My last post of 2011,thanks for the memories…………………..

I am sitting at home after a long day at work and thinking about the end of 2011. ON a sad day for me as Four years ago my Mom passed away at our home, and the ashes layed at Honfleur in the ocean she loves so much. I do not know if will be able to write another post in 2011, but wanted to say a few words.

For many years, I have and do participate in several travel forums around the globe in English, French, and Spanish. The experiences have been sublime, the sharing of ideas have been superb. What is the difference between a visitor and a resident? Well, not much ,but we all love to see new things to search for new things and to share new things.

In my opinion, the best advice comes from the person who has visit and then live in a place or vice versa. There have been many times that a visitor will said something about a place where I live that if not for the mention I would never pass by it lol! and they have been interesting places. You learn every day. Sharing is important.

I had friends who told me to write a book on travel to France, well that was too much flattering, and time consuming. Then ,there were others who suggested why not a blog….a blog??? what was that lol!!! I asked several friends who were into it,and one from Spain who I have great respect for what he is doing (see my links below front page), told me to come to wordpress because it was easy to set up and use. Well as the saying goes the rest is was history.

Paris 1972 was born in november 2010,and it has been a thrill of a lifetime. Why the title ,well because after watching The Last Tango in Paris with Maria Schneider and Marlon Brandon I wanted to visit Paris,and I did for the first time. Its a love story that continues to this day without sight of ending it…. because Paris is a movable feast. And then, there was France oh well he did not have time to see it all, I have ,for the most part and can say France is a movable feast. Then it was the places I have lived in my life Cuba, Spain, and the United States, all have a bit part in this blog ,and of course football/soccer and my love for the Real Madrid (played alevin/benjamin in the 70′s there) ,and still member of the club.

Everything I write in these posts is personal experiences, not from books written by others, or saying in other forums although is great to share information, I only write about places I have been personally. So its my personal touch, and my personal spot on the internet paris1972.wordpress.com

I look forward to write more about the country or countries I love in 2012. I am still selling my house in Versailles so the entire family can move with me in near Vannes/Auray area of the morbihan, in Brittany.  So far I have half the family with me and the other in Versailles::::I guess real estate sales in these times is not that good.

I look forward to reading your comments, and I am very happy to see the following my blog had, and the ideas, sharing of travel,sharing of our world, and especially sharing of France. Thank you all, and each of you. Have a wonderful 2012, may your wishes comes thru, and may you have a wonderful time travelling and reading my blog ::) Cheers

Notre Dame life saver boat in Etel , one like this one took my Mom out to sea

Some news from France LII

Well I am back slowly getting to my blogging habits. I finally have internet at my new apartment, and just bought me a new samsung digital camera!!!

After all the paperwork and running around of getting settled in and all connections on, while getting to work normally ,this is my first full weekend free!

I took advantage of it right away. Camera in hand to take my first pictures of the area, went to a sleepy little village of Pluvigny not far from my place. Found out it has a nice cave de vins and cidres!!! just what the doctor ordered.

On my way along country roads like the D19 end up in Brech ,which is where i live ::) just to go over the mayor’s office and do my mails, and see the famous museum of St Degan, ecomusée. Continue along and found a jewel call St Anne d’Auray; here there is a huge basilica with many memorials including the one Pope John Paul II visited in 2008; my first pictures will be from here, it is gorgeous again. Impressive buildings; St Anne is the grandmother of Jesus,and the patron saint of the Bretons; it appear to a Breton farmer in around 1628AD and the shrine was built later in her honor. You must visit it.

Continue doing my shoppings along the way and end up in my area biggest town, Auray ,this is wonderful. Many buildings to visit and a great halle or market of fish ,seafood right in pl de la republique city center! Along the river you go down to St Goustan, and the place is sublime. Its a small town inside a town, along the river Loc’h with boats  and quais and the remnants of an old castle with wonderful views. All alongisde the quais there are bars,restos all facing the river and medieval streets with more of them. Plus another big church and monuments;all seems medieval lost in time. Definitively a place to come back and check every nook and cranny of it

I did had my Breton galetes at the Franklin jsut facing the plaza,and alongside Quai Franklin, name after Benjamin Franklin who at age 70 landed here in 1776 to try to convince king Louis XVI to acknowledge the existance of a new nation and allows credits so it can grow up well, this is of course the United States of America! Franklin was here ,and then I was too, just 15 mins from my apartment!!!!

You see I just tasted the waters today, and it looks I will very busy with extraordinary photos to come. Once I learn how to figure it out hehehehe!!

I am on to be by Chateau Thierry, on june 21 on business, time to stop by the house in Versailles on the way back, then on june 22nd will be in Paris all day on events relating to the Paris Air Show, my US university is involved in, and I am the director of alumni in France for it, ERAU, Eagles soar!!!

Until next time stay tune, you never know what you will see around here next ::)

San Francisco, golden and more

I feel that when I think of one of USA best travel destination it had to be San Francisco. I was lucky enough to be there in 2004, and it remains one of my goals to come back to this vibrant city by the bay and the golden gate bridge. I will need to find my pictures lol!!!

I just had friends from there coming over, and bringing goodies from there so its a good moment to talk about this wonderful city. San Francisco is a city and county of the same name in the State of California, USA.  The mission was founded by the Spanish in 1776 in honor of St Francis of Assis or San Francisco .

one of the most to see in the city is the Golden Gate Park, extending from the Pacific Ocean along Ocean Beach to Stanyan Street, webpage at  http://www.golden-gate-park.com/ Another nice park is the Lincoln Park by the end of Ocean Beach and the Bay with the Palace of the Legion of Honor, an art museum. aand over to the Presidio National Park that leads to the Golden Gate Bridge, webpages http://www.presidio.gov/ and http://www.goldengatebridge.org/  The highways I 280 and I 80 as well as US 101 criss cross the town , and the best way to get oriented here is using the route planner mapquest at http://www.mapquest.com/ . For buses ,cable car, tramway information the official site is http://www.sfmta.com/cms/home/sfmta.php . The best way to see the city is by the famous SF cable cars ,and they even have a museum webpage here http://www.cablecarmuseum.org/ ,and of course walking even those hilly streets can be an adventure not to forget. Many folks like me entered first by the SFO or San Francisco International Airport, webpage here http://www.flysfo.com/web/page/index.jsp ;when I went we rented a minivan for road travel.

