The Tropic Cinema has been hurting financially. Badly!

Management has announced the Tropic Cinema will be closing for the summer. May not reopen in the Fall.

Sad. Extremely so. A fine facility. Well located. I have seen my movies solely at the Tropic since it opened. Never returned to the Regal. 

Management says the problem is an “industrial one.” Independent theaters are having an extremely difficult time nationwide.

The Knicks/Spurs game tonight at 8:30.

I had a great lunch Thursday at Salute’s. Not just the food. Salute’s food is always good. It was the company. Lunch was with Reiley. I wish I had met him years ago. What a great guy!

Reiley is a thoroughbred horseman. Breeds and trains them at his farm in Lexington. Many end up in the big races. 

Reiley also has a home in Key West. I have to thank Fred Klein for bringing us together.

The most coveted used car in America is the Toyota RAV4. Most cars lose value as soon as they leave the dealer’s lot. The RAV4 hybrid gains.

The Congo Ebola outbreak the worst world wide at the moment. Especially among babies and the extremely young. Some medical experts claim the outbreak is already the worst in history.

Ancient Romans were among the best of what many consider the best today. Like concrete. Would you believe?

Roman concrete remains much stronger than modern day concrete. The ancient concrete survives like forever, getting stronger, not weaker, over time.

On this day in history, Miranda vs. Arizona was decided by the U.S. Supreme Court. As a result Miranda Rights were established for all criminal suspects at the time of arrest or prior to interrogation.

Teenagers did not always exist. There was a time you were either a child or an adult. The mid 20th century saw the birth of the modern teenager.

Three reasons. One compulsory education. Got adolescents out of factories and into schools. The second the economic boom following World War II which created a new highly sought after demographic for companies and advertisers. The final reason the widespread adoption of cars among American families which provided 16 year olds with unprecedented freedoms.

Remember Gene Shalit? He appeared on “Today” as a movie critic and purveyor of puns for 40 years. He died yesterday at the age of 100.

I have recently written about Trump as little as possible. The man makes me sick. I assume most of you also. However, he is President and so I reluctantly write about him a bit today.

Trump has done it again. Stopped attacking Iran. A few days ago, he bombed Iran in the morning and stopped in the afternoon. He claimed once again that a “deal” was close. 

We are still waiting.

Iran and Israel have made no such proclamation. 

So far Trump has claimed 103 times the war was ending. Would you believe?

Getting Trump’s name off Kennedy Center is like pulling teeth. Too bad Trump can’t experience the activity without pain killer.

Trump tried last minute efforts to stop the removal. The Courts denied him. 

His name was to come off by midnight Friday. Trump and his people did not make it. They were taking down the name at 3 Saturday morning. 

I am not certain if the name is yet completely down.

Another Trump screw-up? Algae has formed in the Reflecting Pool. Trump’s people say it is residual.

Oil executives have put Trump on notice that gas prices will get worse.

Query: Did Trump make America’s 250th Birthday about himself?

Permit me to close about conditions in Key West at the moment. They are terrific! A position every local is taking. Even the business people.

The season is over. There is next to no traffic. Tables are available everywhere without reservation. The beaches are next to empty.

We deserve the break.

Enjoy your day!

What a game it was! The Kicks were down by 29 points. Came back to win by 1! The biggest comeback in Finals history!

The final score 107-106.

The Knicks are now winning 3 games to 1. 

New York City prepping up for a monumental overall victory!

Keep Trump out of town. He may jinx the Knicks!

Schools looked different 100 years ago. Unrecognizable in the 1920s.

Rural area children learned in one room schools. Whereas schools in the cities were large multi room buildings crowded by the fast growth of cities at the time.

Not all kids attended schools. In 1910, only 59 percent.

In rural areas, schools began later because farm children had to work the farms before offing to school. The walk to school could amount to miles thereby making actual school time even shorter. Planting and harvesting made school time even much shorter, many times the rural schools would even close for weeks at a time.

Safe sex billboards greet World Cup fans. The Aids Healthcare Foundation has rolled out safe sex billboards with soccer themed condoms in Miami. 

The Iran War is largely responsible for the highest level of U.S. inflation in 3 years. Energy prices are expected to stay elevated for some time to come.

The U.S. has bombed Iran three days in a row. I doubt Trump can bomb Iran into a peace accord.

It is a sad fact that in today’s politics a political career can be bought.

In 1776, angry New Yorkers tore down a statue of George III in a revolutionary fervor. The statue weighed 4,000 pounds. The colonists reduced the scrap metal into 42,088 musket balls.

Theodore Roosevelt survived an assassination attempt. A speech in his pocket slowed the bullet. Roosevelt insisted on delivering his remarks anyway.

Divers recently discovered the shipwreck of a World War I era Coast Guard cutter. , which vanished with 113 sailors on board in 1918. The “Tampa.” It was torpedoed by a German submarine 50 miles off the coast of Cornwell, England. The disaster was the largest single American naval combat loss during World War I.

