Tampa, FL
I’m sitting in a Hampton Inn in Tampa. My first hotel experience of the trip has been nice. I holed up yesterday and hit the gym, pool and laundry. I’m now ready to head out on the road again. I have to be in New Orleans on Monday for an interview. That’s a bit of a trip, and it also means that my stint in the state of Florida is over. What a place. If you’ve never been to south Florida, go somewhere. Fort Lauderdale is a party and the water taxi incredible. Miami is huge and South Beach is worth a look. Tampa/Clearwater is a great place. Just don’t pull any U-turns. Key West is the gem. It’s a drive, but the vibe and the people are worth it. All of these places have the water next to them. And the weather is perfect.
Enough of my Board of Tourism for Florida. After my chores, Kevin and I went to dinner. We wanted somehwere on the water and headed to Clearwater Beach. We found busy restaurants and no parking spots. But, we finally got in and sat on the beach. The sun had set and the stars were coming out. The breeze blew and we ate like kings. Gator bites, mozz sticks, salad, burger and steak. I had the steak. I hadn’t eaten a restaurant steak since I started and man, it tasted good. I normally order medium well (don’t cringe Mark). This came out less cooked than that, but it was juicy and actually done to perfection. If I could get it this way every time I would. Too rare means too chewy for me. I felt like a pig when we were done. I finished all of the steak and some corn on the cob. We then walked to a couple of bars down the beach. We walked in and walked out. We were both pretty tired. Instead we went to eat more. We walked down the boardwalk and got some ice cream. Somehow Kevin managed to stuff a huge cone down. I just had a single scoop dish, chocolate of course.
We then went back to the hotel to catch Sports Center. Wolves can’t stop Shaq. Lakers in 6. Detroit D is too strong. Pistons/Carolina connection in 6.
It was great to see Kevin. We’ve known each other since 4th grade. We’ve known each other well since middle school. He and I were part of the Rochester, NY version of 90210 in high school. I was in his wedding. I had a great time hanging. No matter how long it is in between, we pick up like yesterday. I’ll beat him in golf next time!
Time to get ready. Happy Friday!
Go check out that newspaper article. Surreal.
http://www.miami.com/mld/miamiherald/news/front/8720940.htm?1c
If that doesn’t work go to www.herald.com. Then type in Harrison at the search bar.