Some of the wonderful museums here is the Legion of Honor, done in honoring Californians who fought in the wars at France, and today an arts museum; webpage http://legionofhonor.famsf.org/ . Another interesting museum I like is the Exploratorium, where Science and Arts is fused, started by Frank Oppenheimer in 1969, and on a building from 1915:webpage http://www.exploratorium.edu/ , another is the Museum of Modern Arts of San Francisco, the pompidou of the city, there since 1935, webpage http://www.sfmoma.org/

Some of the things to see that I enjoyed were the seaquarium by the bay, near Embarcadero and Beach st, webpage is here http://www.aquariumofthebay.org/ . The Pier 39 with lots of stores and restos and my favorite Crab House at Pier 39,  as well as the Bay and Blue boat rides into Alcatraz, webpage for the boat ride is at  http://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/ and for the Pier 39 at  http://www.pier39.com/index.cfm. If you want to see the real thing and get on to Alcatraz ,this is the specialist althought I would choose Bay and Blue, second choice Alcatraz Cruises from Fisherman’s Wharfs webpage http://www.alcatrazcruises.com/

The Ripléy’s Believe or Not museum is great with many extraordinary displays , it seems I follow then wherever they are, webpage is at http://sanfrancisco.ripleys.com/ , and the very nice Wax Museum http://www.waxmuseum.com/ both at Fishermans Wharf.  Which you can know more here http://www.fishermanswharf.org/ with lots to shop and eat here my favorites are Ghiraldelli Chocolates ,and coffee shop at http://www.ghirardelli.com/ ,and dine especially in the evenings for a wonderful view of the bay at Bistro Boudin, http://www.bistroboudin.com/ . Another exciting place to be is The Cannery, the old Del Monte canning factory and since many years, the place to be for shops and restos in SF. webpage http://www.thecannery.com/ , and my favorite because its near the Financial district is Crocker Gallery with Leila mediterranean cuisine resto and  John Walker for those Californian wines, webpage http://www.johnwalker.com/ . The webpage for the Crocker Gallery is here http://www.thecrockergalleria.com/

My stay there was spent at the fabolous Hotel Nikko  at 222 Mason Street, Union Square very close to market str and the cable cars and up the Nob Hill to Fishermans Wharf and Pier 39 areas. webpage http://www.hotelnikkosf.com/

walking we did a lot especially around Japantown (Post st)  and Chinatown (Washington and Powell) ,and Russian Hill areas. you can get a city pass for 69 USDollars good for all transport in cable cars, Muni transport system, and some of the places I have mentioned above, plus other USA cities, the webpage for San Francisco is at  http://www.citypass.com/san-francisco

For a look back of where it all began ,see the Mission Dolores house, built upon city foundation in 1776, the oldest of course, and the only remaining of the 21 that Father Serra started then. It is at 3321 16th street and Dolores St, webpage at http://www.missiondolores.org/

If you want to have a nice meal, great steaks,and be in movie history as it was here that Humphrey Bogart’s The Maltese Falcon was filmed then head for John’s Grill webpage http://www.johnsgrill.com/ you wont go wrong here ::) , and if you want your munchies and great pints, beer that is then head for Johnny Foleys’ webpage http://www.johnnyfoleys.com/ , and since folks like me cant never be too far from a good French resto, then head for Cafe Bastille off Market and Kearny streets, webpage is at http://www.cafebastille.com/

Enjoy San Francisco ,and its not Frisco nor Cisco, just plain San Francisco ::)

Capitol, Havana, a symbol of a Nation

ceilings of the Salon de los Pasos Perdidos, Capitolio

La Republica or Giraldilla symbol of the Republic of Cuba

Salon de los Pasos Perdidos inside Capitolio

closeup of the Capitolio de La Habana

Diamond where all road distances are measure in Cuba

another angle late pm Capitolio de La Habana

plaza leading to the Capitolio of La Habana

Lets bring along a emblematic building that represent a linkage of the past and present, a symbol of what and where you are in Cuba and especially Havana.  In my youth I spent many afternoon going by and on tours to see the meaning that it was to the Cubans. Inside is a plethora of historical facts to better understand the country.

I am talking about the Capitol building in old Havana. El Capitolio as it is known in Spanish, built in 1929  to house the two chambers of the Cuban congress. Its was inspired by the Roman capitol and that which is in Washington DC USA. The building has a front neo classic style with a dome of 91,73 meters tall ( 302.7 ft).  It is located between the streets or  calle Pardo, Dragones, Industria, and San Jose. Inside it marks the kilomerter zero of all distances in Cuba with a diamond on the floor. AFter the Cuban revolution it house the Ministry of Science, Technology and Environment and the Academy of Sciences of Cuba.

It is in the space where the old city of Havana walls were crossing built in colonial period by the Spanish.  The walls here were destroyed in 1863. Here there was a statue to queen Isabel II, and it was the start of the now Parque Central de La Habana or Central Park.  Part of the public work efforts by then President Gerardo Machado (later dictator too), the team of architect Raul Otero and the participation of the French team led by urban planner Jean-Claude-Nicolas Forestier, and Architect Eugenio Raynieri Piedra as director of developement,and arquitec Jose M Bens Arrate. The actual construction was given to the American firm of  Pudri & Henderson Company. However, it was the French Forestier who put together the urban plan of the Capitol and surrounding areas as in Paris.

The details of the work made the building  207,44 meters long in its facade  which included a large stair monumental of almost 36 meters wide( 118.8 ft) , 28 meters long (92.4 ft) , and 55 steps with three rest squares . At the two sides of the end of the stair you have two sculptures made in bronze by the Italian Angelo Zanelli, call ” La Virtud Tutelar del Pueblo ” (the virtue of the people) , and “ El Trabajo” (the work) ,both of 6,50 meters high (21.4 ft) .

To continue the description of this wonderful building, we come to the main central door with a lenght of 36 meters (118.8 ft)  and 16 meters high 52.8 ft)  all held by 12 ionic columns of granite.  It is here that the main doors of access to the building are place with 7,70 meters high (25.4 ft) and 2,35  meters wide (7.8 ft) as well as the sculpture in relief of marbre ,also done by the Italian Angelo Zanelli.  The dome with a high of 92 meters (303.6 ft)  was at the moment the fifth highest in the world with a diameter of 32 meters (105.6 ft).  It has 16 panels of which the most impressive are those covered with gold leaves of 22karats .  The dome has a lantern with 10 ionic columns of which interior were 5 light reflectors until 1959 when taken down by the revolutionary government.  In this space you see the symbolism architectural of the sculpture of the “ La República” or the lady marianne under the dome done also by Zanelli in bronze of  15 meters high  (49.5 ft) and 30 tons in weight that at the moment was the second biggest in the world under a roof.

You come to the great room call the ”Salón de los Pasos Perdidos” ( the hall of the lost steps) , the most monumental of the spaces with almost  50 meters long (165 ft) and 14,5 meters wide( 47.9 ft)  and almost 20 meters high66 ft)  that serve the interconnection to the two bodies of government the  Cámara de Representantes (located to the north) and the  Senado (located to the south). These two blocks are organised in a rectangular fashion around two gardens with dimentions of  45 by 15 meters each (148.5 x 49.5 ft). 

58 types of marbre, wood of the most exquisite in the country, decoration and ambiance done by the English firm of  Waring & Gilow Ltd. of  London.   The wrough iron in bronze by  The Yale & Towne Mfg. Co. of Stanford, CT USA, Societe Anonime Bague  and  Saunier Frisquet of Paris,France for the lamps, and the house of Fratelli Remuzzi from Italy and  Grasyma of Germany for the work in marbre, onyx, etc .  The diamond that mark the distances in Cuba is of brilliance of 25 karats the last owner was the tzar of Russia Nicolas II, and arrive in Cuba by Turkish jewerler that purchase it in Paris. Now you see a replica, the original is the the vaults of the Bank of Cuba.  Looking at the volume of its construction it is estimated that the Capitolio of La Habana is the third in importance for its monolithic construction in the world ,a nd the only one with its characteristics built in the 20C. Most of the detail information here came from wikipedia.

It is inmense ,the pride of Havana, and one of the most visited buildings in the city as of today. It was always like that, a must to see while in Havana. Just now looking at the pictures I am in awe of  its beauty and I have seem some beauties now living in France. Some photos of old.