A lawsuit has been brought to stop the U.F.C. fights at the White House during Trump’s birthday on June 14th and as part of the U.S.’ 250th Anniversary.

The lawsuits has two thrusts. One it was not authorized by Congress. The other that it is an extraordinary use of government expense to benefit other matters, including Trump personally, who is an investor in U.F.C.’s parent company.

The bones of a man who was fleeing Pompei as Mount Vesuvius was erupting 2,000 years later. He was holding a bowl over his head and a lamp light when he was killed.

Medical costs are going to be a bigger issue. Beware of Trump’s actions. Only the Democrats are concerned about keeping medical cost where they are or down from that number.

Trump’s polls continue sinking. They should. They are up because of him. Undoubtedly the worst President ever. He is destroying the U.S. and the rest of the world. Too bad the 2028 Presidential election is not tomorrow.

Hegseth is as crazy as his boss. War his thing. No wonder Trump loves him. No way Hegseth is going to lose his job.

Trump “gone” re inflation. Again he has said: “I love inflation!”

I received a telephone call yesterday from Fran and Tom Dixon. They were in Buffalo. I made a mistake in yesterday’s blog. I thought they were taking a boat trip home from Italy. Not so. Flew.

Both got in two days earlier. Shot! Spent the first day home sleeping.

Two nurses yesterday at different times. One for my butt, the other my throat. The swallowing nurse outstanding! I need more information re my problem and she provided it big time. One question leads to another. Hopefully Trump will get home from Greece soon as I have questions only he can answer.

Lunch today with Reilley at Salute’s. I am anxious to get his insights re the Belmont.

Enjoy your day!

Her name Karin. Spelled with an i and not an e. Sixty two years old. Born and raised in Germany. She has been a U.S. citizen since the days of Obama. She has resided in Key West for many years.

Met Karin yesterday at The Grand’s Happy Hour. We sat next to each other at the bar.

Our conversation interesting. 

Karin a chemical engineer. At 62, now retired. A lesbian. Formerly married to a woman. They had two baby girls. Her spouse did the carrying. Both daughters educated and thriving economically today. 

One married and has provided her with a granddaughter. The other to be married shortly. She is excited about the soon to be wedding.

I received an education on artificial insemination. I was unaware there are two ways of doing it.

Steve and I always sit together at the bar during Happy Hour. Karin asked if we were “a thing.” Confused me at first. Then understood. First time I have been so accused. I told Steve immediately. He found it amusing also.

Jean and Joe Thornton at The Grand. Great people! They return to Birmingham next Tuesday.

Reilley stopped by for a quick visit yesterday. We are having lunch together tomorrow at Salute’s.

The heat was its usual hot. Repulsive might be the word for it. Too hot every day.

I had to stop at Bank of America before heading to The Grand. Oh, how cool! I had a half hour to kill before Happy Hour. I took a comfortable seat at Bank of America for the half hour. Seemed like the entire staff wanted to help me. I explained to each I was getting out of the heat. Each responded…..Stay!…..Enjoy!…..I did!

Food stamps keep going to the dead as well as living. Via the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Last year alone, 185,986 dead people in 29 States received food stamps.

Social Security could run out in 2032 unless Congress acts. Move your ass Congress! Millions of Americans depend on Social Security.

Is the WNBC ever going to learn? Caitlin Clark saved their butts. Turned professional woman’s basketball into a success in one season. Now opposition to her successful ways is fucking up again. To the League’s detriment. Beware! If Clark ever walks to Europe, the League is dead.

The ceasefire continues to be an ongoing war/no war event. Iran shot down one of our helicopters. Trump has retaliated by bombing Iranian facilities.

Iran is launching missiles at Israel.

In spite of the U.S.’ retaliatory shooting re the helicopter, Trump is consistently sucking up to Iran. He wants the war to end! The only way Trump’s war induced problems will end.

The Daily Beast said correctly: “The only war Trump is wining is the one with us. Trump may not be able to beat Iran, but he sure is kicking the crap out of America.”

Some things that cost $1 in 1940. At a time when the average salary was $25 per week.

One dollar bought 10 loaves of bread, 3 dozen eggs, 4 pounds of bacon, 20 Hershey Bars, 20 bottles of Coca-Cola, 4 pounds of coffee, 6 gallons of gasoline, 23 first class stamps, and 1 pair of silk stockings.

Trump said on Meet the Press that gasoline prices would drop when the Iran War ended. Good luck! Not swiftly. It will take a year or better.

James Earl Ray, the assassin of Martin Luther King Jr., was arrested in London.

A number of women go panty less under their skirts. The number is growing.

Trump got his come up ins in New York City Monday night: “New York hates you” and booing during the Star Spangled Banner.

Trump over indulged on the goodies in the box and even fell asleep before leaving with seven minutes remaining in the game and its outcome uncertain.

