journal. I begin the day before I leave home for Florida.

Tuesday
4/1/97
Sunny 65

Woke up at 6am this morning and had some coffee. Showered and then went to work. Actually, first I went and got a haircut. Then, I visited a customer who had switched to another supplier and tried to get him back. No luck there. So, I came back to my neighborhood and went to the store for some dog food and some paper towels.

At one o'clock, I was considered officially on vacation. So, I laid down and took a nap after having a Hoyo de Monterrey cigar. Slept until about 4pm.

I then took the dogs down to the park for a long walk. The park was very active today due to the warm sunny weather. Talked to many fellow dog owners. Returned to the little park behind my apartment around 6pm and let the dogs play and run with some other dogs until about 7pm. Ordered a pizza and then spoke with my friend Steve for 45 minutes or so. Then watched a documentary on tug boats until 10pm.

Tomorrow, I leave for Florida and I can't wait to get there!

Have to pack tomorrow. But, shouldn't need all that much. Just some shorts and shirts and such.

Anyhow, it's nice to be on vacation. Maybe I'll just quit and get a job down in Florida.

Wishful thinking.
4/1/97
10:33pm

The Leisure Life

2005-05-06T19:32:00.000-05:00

Last week, with the lottery inching towards 200 million dollars, I was thinking about what I would do if I were lucky enough to have the winning ticket.

Almost always, whenever I think of vacation, free time, early retirement, my thoughts turn south to Florida, the Caribean, and South America.

I think about how it feels to arrive by plane in Miami, Cancun, Nassau or Rio.
Walking out of the airport and feeling the warm, humid air on your face, seeing the palm trees swaying in the breeze and knowing that you are now entering a weeklong period of worryfree relaxation. I live for that feeling.

Not that I have any expectations of ever hitting the jackpot. But, it sure is great to sit back with a fine cigar, my favorite adult beverage and my favorite chair and think of how it would be if luck ever smiled on me and I had the experience.

Wherever there is a warm beach, the blue sea and the palms swaying in the breeze, that is where I will be.