Hommage to friendships and good cheers

Over the years I had the opportunity to meet wonderful folks from around the world that have come over to meet me in France or Spain or USA or me there. I like to pay tribute to their enduring friendship in this post.

I have had the opportunity to be involved in several travel forum over the years that have been fulfilling to say the least. Encounter folks from many lands who right away established a good friendly rapport with, and it continues.

Some of the sites are Madridman, Cityvox, Slow Travel, Tripadvisor, Virtual Tourist, Fodor’s, and  Bottin Gourmand. The vast majority I am no longer with for reason of time and personal expressions that led me to start this blog. It is my intention to help readers enjoy the beauty of my surroundings and travels,and to help them enjoy their visits to these wonderful places more and better.

I have met them in New Jersey USA, Florida USA, Madrid, Spain, Paris, France, Versailles,France, Suresnes, France, St Germain en Laye, France etc. Some have come and some I have gone over, the general feeling is the same. Our love for travel and the human spirit remains strong attachement to our continuing relationship.

It is with great joy that I decide to interject my blog travel writing with this one, a special post in Paris1972 WordPress blog.  Thank you very much, and may the relationships and friendships  grow stronger with time and do keep in touch y’all. Cheers. La vie est belle en France, life is beautiful in France.

AARO friends at Au Trappiste in Paris

Colleagues friends at Lagos Nigeria

Friends at Le Dome ,Village St Paul, Paris

Friends at La Pepineire pl st augustin Paris

Friends at Au Trappiste in Paris

Friend and Dad inside palace of Versailles

Friends in marché of Suresnes 92

Friends in Saint Germain en Laye ,rue au pain

VT friends Septiéme as 7 Vin resto in Paris

VT friends La Gare resto 16éme Paris

ST Friends at La Gare resto 16éme Paris

Pl Hoche ,Versailles yes T it is French bread !

ERAU alumni Au Trappiste in Paris

Alumni ERAU AUC Thanksgiving dinner in Paris

ERAU alumni J’Go resto Toulouse

Friends at Sao Paulo Brazil

Friends in Porto Alegre Brazil

students days at ERAU softball intramural stay together! Daytona Beach

Friends at Chili’s Beacon Center Miami

colleagues corporate JL Audio beach volley Miramar FLA

Friends at Flanagan’s Miami

ERAU alumni tour by Chris at Daytona Beach

more colleague friends in Versailles

my colleagues friends in Versailles

friends in Curitiba Brazil

Friends at Cafe Bernabeu in Madrid

more friends at Ribeiro do Miño in Madrid

Friends at Madrid Ribeiro do Miño

Ribeiro do Miño and friends at Madrid

Dom Dutertre, Mr Dutertre in Paris

Dom Ancienne Cure Mr Roche in Paris

Disneyland Paris

Well here it is by popular demand Mickey invasion of France and Europe ! It started very slow, even lack of crowds, bad marketing, many fine tuning ever since including the addition of serving wine inside the park; and now its cruising ,very popular. It used to be called Euro Disney Resort then Disneyland Paris Resort to now Disneyland Paris.

I have lived for many years within an hour of World Disney in Orlando ,FL, USA, so many trips there with 3 boys and plenty of family and friends visits, including concerts at night. Coming over to France, it seems not important to go here, tented many times but never did until a few months back got the itch as we got a great deal at work 21€ admission for all the parks for one day with parking included, so there we went… Its only about 1h30 from where we live now by auto.

Marne-la-Vallée where the resort is build, was for many years agricultural and unused lands, near the region of my wife. It is becoming just like Orlando a humming ground of buildings houses, apts, stores, shops, malls, growing every month.  The town chosen for its main entrance is Chessy in department Seine-et-marne No 77. east of Paris.  You get here by car on the autoroute A4 exit/sortie 12,1 or the RER A from Paris. There is ,also, a bus service straight from the airports that service Paris such as CDG , Orly,and Beauvais, the service is call VEA, and the webpage in English is here http://www.vea-shuttle.co.uk/  . The RER A can be trace on the Paris official transport site in English here http://www.ratp.fr/en/ratp/c_5000/accueil/ , and for road info you can check viamichelin in English at http://www.viamichelin.co.uk/. Also, on TGV at the Marne la Vallée Chessy station, http://www.tgv-europe.com/en/

The train station RER leaves you at walking distance to the main entrance of the complex. Disneyland Paris is composed of Disney Village, with many shops, and restos including Rainforest Cafe, which my kids like the best.  Walt Disney studios with movie history and making displays , 6 on site hotels, the David Crocket Ranch with camping tie ins and bungalows, a 27 hole golf course, 6 other hotels considered recommended by Disneyland Paris, an aparthotel complex Adagio, Marriot Village timeshare complex, Val d’Europe shopping center, La Vallée Village outlet stores, as well as an aquarium next to Val d’Europe.

Of course the favorite still is Space Mountain ride, the Star Wars galaxy ride, the IMAX movie cinema, the Rainforest Cafe resto, Planet Hollywood resto, for French Auberge de Cendrillon at Fantasyland. Our lodging was at the old Holiday Inn Disneyland, now call Vienna International Magic Circus Hotel with game rooms, circus decoration, large good resto and the best the indoor heated swimming pool with all facilities and amenities the kids love it.

The official page in English will give you all the latest details webpage at http://www.disneylandparis.co.uk/index.xhtml.

The webpage for the Vienna Magic Circus  hotel is http://www.magiccircus-hotel.com/en/home/.  For the Val d’Europe shopping, and great it is go here, in French with access page http://www.valdeurope.fr/106-13535-Plan-d-acces.php . The Sea Life aquarium next to it webpage http://www.sealife.fr/local/index.php?lang=en

Some tips, it is always better to be there ahead of opening time, even if waiting in line for most shows open by 9h45, however, you will be ahead of the crowds. Have planning with your family the rides ,attractions you want to see most, and head for those first upon entering. Hold your lunches late, as when they are eating you are in ::)  Bring picnic items , there is a picnic section just before entering the park to your left, or coming out of the RER turn to your left as if going out of the park and the picnic area will be on your right.  Buy the tickets ahead of time, either at the Disney webpage or this site we use in France, in French ,but can print the tickets at home ,webpage at  http://www.billetsparcs.com/billets-individuels/billet-disneyland-paris.html. They can also be purchase at any FNAC store in Paris, go to parks/attraction in English at http://www.fnactickets.com/.

If you are from other than the USA do come here its nice, if you are from the USA do come here its different, less, but French, and you want to brag back home you were here too. Cheers

Magic Kingdom castle at Disneyland

canopy of Space Mountain ride at Disneyland

Star Wars war of galaxy rides and already lines

Nautilus sub ride 20k leagues under the sea at Disneyland

Space Mountain at Disneyland exterior ride

watching the Disney parade in Disneyland

Pirates ship at Pirates of the Caribbean Disneyland

Pirates of the Caribbean in Disneyland

inside Rainforest Cafe, Disney Village

Disney Village , Corvette Lol!

Main entrance Sea Life Aquarium , annex to Val d’Europe

the parking at Disneyland Paris

Florida,the Sunshine State

A wonderful 18 years in the State of Florida, my biggest chunk of life. Memories that will not go away easy. The State is sunshine, friendly, and happy; so many things to do it will take an entire blog history to tell. I will hit the highlights of my favorites.