Trump’s border czar Tom Harmon says more ICE agents will be coming to New York City than ever before. It is going to be interesting to see how Mayor Mamdani handles it.

Stephen Colbert’s closing words to Donald Trump appropriate: “Go fuck yourself!”

Wrong to address a President thusly. However in Trump’s case it fits! Deserving!

The Norris family should be returning from Greece any day.

The Dixons are on a boat returning them from Italy to the U.S.

A nurse visiting me this afternoon re my throat. A problem! Local doctors want me to go to Miami for surgery. I am reluctant.

Enjoy your day!

A strong earthquake hit northwest of Cuba yesterday afternoon at 2 p.m. A big one. Magnitude 6.1.

I was lying in bed watching television at the time. I had felt no tremors or shaking when the quake was announced on TV. Telephoned Corey. He had not felt it either at the Library. However, Lisa did at their home on Duncan Street. She told Corey it was a big shake.

Media reports indicate the tremors were felt as far north as Tampa in Florida. Also felt in Mexico.

No injuries, deaths or property damage reported. The quake was about 60 miles out in the ocean and obviously underwater.

No tsunami threat was reported nor did one occur.

I have experienced a number of earthquakes in my lifetime. Everywhere. At home in Utica, San Diego, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Novara and Greece. The worst was Novara, Italy.

I was visiting my friend Anna in Novara. We had arrived the day before. Novara located in northern Italy. About 15 miles from Milan and less than a one hour drive from the French border. 

My first time in Novara. 

Anna’s home was a 10,000 square foot 2 floor apartment in a building constructed around the year 1500. Her apartment was on the second and third floors. Absolutely magnificent. Huge rooms. Twenty foot ceilings. Ceilings covered with all kinds of paintings. Mostly religious. Reminded me of the Sistine Chapel.

It was our first full day in the apartment. My first, Anna’s home. We had arrived the night before. I was in the library doing my blog. A library you would not believe. Walls of books everywhere. The room furnished with sofas, easy chairs, a huge desk and paintings. Anna was in the kitchen making lunch. Between the library and kitchen was a huge living room. A couple of houses could have fit in it.

Suddenly there was a large rumble. Big time noise. The apartment and building shook like crazy.

There was a thrust. Threw me from the desk to an easy chair about ten feet away. I could hear Anna in the kitchen. Screaming!

Neither of us was hurt nor was there damage that we could see in the apartment.

After making sure I was alive and well, Anna left to go outside to see the damage, if any. Admonished me to stay where I was. She was being protective.

Her building was not damaged. Nor was the Catholic Church across the street. However several buildings on both sides of us were partially or totally down.

It was a big earthquake!

We felt a significant aftershock about 2 hours later. A smaller one 3 hours after that one.

Anna said we were getting out of Novara. She had made inquiries and knew what roads were clear. We were going north to her home near the French border. And so we did.

Anna owned several homes in Europe. I cannot recall the name of the town we headed for. It was a series of log cabins on the side of the Alps. We stayed a few days and then headed to her apartment on the seashore. I cannot recall the nams of the seaside community either. A beautiful apartment in a large building on the water. Totally different from Greece. People wore bathing suits. No nudity. Neither the log cabin nor apartment areas had been affected by the earthquake.

We stayed at the ocean a couple of weeks. Then headed to France.

What a trip it was!

I must speak of Key West gasoline prices. One week ago $4.95 a gallon. Yesterday, $4.25. Why going down? The news suggest everything going up. I do not understand.

I read yesterday that “bike dates” were becoming popular. Why? Cheaper than I am not sure what? Bikes themselves expensive in the Keys.

The Knicks lost 115-111 to the Spurs last night. The game played at Madison Square Garden.

Trump present. Booed big time when the Star Spangled Banner played. Thousands of people outside the Garden shouting many times in unison: “New York hates you!”

It was once Trump’s home town!

Measles are on the rise. 2,030 confirmed cases so far this year.

Statistics indicate one infected person can infect eighteen others.

Thank you Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Donald Trump! 

The Norris family should be returning soon. 

The Dixons getting on a boat in Italy somewhere for the return trip to the U.S. today.

Tonight, The Grand for Happy Hour!

Enjoy your day!

Golden Tempo won the Belmont! The same way he did it in the Kentucky Derby. Came from last place to win with a strong stretch drive.

Congratulations again to trainer Cherie De Vaux. She has proven professional horse training is a ladies’ world also.

Golden Tempo’s victory proved his Kentucky Derby win was no fluke.

The Race was run at Saratoga since the Belmont track is under renovation.

The homicide rate may be down, but domestic killings are not. Family killings are on the rise. Three fathers killed their families this past week.

The U.S. and Israel were close friends for years. Too close recently with Netanyahu as the Israeli leader. Trump got too intimate with Netanyahu and permitted Netanyahu to bullshit him to join Israel in attacking Iran.

