spokydokies

I suggest just visiting and not living here. There are two seasons- hotter than F*$#@ and just regular hot. I personally really miss spring and fall. The traffic in Hillsborough(Tampa) and Pinellas Counties(Clearwater) is horrendous.
Very humid and lots of bugs.

However, the beaches are gorgous. The sunsets on the west coast are over the water and are first rate. The seafood is fresh and awesome. Fishing – both fresh and saltwater- is awesome.
The winter months are fantastic for golf.

Orlando sucks- except for shopping and Texas de Brazil.
The insurance and property taxes suck.
Red tide sucks.

I love New Orleans for one reason and one reason only- the FOOD. Cajun of any kind blows my skirt up. Crawfish etouffee, jambalya, blackened seafood and dirty beans and rice. Muffeleta sandwiches. Oysters with horseradish and hot sauce at Acme Oyster House.
Who knew? When you are finally finished wih that- you have not lived until visiting Cafe Dumont for coffee and beignets. Please enjoy and try to eat as many times as possible.

Also, caught a Zephers game (AAA baseball). Can you believe that you can order a muffeletta sandwich at the ball park? My life is complete.

The ring tailed lemus is my favorite animal and native to this island. There is something crazy like 80 species. Enough said.

Glendale is very desert, and at first glance doesn’t seem that great. However, after spending about 9 weeks there- I was able to find some fantastic places.

1st- if you like to hike, please visit the White Tank Mountain State Park. The waterfall trail is a very easy and beautiful hike. The trickle of water at the end barely qualifies as a full fledge “waterfall” but the fact that there is a waterfall of any sort in that climate is unbelivable. You will see Indian markings on many rocks. You will most likely see wild life if the trail isn’t overly crowded.

2nd- If you like to golf- PLEASE visit The Verado in Glendale. When I last played there- they had just built 2 courses and I think were working on a third. The range is fantastic. The fairways and greens were immaculate. The mango towels are a nice treat on a hot day. The course set up is first rate with elevation changes and challanging putting surfaces. Who would have thought such a creation could exist in a flat desert area. Enjoy!!!

If ever near Toledo or Cleveland, Ohio- be sure to take a drive to visit Put In Bay or Kelley Island. The atmosphere on the islands is fantastically like a coastal beach city. The primary mode of transport is the golf cart or moped. Great touristy shopping places and also many fun restaurants. Must ferry over- but there are several nice hotels and also camp grounds if that is your thing. Many restarants serve fresh perch and walleye from Lake Erie- I recommend both!!

I think most flights go into Papette Tahiti. Please be sure to visit the fish market there. Also, if you are purchasing black pearls (harvested from Moorea and surrounding islands) please be sure to look at the market in Papettee. Ask to go upstairs in the jewelry stores. The upper levels are lower grade pearls or those that are irregular in shape. There you can measure, weigh, and select the pearl of your choice. What a fantastic and unique experience. You may also save yourself a little money- as some deemed “irregular” have problems that can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Bora Bora is a small island about a 40 minute flight from Tahiti. The island itself is completely surrounded by a barrier reef making it first class for snorkeling or scuba. Reefs EVERYWHERE!!! The marine wild life is fantastic. The other two things that I highly recommend- try the pinapple juice and the chocolate croissants. Also, be sure to star gaze at night. The stars are fantastic in the southern hemisphere and especially on the smaller islands of French Polynesia- as there is no urban sprawl. The nights are fantastically black and perfect for star gazing. Enjoy!!

I want to see giant sea tortises and blue footed boobies.

I want to bike on the coast, eat fresh tuna, and visit Kyoto.

I want to visit Venice, Sardinia, and the Amalfi Coast.