Starting with the Daytona Beach area, NASCAR ,the 500, the Pepsi 400 ,the moto 200, the 24 hrs of Daytona, and the Spring Break, the beach season from Memorial day but all year for our snowbirds from the North. You see the Daytona International Speedway, you are now waiting for the Daytona 500 on February 20th. In my time I used to sneak in to see the races for free; those were the college days. Now you can see all about it in the official webpage http://www.daytonainternationalspeedway.com/?homepage=true

You have my University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University the best in the air, Eagles Soar. Go Eagles. That I visit as much as possible now far away, but still involved with the Alumni groups. The official webpage http://www.erau.edu/db/index.html 

You have the the Aquatic park and an unlimited amount of water activities, not to mention the Angel & Phelps Chocolate factory tour, the Bulow plantation ruins, Sugar Mills Botanical Gardens, Ponce Inlet lighthouse, Jackie Robinson memorial park, the Casements, and Tomoka Mound. The hotels are plenty such as Treasure Island Hotel, Daytona Hilton, Daytona Inn, Acapulco Hotel, etc,Eating establishements like Barnacles; Alfie Restaurant, Aunts Catfish, Oyster Pub, etc, and a wonderful Daytona International Airport, webpage http://flydaytonafirst.com/ You can see those and a lot more at the Daytona Beach area tourist webpage here http://www.daytonabeach.com/

Up in Saint Augustine, you have the oldest city in the USA founded by Pedro Menendez de Aviles in 1565! Here you have Lightner Museum, Ripley’s Believe or Not, Fountain of Youth ,where the great Pedro landed; Fort Matanzas , trolley tours, horse wagon tours, the oldest House in America, and the Bridge of Lions,old world setting. The Spanish Columbia restaurant ,like you were in Spain.  So many weekends spent in this town, I can walk it again blindfolded. See the beautiful Cathedral, with its Spanish mudejar construction. You will get all info at the official tourist site here http://www.oldcity.com/

Moving to the west along the I4 expressway, you reach the Orlando magical area, what can I say here, Disney, Universal, Medieval Times, International Drive, Lake Buena Vista drive, the Florida Gator Bowl, the lake at Eola, so much that is impossible to list all.  You have the more affordable area of Kissimmee just by the Disney entrance with many hotels, and restaurants  to choose from; my favorites were the Santa Fe Disney hotel, and the Caribbean Hotel too. The restos were the Hemingway at the Hyatt Cypress hotel, Bongos Cafe, Rainforest, Wolfgang Puck, Red Lobster, Ming Court, etc. The best location for staying other than inside Disney property or Universal official hotels is to find a property by Lake Buena Vista. The official Orlando area tourist webpage http://www.orlandoinfo.com/ A bit further in Kissimmee you have restos Applebee’s, Chili’s, Dennys’s Friendlys , the choices are endless here, official webpage for tourism in Kissimmee is http://www.visitkissimmee.com/leisure/

You have shopping at FLorida Mall, Pointe Orlando, and The Mall at Millenia, and Premium Outlets, in addition to those in the theme parks areas. The area is very well serve by the Orlando International Airport webpage http://www.orlandoairports.net/

Moving west still on the expressway I4 you will reach the Tampa area, more wonders, like Busch Gardens,the aquarium at St Petersburg,wonderful beaches like Fort De Soto National Park, Clearwater Beach, Treasure Island,ST Pete Beach, and Ybor City in Tampa, Florida Aquarium, Lowry Park Zoo, etc etc . You get nice hotels like the Grand Hyatt, Marriotts, Intercontinental,Embassy Suites, and Holiday Inn Busch Gardens locations.  The Tampa airport site is http://www.tampaairport.com/

Here in Ybor City you will find the oldest Spanish restaurant in the USA ,est, 1905. Columbia, webpage http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/ it was our home away from home wherever they were in Florida.  Also Shells,  webpage ,http://www.shellsseafood.com/  ,and shopping at Channelside,Hyde Park Village, Westshore Plaza,and Ybor City own stores.  The official tourist webpage for Tampa is http://www.visittampabay.com/

And the webpage for Ybor City shopping and entertainment is http://www.centroybor.com/ the local chamber with tourist info is at http://www.ybor.org/index.cfm?section=vs

Further to the west coast you have the wonderful Saint Petersburg area, the Sirata Beach Resort is marvelous to stay in, and restos like Sloppy Joe’s, and PJ’s are great. Make sure to see the pier at St Petersburg at webpage http://www.stpetepier.com/ wonderful place to be at.  The official area tourist webpage is http://www.visitstpeteclearwater.com/

Coming down on the I75 you will reach the Cape Coral area, where I spent many times because family is there,well have family in Orlando, Tampa, Cape Coral ,and Miami Lakes ::) still a bunch. However this area is best known for the Sunshine Family Park, great rides in water and else, webpage http://www.capecoral.net/SunSplash/Home/tabid/979/Default.aspx Great fishing out of here on boat rentals at Paradise, webpage http://www.vacationboats.com/

Hotels the Holiday Inn Express at the entrance to the city is great, as well as the Casa Loma Motel ,webpage http://www.casalomamotel.com/ . We try the first one for the pool and the other for its pool and look at the causeway as sometimes we were too many to find lodgings with the family. We ate with them but we had going out to see Anthony’s on the Blvd, Del Prado Blvd , great seafood and ambiance, webpage http://anthonysontheblvd.com/ 

Shopping best is by the mall Coralwood Shopping Center or the outlet mall by the I75 road at Miromar Outlet ,webpage http://www.miromaroutlets.com/  . There is no designated tourist webpage.

We head down on the I75 and the Alligator Alley to Miami area ,and the wild Miami Beach, plus Ft Lauderdale. You can see the Miami Seaquarium, Miami MetroZoo, Barnacle historical Park, ancient Spanish monastery with webpage http://www.spanishmonastery.com/ , Vizcaya Museum castle and gardens, Fairchild Tropical park, Everglades Alligator Farm, Island Queen Cruises, Miccosukee Indian Village,Wings over Miami museum,etc there is more the above are just my favorites, you can see them all with links at webpage http://www.amazingmiamiattractions.com/index.html

The beaches the nightlife is awesome , so much to tell, Lincoln Road is great down to South Beach at Miami Beach, then up north Bal Harbour is nice and trendy. Coconuts Grove is quaint and chic, as is Miracle Mile. The official Miami tourist webpage http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/visitors/ 

Shopping /resto is wonderful in Lincoln Road,see webpage http://lincolnroadmall.com/ ,the same can be said of Coconut Grove ,with its CocoWalks, see webpage http://www.cocowalk.net/ , and Miracle Mile at Coral Gables, webpage http://shopcoralgables.com/ . The Bayside Marketplace at http://www.baysidemarketplace.com/ , and Miami downtown or city center area offers plenty, by the port of miami at webpage http://www.downtownmiami.com/ . For transportation best is get in by Miami International Airport at webpage http://www.miami-airport.com/

Plenty of Restaurants, from La Carreta, Joe Allen’s, TGIFridays, Puerto Sagua, Smith &  Wollensky, Joe’s Stone Crab, Bongos Cuban Cafe,Versailles,News Cafe, so many good ones over the years, if you need to find a good one try this webpage http://miami.diningguide.com/

The greater Miami tourist webpage http://www.miamiandbeaches.com/Index.asp , and for the sports enthusiasts you can see the Miami Dolphins and Florida Marlins teams here http://www.miamidolphins.com/ ,and  http://florida.marlins.mlb.com/index.jsp?c_id=fla ,and Miami Heat, http://www.nba.com/heat/

Shoppingyou have International Mall, Dolphin Mall, Aventura Mall, Dadeland Mall, Bayside Marketplace as my favorites. Moving a bit north to Ft Lauderdale , you have for shopping the very best Sawgrass Mills, then Broward Mall, Pembroke Lakes Mall, and Galleria as my favorites over the years. The Las Olas blvd area is fantastic, see the dedicated webpage here http://www.lasolasboulevard.com/ .