Now the relationship not as it was for many years. The Pentagon senses a growing espionage threat from Israel. The Defense Department has increased the threat assessment to its highest level.

Another example of a Trump screw up. His joining with Israel to wage the war against Iran.

Trump has a plan to boost coal big time. The government has begun spending hundreds of millions of dollars to subsidize the coal industry.

Trump’s argument in supporting coal is that rising electricity prices are a national security threat. Ergo, his administration is planning to use more than $800 million of government funds to boost the coal industry.

Does not make sense to me. Coal as been a no no for many years now. The reason being there are cheaper and more efficient energy sources. Like natural gas. Also, coal is a major pollutant. Coal emits carbon dioxide, particulate matter and toxic heavy metals such as mercury and lead.

Kissing analyzed.

Kissing is technically referred to as philematology. Keep the term in mind when next you kiss another. Said with tongue in cheek.

It is possible for a woman to reach an orgasm through kissing. Good kissing could mean you will have healthy children. On the average, a person spends 20,160 minutes (two weeks) of their life kissing.

Kissing reduces stress and lowers blood pressure. A kiss results in the exchange of between ten million and one billion bacteria. French kissing involves all 34 muscles in the face, whereas a pucker kiss only 2.

Kissing for one minute burns 26 calories.

Trump says he will attend the next Knicks/Spurs game at the Garden. It is believed New Yorkers will boo Trump big time. Trump is not well liked in New York City. Some have suggested the “velocity” of the boos will abnormally affect the Garden’s structure.

The February freeze in Florida wiped out thousands of iguanas. The actual estimate is around 8,000 were killed. 

The iguanas have made a come back. The extremely hot recent months were a major help in the iguana resurgence.

Hilton is expanding in Key West. Ocean’s Edge Resort and Marina will become the Hilton Key West Resort and Marina.

Texas has two major problems. The screwworm outbreak I discussed yesterday. Also, the drought Texas has faced has caused its grass not to grow as it should. As a result, there is not enough grass to feed the cattle. Such is causing cattle to not reach normal weights. The cattle are being sold at significantly lower weights thereby bringing in cheaper dollars.

Commencement addresses are not going well for commencement speakers. Many extoll the the virtues of AI intelligence which eat up jobs. Providing therefore fewer employment opportunities. There is also the limited job opportunities for graduates overall.

The graduates cannot be blamed  for being unhappy.

Tampon, pads, and panty liner companies are being sued for millions. Why? They leak! A small element in the products causes the leaks.

The Norris family is still in Greece. Santorini or Mykonos. Not sure where.

The Dixons are in Florence, Italy.

Enjoy your day!

Tons of information today. Facts galore.

Lets begin with useless Hegseth. He is on a trip to France. Took six of his children with him. Fortunately, he covered their expenses. However security costs were strained big time.

A federal surge has more than doubled caseloads within some immigration courts. Such is causing errors and confusion.

Lies? ICE calls present detainees the “worst of the worst.” Data shows otherwise.

Trump visited Wisconsin farmers badly stung by tariffs and rising fuel prices.

The Knicks are up 2-0.

The Knicks have the fans. The Spurs a group of nuns. Salesian Sisters of St. Bosco. The ladies better pray harder! 

Nuns make great fans! I recall my Syracuse  University box days. The nuns were always my welcome guest. Franciscans from Utica’s St. Elizabeth Hospital. Football and basketball their special loves.

A 6-3 dominated Republican Supreme Court has done violence to democracy. A problem that will take years to remedy.

The Ebola virus continues to be a major threat in the Congo. 

A flesh eating fly is making an unwelcome comeback. Called the New World Screwworm. It is showing up in Texas. The fly can kill if its wound is left untended. Poses a dangerous threat not only to humans, but also wildlife and pets. Experts believe it can be contained in Texas.

The State surprisingly which ensures the well being of its citizens in cases of health, education and hope is Minnesota. Regarded the best for quality of life!

Tipping dates back to the Middle Ages. Its roots found in the feudal societies of medieval Europe. Wealthy landowners occasionally gave small sums to servants and laborers for extra effort. 

Surprisingly, tipping was deeply un-American in colonial times. Then in the 1800s, wealthy Americans who visited Europe discovered the custom and brought it back to the U.S. with them. Such was the birth of tipping in the U.S.

Americans spent $78 billion in tips in American restaurants and bars in 2023. However, a study reveals 41 percent of Americans think the tipping culture is “out of control.”

In the Fall of 1810, there was a “Republic of West Florida.” American and British settlers declared independence from Spain. The independence lasted a short time. The group was almost immediately absorbed by the U.S.

The smallest bar in Key West is on Duval Street and has a bright yellow awning with its name The Smallest Bar thereon. Only two bar stools. The place measures 6′ x 8′ in its customer standing area. A popular establishment. It has been there for years.

Blaise Pascal: “Do you wish people to think well of you? Don’t speak well of yourself.” Obviously the statement does not apply to Trump.

The Allies landed in Normandy. D-Day! Made the day June 6, 1944 forever famous.

The first drive in theater opened this day in 1933. Great in the 1950s for parking and necking. Great again in the 1960s for taking the children, putting them to sleep in the back seat with pillows and blankets, while Mom and Pop sat in the front watching the movie. No necking by then.

The prior two days in Key West had the heaviest rain I have seen in my Key West years. Apparently has ended. No rain predicted for today.

Fred Klein’s picture from yesteryear ran today.  A good looking guy in his younger days! Still is!

President William Henry Harrison died from pneumonia following just one month in office. First Lady Anna Harrison became the first  Presidential widow to be awarded a pension.

The Dixons are in Villeurbanne-sur, France today.

The Norris family somewhere in Greece.

In a light rain, I grocery shopped at Publix at 8 yesterday morning.

At noon, I was visited by Nurse Mark. At one, by Nurse Debra. Both physical therapists.

Hopefully, I will get out today. I am remaining indoors too much. Not healthy.

Enjoy your day!

The last few days of the blog have taken us to Rome, Athens, Santorini, and Barcelona. Time to return home.

I begin with 60 Minutes. My words of wisdom…..If it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.

What is occurring with 60 Minutes is pure insanity! Destroying something that has worked to almost perfection for a half century.

Is Trump involved in some fashion? Some think so. I don’t know. This is a hard one to figure out. 

Mona Lisa’s real name is Lisa de Gherardini. She was the wife of a Florentine silk merchant. “Mona” is a shortened form of Madonna, an Italian lady. The painting was ultimately shortened to “Madonna Lisa” which emerged in due course as “Mona Lisa.”

Strange happenings in New York City. Dozens of people are pouring out of sewers. Especially in Brooklyn and Queens. Some face masked, others wearing head lamps and holding shovels.

Police are investigating. Don’t know yet why such is occurring.

Suspicion is the persons so doing may be searching for valuables which may have floated into the sewer system.

A bit of Trump. Only a bit.

Trump is now casting himself as the last hope for college sports. He has asked Congress to give him legislation to fix what he describes as a catastrophic situation. God help us! No way, Jose! It would be just another thing for him to fuck up.

Trump’s birthday party is June 14th. His 80th. A massive bash planned for the White House lawn. The anticipated cost $60 million. Who will be paying for it? Any tax dollars involved? Some suggest the tab will be picked up by Trump’s billionaire friends We have heard that one before! A good luck thing!

I might add that I do not consider the White House lawn the place for a bloody UFC fight which is planned for the lawn.

Trump’s newest plan will contaminate the Lincoln Memorial. Enhance Trump’s name, however.

Trump would like to build a riverside “promenade” on the banks of the Potomac River next to the Lincoln Memorial. He quipped he might call it the “Trump Promenade.” What else would we expect?

Trump is doing all kinds of “vanity projects” in Washington, D.C. Senate Minority Leader Schumer blasted Trump’s projects: “At the very moment Americans are asking, ‘How do I make ends meet?’ Donald Trump is asking, ‘How do I get taxpayers to fund my vanity projects?'”

Moving on.

Rained big time in Key West yesterday morning. All morning. Remained warm, however. In the mid 80s. Pouring big time at the moment. It is 6:30 a.m. It has been raining heavy for a while already this morning.

The Norris family continues to be in Rome today.

The Dixons are in Marseille, France.

My car returned yesterday. Fixed! I was close to three days without.

 My usual garage man is George who operates Zip Auto on Stock Island. His place was locked up and the phone not answered. He telephoned me yesterday. Heard my left messages and also saw my car parked in front of a competitor’s garage.

George was doctoring in Miami.

I explained the situation to him. How long could I keep my car parked on Duval without the police having it towed away. It was only by Jean Thornton’s knowing the right people that it had been left alone overnight for one night.

The car was fixed by Stephen Welsh who owns Shifting Gears Automotive on US 1 on Stock Island. He had the car towed to his place of business Wednesday at 4 and told me it would be ready yesterday morning. It was. I was pleased with his service.

Great to have the car back! Impossible to live without a car, especially in Key West. Forget Uber and cabs. They are too expensive.

Grandson Robert was my savior. He drove me everywhere for two days with his car. 

We had lunch together yesterday at Denny’s. Spent “good time” together.

I need food! Refrigerator and cupboard bare. Rain or no rain, I am off to Publix as soon as I finish this blog.

Must me home at one this afternoon. A physical therapist nurse visiting me.

Enjoy your day!

Mykonos a Greek isle with another flavor. Vibrant best describes it. Especially its nightlife. Wild and off the wall!

An action community. Big time tourism! The town goes crazy beginning at 11 in the evening! Contrasted with Santorini where everyone is sound asleep at 11.