You should pay a visit to the International Swimming Hall of Fame, http://www.ishof.org/. Visit the Bass Pro Shops for fishing gear par excellence, webpage http://www.basspro.com/homepage.html just go to stores florida, then Ft Lauderdale. Bonnet House Museum and Gardens, Boomers , Butterfly World, CB Smith Park, Seminole Indians Casino, Billie Swamp Safari, Flamingo Gardens, International Game Fish Association museum at webpage http://www.igfa.org/ , Jungle Queen Riverboat, and Anne Koln Nature Center as some of the best sights.  The sports enthusiast can watch a game of ice hockey at the Florida Panthers stadium in Sunrise, webpage http://panthers.nhl.com/index.html

You can get all the above in details plus more at the official tourist webpage for Ft Lauderdale here, http://www.sunny.org/visitors/  .Plenty of restos such as TGIFridays, Cheesecake Factory, China Grill, le Bistro, le Cafe de Paris,Quarterdeck with great munchies and beers always at webpage http://quarterdeckrestaurants.com/v2/ . For all your restaurants needs see my old reliable site here http://fort.lauderdale.diningguide.com/

No hotels as this was my last home before leaving for France. Great times in the Ft lauderdale/Miramar area of Broward County.  The wonderful airport for international and domestic flighst is http://www.fortlauderdaleinternationalairport.com/

Last in my stop is the Florida Keys, my fondness for Key Largo, Marathon, and Key West. Plenty of water sports, fishing, and good laidback eating. The best is the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park the first underwater park celebrating 50 years this year. Everglades National State Park,and the Biscayne Park, all great nature lovers heavens.  Have a bite and great beer at Coconuts Restaurant, you can rent fishing out of here too. Marathon is better for scuba diving, and has the keys Airport as well as the nicest beach at Sombrero Beach, a huge popular conservation program of turtles and dolphins, a city marina with 224 berth. For that leisure back Florida conch living and nice meal try the Porky’s Bayside BBQ ,webpage http://www.porkysbaysidebbq.com/ordereze/Default.aspx

And then we have Key West, the southernmost city in the USA, only 90 miles (145 kms ) . Try  Dolphin encounter charter to chase and see them in the wild, get a seaplane adventure and head out for Tortugas isle even further from the mainland USA, and see Fort Jefferson, get on the Trolley or Conch train for a ride thru the streets of Key West, and of course dont leave without seeing Ernest Hemingway house and museum, Key West Aquarium, San Carlos Institute at webpagehttp://www.institutosancarlos.org/, the Mel Fisher Maritime museum, and Mallory Square  amongst the best.

We had stayed with friends houses in Marathon, and at Marquesa, webpage here http://www.marquesa.com/ . For eating, we are regulars of Kelly Caribbean Bar & Grill, the old actress of TV and movie fame no longer owns it but the food and service is the same at least as far back as 2009.webpage http://www.kellyskeywest.com/ Other been the El Meson de Pepe, and Sloppy’s Joes.

The official tourist webpage for the Florida Keys is http://www.fla-keys.com/ . Hope you have enjoyed this overview of a great State with lots of memories for me. Some photos to follow.

My house in Ormond by the Sea, near Daytona Beach

Miami MetroZoo open air Theater

Miami MetroZoo tigers pen

Coming into downtown city center Miami Freedom Tower

from Bayside Marketplace bridges going to Miami Beach

Bayside Marketplace, Miami near port of Miami

Bayside marketplace Heritage of Miami boat

Dolphin Mall, Miami

Cinemark Paradisio Davie, movies near home

Miami MetroZoo entrance

Brickell Ave, Miami city center

crossing into Key Biscayne, Miami skyline background

My kids last US school ,Silver Lakes, Miramar

Silver Lakes community pool ,Miramar

My last US house in Silver Lakes, Miramar

campus of ERAU Daytona Beach

Crossing St John River at Sanford I4

CocoWalk at Coconut Grove

Barnacle state park and house at Coconut Grove

Applebee’s at Doral, Miami

Aventura mall entrance

Intracoastal bridge to Cape Coral

Key Biscayne lighthouse at bill boggs beach

NBC TV tower in Miramar

Perth Amboy, New Jersey, USA

The name is not on anybodies travel page, nor in the main news, nor in most people’s mind. The name is of a small central New Jersey town of about 50K inhabitants right off the Raritan river,and the bay to New York city; the main corridor tri state area. However, this is where my life in the United States began as a young boy.

I had no English, no money, and only the clothings on my back. Arriving from Madrid, Spain with my mother in 1974 to reunites with my father who was already there. Quickly I went to school at McGinnis Middle School on State Street, and she went to work;within a month we were all on our way to a completely new life in a new country. The country embraces us very nicely, Perth Amboy nurtured us, feed us, taught us how nice it is to live in a democracy , learn the English language, and play baseball and soccer/football in summer leagues.

The years went by and my English improved a lot as like a native! My parents went into small businesses such as a grocery store, restaurant, Fine mens clothing store, nightclub ,and misc sundries line throughtout New Jersey and into Philadelphia ,PA. I graduated from Middle school and went on to High School, Perth Amboy Panthers !!!! I had my varsity soccer/football story,and the sneak out days, the girls, and the trips to Florida. I graduated there in June 1977 from high school. I became an American citizen in December 1980 at New Brunswick municipal courthouse, Middlesex county . Finally leaving the city for good in 1985 heading to my next step in life ,at Florida.

The city was the capital of East Jersey while the 13 colonies were around, one of the governor base at Perth Amboy was William Franklin, the son of Benjamin Franklin,who was a royalist. Te Propietary House in Perth Amboy was where he lived as governor. He was instrumental in opening Queen College (later Rutgers University) . He was arrested in 1776-78  as he was against the American independance movement, and finally was exile to Great Britain in 1782, and died there in 1813  buried at St Pancras old Church Cementary. The propietary house erected n 1762 is the only provincial governors house still standing in the USA: located at 149 Kearny Avenue, Perth Amboy. webpage http://www.proprietaryhouse.org/

The City Hall of Perth Amboy, is the oldest continues in use city hall government building in the United STates, built during 1714-1717 or 1718.  It burn down several times and rebuilt while for a time it serves as the  Provincial Assembly . It  was in City Hall that the State of New Jersey became the first state to ratify the Bill of Rights. Many sections still dates from 1717 today.  You can see the history and a lot more in the city hall webpage here
http://ci.perthamboy.nj.us/the-history-of-perth-amboy.html

The city once had a ferry service to New York city that is in the works to re established again.  You can read in the above webpage some of the historical things that was done or happenned in Perth Amboy.