I know Mykonos. Spent much time there. Though the evenings were not my favorite. I only did one late night. Too late for me. Mykonos at its “evening best” is for the young. College age and a bit older. They swarm the town from 11 on. The night clubs boom!

Mykonos is also windy. Extremely so. Can affect one’s life. It did mine on more than one occasion.

Anna and I were waiting to take a ferry to another island. You wait on a long wide concrete dock for the ferry boat to come in. When it arrives, you hustle to get on and seated. Have to move your asses!

We were waiting in the long line on the dock for the ferry to come in. Wind gusting big time. Standing in front of us were some young Chinese girls. College age. Behind us, an elderly Japanese couple.

I was wearing Bermuda shorts. A gust of wind took my Bermudas down. I bent over quickly to recover them. The young ladies in front thought it was funny and were laughing. The elderly couple to our rear apparently thought it disgusting. I received a very dirty look.

Mykonos sports some of the finest island restaurants in Greece. Top shelf food! Even at the cheaper dining places.

Summer weather typically warm. Winters cold. Snows on occasion.

Windmills all over the island. A distinct part of the landscape. Compatible with the wind earlier described. Built in the 16th century to mill flour. Today transfixed into homes.

Little Venice. A special feature of Mykonos. Rows of fishing houses which live on the waterfront in a certain area. Their balconies hang over the sea. In days of old, the buildings were places where pirates stored their ill gotten gains. Today, homes. Their location the best place to watch the sun set.

Beaches outstanding! Similar to those on Santorini. Elia Beach one of the largest and most favorite. Nudity prevails.

A ton of churches. For many years, before a house could be built on a person’s land, a small church was first required.

Mykonos is accessible by air and ferry. Most take ferries. Cost a factor. Cheaper. Also part of the flavor of traveling between Greek islands. However, a hell of a trip! Can be rough. Very rough!

Basically two classes. Though some have more. First class is called “business class.” The other class name I cannot recall. I refer to it as “peasant class.” And peasant it is.

Think of economy seats on a plane. Perhaps 10 in a row. On ferry boats, 30 to 40. Uncomfortable. Difficult to get to. Better to pay extra and go business class. Seats parlor type, spaced and comfortable. A special kitchen and foods available. Especially necessary from my perspective on a  long trip. I recall one ferry boat ride that took us 8 hours with a ton of stops included. I would have died in peasant class!

Forget not the winds. A big blast rocked the boat like crazy. Would actually throw you out of your peasant seat on occasion. No seat belts available. On one trip I took it was so bad I decided to remain seated on the floor instead of constantly being thrown onto it and then having to fight to recover my seat.

Luggage another problem. Ferry boats not a place to travel with large bags. The fewer and smaller the better. Your headache to carry. Grabbed as you entered the ferry and thrown into a huge pile by a boat attendant. Good luck when you were leaving and only had minutes to locate your bags to get off.

I visited Mykonos three times. Once too many times. Obviously not one of my favorites.

We would take a room in a lovely hotel about a half mile outside of town itself. Large with all the amenities. Great room, pool and restaurant. Bare ass prevailed around the pool also. We would walk on occasion into Mykonos by day itself. We were too old for the nightlife. We made our own!

The hotel staff were very accommodating. Set me up with an office to do my daily blog.

I got hit by a car while on Mykonos. and the “bastard” never stopped.

The road was wide. I walked on the side. In what might be described as the country. I was heading to a beauty salon for a haircut. I walked along the side of the road on a small shoulder. Little traffic. On each side of the road was a four foot stone wall. Someone drove up and hit me. Never stopped. I flew over the stone wall. All I could think of when I came to was that a Greek isle was no place to need to go to a hospital.

As it turned out, I was fine. I finally got up and continued my walk. Merely a bit sore. Caused me to enjoy even more the haircut, pedicure and manicure I received. I had three lovely ladies working on me at one time.

Unless you are a spring chicken, I do not recommend Mykonos.

Fran and Tom Dixon telephoned me last night from their boat. They had left Spain and were on their way to France. Fran sent me pictures. Barcelona lovely.

Jean Thornton mentioned the other night that she and Joe had traveled on the Sea also and apparently took the same trip Fran and Tom were taking. Great was her representation of the trip!

Yesterday a bad day. I could not get my car off Duval street. For some reason, George’s garage was locked all day. Phones never answered. He may have been in Miami for surgery. He had been complaining recently.

I was screwed! No car, no George. How long could my car sit on Duval without being towed away?

Grandson Robert turned out to be my savior. He has a car. Drove me around as we figured out what to do. Took three stops at garages that did not deal with the problem described. Ended up at a large garage on Stock Island called Shifting Gears Automotive. They could fix it. I gave the owner Steve my keys and he said the car would be ready this morning. He would have it towed to his garage and he understood what had to be done.

I was curious as to the cost. He was not certain because it could be this or that. Whatever, I don’t care. I cannot live without a car!

Rained big time yesterday morning and into the early afternoon. I have not seen this much day time rain in years. It is pouring this morning at 6 as I write similar to the way it did yesterday.

Enough for this morning.

Enjoy your day!

There are thousands of Greek isles. Some inhabited, some not. Each to some degree a different flavor.

Santorini one of the most popular. I know Santorini well from experience. Spent several trips there. In a few days, Dr. Norris, wife Kathryn and there two youngest daughters Katey and Kiki will visit. A trip none will ever forget.

Santorini was born of a massive earthquake hundreds of years ago. At first one large island centered with a massive volcano. Following the earthquake, several islands. One containing the volcano, the remaining individual islands. One of those islands Santorini.

The name Santorini derived from “Saint Irene.”

It has the distinction today of being one of the most expensive to visit. Well worth it because of its uniqueness. 

Santorini is famous for its “cave dwellings.” The side of Santorini facing the volcano island is a one thousand foot and higher cliff. Hotels have been built along side the cliff. Actually holes into the cliff. Fantastic accommodations.

Two cities on Santorini. Oia and Fira.. Oia the most glamorous and expensive. Of course, is was there I stayed. The other less expensive and more best described as beachy. Tourists running here and there in bathing suits all day. Accommodations lesser in quality and cost than Santorini.

I did not select Oia. I was vacationing on Santorini each time with my friend Anna from Navara who I frequently traveled with in those days.

Our hotel was half way up or down the cliff facing the volcano. Access was from the top down. A wide large step edifice to reach the cave rooms. Not bad walking down. Tiring going up.

The cave rooms a hole in the cliff to begin. Each hole entering into a magnificent man made accommodation. Small kitchen, living room area, magnificent bedroom and a spectacular bathroom. Air conditioning provided. I never used once in all my trips. The hole in the cliff provided all the coolness required.

Each accommodation had a balcony at its entrance. I would prop up with my feet on the railing and view the ocean and volcano before me.

A pool somewhere in the midst of all this. The edge facing the ocean was situated on the actual edge of the cliff at that point. A strange feeling to rest along that edge. It was like you were standing at the entrance to air. One more step and a gigantic fall into the ocean.

The restaurants provided the best of foods. All open air, of course. Those on the cliff the most expensive. A short block inland and the restaurants were cheaper, the food of the same quality as those on the cliff. “Lamb” the most popular dish at each. One problem. Never lamb. Goat meat. The island was loaded with wild goats. When cooked, you never knew the difference from lamb.

The goats were of significant size. Took several days for a restaurant to sell. Each day after cooking, the flavor diminished a bit. The idea was to only order “lamb” if it had been cooked for the first time that day.

Sunset on Santorini like standing in the Sistine Chapel. Tight and necks stretched. Everyone ended up on the western part of Oia for sunset.

There was a relatively large Russian church on Santorini. I visited it often. It was cool!!!!! Also, beautiful. Everything gold. Trump must have visited one time to get the idea for all the gold he is placing in Washington. He forgets he is not God, however.

The people came in droves. Very religious. Kneeled and prayed. I was impressed.

I cannot recall the name of our hotel nor its two elderly owners. We became friends. Especially the wife and I. They spoke English. Everyone spoke English on Santorini. A benefit!

The elderly wife took very good care of me. She picked up my dirty clothes each day and washed and ironed them. An accommodation no one else was receiving in the hotel. She also provided fresh fruit and baked goods. I would walk into our cave dwelling and there they would be sitting on the kitchen table.

Santorini loaded with beaches. Two especially large. Perhaps 500 umbrellas, each covering two chaise lounges. Firmly fixed.

The restaurant at each provide unusually good food! A waiter came by. Took your order at the chase lounge and then had it delivered directly to you there for consumption.

One unusual trait. Most people went bare ass. Lying on the lounges and in the water. I wonder how Kate and Kiki will handle this. Their parents’ headache to figure out.

I do not recommend renting a car. The roads are narrow and full of turns and twists. Better to take a bus or cab.

Outside of Oia and Fira is ancient Greece. Small white buildings with blue roofs, doors and window shutters. Every building/home the same in appearance. A Greek tradition on every island. The color combination goes back to 1938. A massive cholera and bacteria infection hit the islands. It was discovered  white limestone walls with the blue accompaniments rejected the bacteria. So was born the white and blue edifices.

I finally got out of the house yesterday. Did Happy Hour at The Grand. Great company. Some new, some old.

Jean and Joe Thornton appeared as I was leaving. Jean has been here for several weeks alone. Joe had arrived a half hour earlier by plane.

Just my luck…..A car problem. My key was locked. Would not turnover. My car slept on Duval last night. All kinds of calls to police, etc. Don’t tow me. Jean knows the Chief of Police. She called me when I was home to tell me she had spoken with him and sent him a photo of my car. He agreed to leave it be overnight.