THe Rudyk Park complex underneath the Outerbridge to Staten Island, NYC was used by many to play summer league soccer/football sometimes with as many as 40 nationalities playing!  The wonderful tennis courts by the waterfront was entertaining, and with great views of the bay of NY all in Bayview Park. It has a vibrant downtown or city center area around the Five Corners as five avenues coincide at this junction. The roads are very easy as it is at the crossroads of the NJ Turnpike, the Garden STate PArkway, and the Routes 1-9, 35, and 440.  A great webpage to get around there and in the US is mapquest webpage here http://www.mapquest.com/

It is now a major marina with pleasure and fishing boats docking, harbor info at email pa.harborside@gmail.com ;  Newark Internatinal airport is only about a 30 minute car ride, webpage here http://www.panynj.gov/airports/newark-liberty.html  ;  and there is a train station to take you to New York city penn station.  Airtran public train transportation page http://www.panynj.gov/airports/ewr-airtrain.html 

Amtrak train site for train travel in the US and train station in Perth Amboy at http://www.amtrak.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Amtrak/HomePage  For bus connections NJTransit is the answer webpage http://www.njtransit.com/hp/hp_servlet.srv?hdnPageAction=HomePageTo

The city is ,also, the gateway to the Jersey Shore area, full of beaches and history like the Bon Jovi, Bruce Springteens areas etc, lots of beautiful beaches such as Asbury Park, Point Pleasant Beach, Seaside Heights, Atlantic City, Ocean City, the Wildwoods. For lodging in the area I have used the Holiday Inn Express Woodbridge-Avenel, 874 Rt 1 north;  webpage  http://www.hiexpress.com/hotels/fr/fr/avenel/ewrwb/hoteldetail

and the Holiday Inn Edison, 3050 Woodbridge ave, webpage http://www.holidayinn.com/hotels/fr/fr/edison/edswa/hoteldetail. The area is full of all types of accommodations but these are the one I have stayed personally. As for restaurants, the old reliable still there, Portuguese Manor, as I play soccer/football with the Portuguese community there, this was an almost daily routine; and keep coming back as late as 2007.  You will be in Portugal or Europe here ,great food, webpage http://www.portuguesemanorrestaurante.com/  ; another old favorite is the The Barge, by the waterfront, just wonderful seafood while overlooking the Arthur Kill bay to New York City, its an institution in the city,  webpage http://www.thebarge.com/ . The armory is another jewel of historic significance as class reunions and graduation parties are held here, as well as a restaurant, Seabra Armory Restaurant and Banquet ,webpage http://www.seabrasarmory.com/

As for shopping, the best is just outside the city in the towns of Edison and Woodbridge, Menlo Park  Mall and Woodbridge Center Mall(one of the biggest in the USA), Downtown area has lots of stores but very difficult parking best head for the malls above, the webpage for Menlo Park Mall  , http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=113 ; and Woodbridge Center Mall at http://www.woodbridgecenter.com/

Hope you enjoy this little bit of historical showcasing of a small city so close to my heart. Go Panthers !!!

Perth Amboy High School, Go Panthers!

Albert G Waters stadium next to High School, sports

The waterfront Arthur Kill bay behind Staten Island NYC

The Barge Restaurant by the waterfront

Market square, statue of Gen George Washington and Liberty Bell replica

City Hall of Perth Amboy

From Route 35 going city center Perth Amboy, hospital left

towards downtown Perth Amboy

Woodbridge Center Mall for Applebee’s

Woodbridge Center Mall

Driving on Route 1-9 down from EWR to Perth Amboy

My first home in the USA Perth Amboy Oak Street

My mom’s grocery store, Broad Street

My last house there ,State Street

McGinnes Middle School at State Street

Expats in Paris, all over Paris

I had in the past several of you asked me for pubs, bars the regular hangout of locals and expats alike. Well, the expats are well and kicking all over Paris, never a dull moment, and even thus French myself as not born considered myself an expat as well from America the Beautiful ::)

I will give you a sample and note my favorites that I go the most,; hopefully it will keep you company if feeling home sick while in Paris Lol! These are

O’Sullivans Pubs several all over like by Clichy and rue des Lombards, however my favorite is the one at the Grands Boulevards, 1 blvd Montmartre, metro grands boulevards lines 8 and 9. sports tv all over, even some music, best second floor up to your left in front of bar counter. webpage http://www.osullivans-pubs.com/

Players Bar, 161 Rue Montmartre, 75002 ,big screens live sporting events actually about 30 screens all the time ESPN Classic channel too. Near same area on metro grands boulevard line 8 or 9; webpage http://www.leplayers.com/accueil/accueil,6,299,135.html

Cottage Elysée, 14 rue Lincoln, 75008 , metro George V line 1. tel +33 01 42 25 07 20. All sports live the Irish pub with live music on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. webpage http://www.cottage-elysee.com/index.php

The Lions, 120 Rue Montmartre, 75002;tel +33 01 42 36 88 65. Metro Bourse line 3 or Grands boulevards line 8 and 9. The English Pub,  showing football/soccer with pints of 5€,webpage http://www.thelionsparis.com/

Millers, 3 Rue des Haudriettes, 75003 tel +33 01 42 77 69 80.metro Rambuteau line 11. no web, but does show sports live telecasts with drink specials.

McBrides Irish Pub, 54 rue St Denis, 75001. tel +33 01 40 26 46 70 . metro Chatelet line 4. All sports bar, downstairs Johnnies nightclub every Friday at 23h. live bands Fridays, Saturdays,and Sundays.webpage http://www.mcbridesparis.com/

Corcoran’s Irish pubs several in Paris, but my favorite is at Bastille; live music Fridays ,Saturdays, Sundays, Karaoke on Thursdays,and Students night on Thursdays too. Great ambiance for the younger crowds. 53 Faubourg St Antoine, 75011. Tel +33 01 49 28 92 10: Metro Bastille lines 1,5 and 8. webpage http://www.corcorans.fr/

The Pure Malt, the Scottish in Paris, 4 rue Caron,75003 Tel +33 01 42 76 03 77.Metro  ST Paul ,line 1. Fridays and Saturdays cocktails nights.  Also American football, Rugby,and Football/soccer.  webpage http://www.thepuremalt.fr/

The Thistle Pub, follow the Scots, 112 rue St Denis, 75002, Tel +33 01 40 26 33 20.Metro Etienne Marcel line 4 and Chatelet line 4. webpage http://www.the-thistle.com/

The Auld Alliance, 80 Rue François-Miron, 75004. Tel +33 01 48 04 30 40.Metro St Paul ,line 1. NFL Sundays are shown as well as football:Soccer and rugby. Thursday cocktail night ,and over 100 whiskies available. webpage http://www.theauldalliance.com/

Café Oz, the Australians arrive!  Several location ,best is at Chatelet, 18 rue Saint Denis, TE +33 01 40 39 00 18. Metro Chatelet line 4. Sports bar par excellence, live rugby, football/soccer, and NFL on tap, great Aussie beers. webpagehttp://www.cafe-oz.com/cafe.php?id=2