My landlord Cindy drove me home. She was very accommodating. She and Ellen had spent the afternoon boating before meeting up at The Grand.

I will need George to come fix my car. I only have his garage’s number so will not be able to reach him till 9.

I hope it is a quick fix. I do not want to be without a car again.

Fran and Tom are still in Barcelona. Visited Sagrada Familia yesterday. Jean telephoned me last night to tell me about her Police Chief call and also to advise she and Joe had been to Barcelona and visited Sagrada Familia. Her comment re the Church: “The most beautiful place I have been.” She told me about Anton Gandi, the architect who designed and began working on the Church internally in the 1800s. She was taken with the Basilica.

She said the first time she walked in, a group of nuns were singing Ave Maria. Moving!

So much for today. Let’s hope my car is a quick fix. 

Tomorrow Mykonos.

Enjoy your day!

My last blog was about Rome. One of the great civilizations to this day. 

Soon to be visiting Rome and then Greece are my concierge Dr. John Norris and his wife Kathryn, together with their two youngest children Katie and Kiki. A great family trip. 

I share my recollections of Greece’s capital city Athens today.

Appears more than one set of friends are traveling. Buffalo’s Fran and Tom Dixon. Their plane from JFK will land today in Barcelona, Spain, the beginning of a several day cruise.

Lets visit Athens first. A stop the Norris family will make.

Any visit to Greece begins with Athens. The capital and largest city of Greece.

Let me begin with the Greek people. Whether Athens itself or one of the thousands of Greek isles, Greeks are ultra friendly. A contrast from Italians.

Athens is the leading city of ancient Greece. The birthplace of Western Civilization. A city like no other. I visited many Greek islands in addition to Athens. Greece my favorite place!

A step back in time. Reflected in places to visit in Athens. I mention only a few. So many. A walker’s paradise. Sore feet at the end of each day. However, well worth it!

Again I will mention only a few. Your feet will discover many.

Athens is filled with ancient wonders and incredible food at every corner. The City filled to the brim with history.

An Athens trip begins with Acropolis and the Parthenon. A day time and night time favorite.

Acropolis is a huge rocky hill in the center of Athens. Referred to as “high city.” On the top of Acropolis sits ancient Greece itself. The Parthenon. Structures constructed in the Fifth Century BCE. Dedicated to the Goddess Athena. Athena the Virgin.

Parthenon is mystical, monumental, impulsive, and unquestionably reflective of the Greece of yesteryear. The key, main thrust, of any Athenian visit.

From one’s first step, there is no question you are walking in history. Extremely ancient history. Buildings and temples galore. Some remain in disrepair. Others in the repair process. The remaining repaired.

A major negative to visiting Acropolis and the Parthenon. The walk up the hill a killer! I foolishly walked. Could have rented a cab or took a bus. I wanted t do it in what I considered the right way. Like an ancient Greek. I was lucky I did not join any of them before reaching the top.

I was fortunate to have survived. I had to stop and rest five times. This was some 18-20 years ago.

Worth the trip! 

Half way up the hill is a museum dedicated to the Parthenon. Many Parthenon artifacts on display. For another day however, if you wish to survive.

Plaka my second favorite place. Partially surrounds Acropolis. One side top shelf restaurants. The other ordinary restaurants, bands, dancing and everything pure unadulterated Greek. My favorite place. I spent my evenings in Plaka the cheap side. Inexpensive food. Everything casual. Dancing out of sight! I learned to dance Greek style. With women and men separately.

The best part of it all is that Parthenon sits between the expensive and cheap Plaka. Lit by bright lights at night. Sitting and looking up at such glory a special treat. 

Walking through Plaka by day had its special treats also. Greeks aways digging. Digging to discover and uncover the Greece of thousands of years ago. Room by room, wall by wall. All beneath the ground level from which you will be watching.

Greeks are a vocal people. Always protesting. Generally surrounding the capital building. A wide expanse of concrete. I used to walk by day on occasion among them. Totally unaware of what they were screaming about. Enjoying the activity, however.

I recommend a visit to Hadrian’s Museum. Only visible from the outside. A structure as old as the Parthenon, though constructed on a street in Athens and not up the rocky hill.

There is so much more to Athens. My advice is you walk and discover. Sit when tired. Enjoy the Greek food while  doing so.

Tomorrow some of the Greek isles. Mykonos, Santorini and Amorgos. Each different from Athens.

I assume the Dixons have landed in Barcelona by this time. They will be sailing on the Viking cruise ship the Sea.

They told me they were most anxious to visit the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona. I have never been to Spain. What I write re Barcelona is what the Dixons shared with me and I have researched.

The Sagrada Familia is a world renown Catholic Basilica in Barcelona. It is crowned by a nearly completed central statue of Jesus Christ. Already Sagrada is acknowledged as the tallest Church in the world.

So much for today.

Enjoy your day my friends!