Hall’s Beer Tavern, 68 rue Saint Denis, 75002.tel +33 01 42 36 92 72.Metro Chatelet line 4. All major sporting events covered, great ambiance, big screens TV, live music blues and rock, heated smokers terrace,happy hours from 17-19h, and pints from 4,50€. The works , i promise. Webpage for general sports bars in Paris showing Hall’s is at http://www.allomatch.com/sport-bar/paris/hall-s-beer-tavern.html

Belushi’s Bar, The Americans in Paris, a chain with many in various cities in Europe. In Paris at 159 rue de Crimée, 75019. tel +33 01 40 34 34 40.Metro Crimée line 7 or Laumiére line 5. Five big screen TVs for all the action and great burgers, an American diner in Paris. webpage http://www.belushis.com/venues/paris-bars

The Galway, 13 Quai des Grand Augustins, 75006. Tel +33 01 43 29 64 50.Metro Chatelet Line 4 or  St Michel Notre Dame RER C .  Live music on Thursdays Fridays,Saturdays,and Sundays, the Irish once again in Paris !!) Webpage http://www.galwaypub.free.fr/indexfr.html

Eden Park Pub , 10 Rue Princesse, 75006. Tel +33 01 43 26 02 96.Metro  Mabillon line 10, St Sulpice line 4, St Germain des Pres line 4. All sporting events in big screens. Happy hour from 18-20h. GReat rugby place but also football/Soccer. webpage http://www.edenparkpub.com/Eden_Park_Pub/accueil.html

The Moose, the Canadians arrive! 16 rue des Quatre Vents, 75006. TEl +33 01 46 33 77 00.Metro Odéon line 10. happy hour,buy a pitcher specials,all sports, good ambiance, webpage http://www.mooseparis.com/

Little  Temple Bar, 12 rue Princesse, 75006.tel +33 01 43 26 79 95.Metro Mabillon, Odeon, St Germain des Pres lines 4 or 10. Happy hour every day, classic place , names drop by often, live music, you will be delighted as I, webpage http://www.littletemplebar.fr/

WOS Bar, 184 rue St Jacques, 75005. tel +33 01 43 54 30 48. Metro best RER B luxembourg. Happy hour 16-21h! monday and tuesday is student nights so younger crowds. Lively place indeed. webpage http://wosbar.com/

The Bombardier, 2 place du Panthéon, 75005.tel +33 01 43 54 79 22.Metro Maubert-Mutualité line 10 or RER B Luxembourg. Monday students night, Real Ale, English pub. webpage pending setup http://www.bombardierpub.fr/

The Fifth Bar, 62 rue Mouffetard, 75005.tel +33 01 43 37 09 09.Metro place monge line 5. popular bar, American but also rugby, live DJ Fridays, Saturdays nights. Happy hour 12-22h. no web. but very well known street for expats and visitors alike.

La Pomme d’Eve, a South African pub in Paris, 1 rue Laplace, 75005.tel +33 01 43 25 86 18.Metro Maubert-Mutualité line 10. all major sporting events shown on big screens. webpage http://www.lapommedeve.com/

La Pinte, 13 Carrefour de l’Odéon,75006 tel +33 01 43 26 26 15. Metro Odeon line 10. all sports shown, happy hour 17-20h, live concerts in the cellar on thursdays, great ambiance, great place to be. great guinness/beamish red,and Calsberg. webpage http://www.la-pinte.com/fr,1,7966.html

The Harp, 118 Blvd Clichy,75018  tel +33 01 43 87 64 99. Metro Blanche  line 2 or place de Clichy line 13. GReat american hot dogs and bloody marys on Sunday, Mojitos on Mondays. home of the PAris Celtic supporters group . Webpage http://harpbar.com/newhome.php

The Highlander Scottish Pub, 8 rue de Nevers, 75006 tel +33 01 43 26 54 20.Metro Pont Neuf line 7 or Odéon line 10. happy hour weekdays from 17-20h. Caledonian pints for 5€, webpage http://www.the-highlander.fr/

The Great Canadian Pub, 25 Quai des Grands Augustin, 75006.tel +33 01 46 33 54 20.Metro St Michel line 4. Great ambiance very popular with expats get togethers in Paris. webpage http://www.tgcparis.com/

The Long Hop, Rue Fréderic Sauton, Place Maubert-Mutualité;75005,  tel +33 01 43 29 40 54 metro Maubert-Mutualité line 10.  A great gathering of expats, great ambiance, lately a hot spot in Paris, webpage http://www.long-hop.net/

Carr’s ,Irish pub ,of long standing and many nights lol! 1 Rue du Mont Thabor, 75001 tel +33 01 42 60 60 26. Metro Tuileries line 1. GReat cellar where expats groups gathered on many occasions, and great Irish music .Webpage http://www.carrs-paris.com/fr/

And of course if you need to catch some munchies those above have it too in addition to these great expats venues ,

Breakfast in America, original location the best at 17 rue des Ecoles, 75005 ,tel +33 01 43 54 50 28 Metro Cardinal Lemoine line 10 and Jussieu lines 7 and 10. you got the name right, webpage http://www.breakfast-in-america.com/main/

Happy Days Diner, 25 rue Francisque Gay, 75006. Tel +33 01 43 29 67 07. Metro St Michel line 4. American burgers in a diner look 1950′s. two locations but the one above is lively for me webpage http://www.happydaysdiner.com/

Ellis Island Cafe, 5 rue Parronet, 75007 tel +33 01 40 49 08 08.Metro Sévres Babylone lines 10 and 12. Great tex mex burgers, an American oasis in Paris, Sunday brunch 21€ . No webpage .

Scoop Cafe, 154 rue Saint Honoré ,75001. Tel +33 01 42 60 31 84. Metro Palais Royal,Louvre Rivoli, lines 1. An American awarded as best ice cream parlor, with great soups as well. webpage http://caxiote.free.fr/

Bretzel Love, 15 rue Vavin, 75006. fairly new branch from La Defense now here great stuff if you love bretzel or pretzels, metro Vavin line 4. Webpage http://www.bretzellove.com/

Last but not least some webpages that will enhance your present in Paris, the all sports bar webpage to find it all at http://www.allomatch.com/  as in hello game or hi match or allo match ::)

hope you have enjoy this trip, have fun ,drink in moderation ,but let it not stop you from enjoying Paris. Cheers

My college days in Florida USA-ERAU

I was visiting Florida since 1973 from my home state of New Jersey. When it was time to choose my university studies, leaning towards a career in aviation ,hopefully with an airline, and by reference from a friend who was going to the US Navy, I heard of ERAU=Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Daytona Beach, Florida ,USA.

That was the beginning of a beautiful friendship or love with the state of FL. I was admitted to the school fairly quickly and arrive at Daytona Beach, ERAU campus by August 24th 1977. In time to get me into dormitory No I (later call Doolittle) and began freshman classes.

I was totally new to the place, the area, the habits, so my first year spent going to the beach, “the worlds most famous beach” almost daily, becoming a beach bum ::) Going to the Daytona Connection, Mocambo, Big Mamma, and Oyster Pub greatly enhance my feeling for the area.  Seeing my first Spring Break in the spring of 1978 was awesome, never seen so many girls in one place !!!! I quickly learn the best way to enjoy the area is to have your own place off campus. The school has limited space on its campus dormitories so changing was easy and the area landlords were nice to us, we had a nice “reputation”.

My second year or sophomore, I was already renting a house by Winchester St, Holly Hill an inland community just to the north of Daytona Beach. This was a 3 bedroom home so I found myself 2 roommates to share the cost, and have a whole room for myself, plus lots of more freedom. Great place to study too, the school demands were very heavy, focus on learning and little space for entertainment or sports inside of it. I was on the Aviation Management degree curriculum for a BS=bachelor of science degree.

While hanging around a field that look like a soccer field, kicking my soccer ball around, a grey older men approached me and ask me if I had previous experience playing soccer/football. I told him learned with a team call Real Madrid in Spain lower divisions, played with ethnic leagues in New Jersey semipro and with the high school, so he immediately sign me up for the team, he was the purchasing manager, named John C Butler, from Leicester ,England and a former player of that city’s team. From then on we had an interesting relationship, one of which ,was getting together at the end of each year to schedule my classes for the next year so my free time was available for the soccer team.

The school soccer/football team was composed of many international students like England, Holland, Trinidad and Tobago,Iran,Portugal, Venezuela, Spain,etc all playing for the love of the game, no scholarships. We played NCAA div 1 and 2 team on an open schedule, by the end its was club level as the school ERAU refuse to sponsor a team for lack or simply not wanting to offer funds. We organise the games ourselves with the other schools. I did played in the Central Florida Soccer league out of the Daytona Beach YMCA complex (which was actually in the city of Holly Hill).

My third year began at a new rental house closer to the center at Magnolia Avenue and Charles Street. It had two bedroom and the other was rented to a friend from the soccer team so we both can have same interests. School was taken its toll as the subjects became more complicated and more study time was needed, however , the soccer continues and trips to the beach and other parts of Florida. the Razzle disco was on as well as the country music place Finky’s on Grandview. The weekend trips to the Nickels alley place in Gainesville home of the Univ of Florida was great escapades with lots of fun dont want to go into it ::) I was checking out the same chain Nickels alley in amelia ave, Orlando too as well as going down to Miami at Tiffany’s in the Sheraton at Bal Harbours, and Limelight by the Hollywood dog track area. Participating in spring break activities was great, in addition to our Spring FLing festivities on campus, I visited the Univ of South Florida River riot festivities by the Hillborough river. As well visiting my family in the Miami area for the weekends, the Christmas breaks were still spent in New Jersey with my parents, and some summers too.

My last year or senior year, again was the time to try another housing, and closer to the action, so I moved to a two bedroom house in Hollywood ave and Main Street, Daytona Beach surrounded by bikers Lol! My neighbors were the Pagans gang from NJ and I guess my car plates were from NJ so they were friendly ::) I could use their hoses to clean my car Lol!!! I was by this time very involved in the school with the Management Club, and was its Treasurer my last year there. Under me and with the help of Professors Rudi Knabe , our club advisor, William Chamberlain ,our accounting prof and Peter de la Rosa, our Finance prof; I was able to implement a scholarship doing fund raising events to help pay our members book expenses while investing the proceeds with Merrill Lynch, and did established the club as a non-profit organisation.

The soccer/football continues at the club level playing by mutual agreement with other Universities in FLorida under our new coach who had played for the Seattle Sounders of the old NASL and was from Liberia, but unfortunately forgot his name; this was our last year as a school team.  Playing with the Daytona Beach team in the amateur league as well. Another popular activity was playing intra mural volleyball and softball where we finish second place on both sports as the Management Club team.

The school had gone thru some transformation and new buildings were erected, the student body reach 5000 on campus and they had purchase another campus in Prescott ,Arizona, (near Phoenix). The city had some lesser crazy spring breaks as the city fathers decided to put more efforts on family vacationing. Of course, the Daytona International Speedway was always a great event to go to, and my Chevy Monte Carlo was a sight in fire red in and out Lol!!!

Graduation came eventually on April 24 1982 at the Peabody Auditorium ,Daytona Beach, where 396 of us graduated with college degrees. What it seems so yesterday, it became a reality we were now going into the “real world”. I went back to New Jersey for work at EWR  Newark International Airport, Newark, with an outfit called Butler Aviation an FBO doing ticketing for charter flights from England and Greece as well as the UPS second day air delivery contract. This only lasted for about a year, as I realised I missed Florida !!!!!

The following summer I took myself my spring break visiting the area alone, and then on January 5 1985 arrived for again this time living at Seaside Drive, Ormond by the Sea (North peninsula) on a house my parents had bought for their retirement ::) Beach bum boy was using it first Lol!!! Living was great as I could use the school library ,and became active in the soccer/football team that was playing in the Daytona Beach YMCA fields. I did obtain sponsorship with Coronado Title Co for a Co-ed indoor soccer team that finish Champion in 1986.

My jobs went from the initial stint at the ABC wine and liquor store in Yonge st, US 1, Ormond Beach under the able JD Brandy as store manager. Great group of people and lots of experiences especially with the wine, as I was in charge of stock and orders for it. Finally my break came while being hire by the Aqua Sun Investments Inc timeshare condo builders/management as assistant to the controller Mike (who crashed his Ferrari on Anderson Drive against a tree !!)  and later collection manager, Arthur ,whose wife was my bank counselor at Barnett (today Bank of America). This took about a couple of years before moving on to Senior Supervisor with the Equifax ARS in Holly Hill (part of the Credit bureau organisation in the USA); working with a group of people who donated a Bond EE for my son’s birth I never forget it the folks like Barbara,Terry, and Angie. Once they closed the office I move to Miami with Equifax and thats another story.

While living in this beautiful area of Daytona Beach where by now its a sweet history for me, I encounter in one of my trips a nice lady from Meaux, France, we were married  December 26, 1990 at City Island govt building in Daytona Beach. We had our first son at the Halifax Hospital on March 9, 1992. We all moved down south after Equifax office closing.

So even thus I am now far away, I want you all to know, I love you Daytona Beach, you have been very good to me and my family and we always mentioned you, never forgotten all the folks we encounter there and many still keep in touch,so if you read this; this post is for you. some photos I can come up with,,,,,

old ERAU soccer/football uniform in my apt Daytona Beach

inside hangar Delta airline L1011′s ERAU trip

old ERAU President Hunt residence, the Aircraft Carrier ,Ormond Beach

Peabody Auditorium, my graduation 1982 at ERAU

main entrance ERAU replica of the Wright brothers plane

old family picture of dormitory No 1 ERAU

Delta airlines L1011 cockpit at Atlanta Int Airport ERAU trip

ERAU management club Softball intramural team 1982

ERAU management Club Daytona Inn 1982

ERAU library ready for lift off.

campus ride by big Chris ERAU alumni

Dormitory Doolittle Hall ERAU old dorm No I

city island courthouse Daytona Beach ,married here 1990

some links, like Daytona Beach tourist office at http://www.daytonabeach.com/

Daytona Beach welcome center at http://www.daytonawelcomecenter.com/

ERAU Daytona Beach campus at http://www.erau.edu/db/index.html

ERAU alumni link at http://www.eraualumni.org/s/867/splash.aspx

Volusia county where the cities mentioned are in Florida, official webpage at http://echotourism.com/

Daytona, Flagler webpage for the YMCA at http://hollyhill.vfymca.org/HollyHill/HollyHill_1.htm

The Daytona Beach area newspaper, DB news  journal webpage at http://www.news-journalonline.com/index.html