Saint Petersburg Favorites

Fondest memory: It may be wise to bring a swimsuit if you decide to visit the beaches of Tampa Bay. Due to distractions, I did not pack until 1 hour before I was supposed to be at the airport on way to Florida, hence I forgot my swimsuit. So no, boys and girls, I did not get tan. I could have gone to the store and bought a new one, but I wasn't feeling too inclined to do so. Thus I walked around the beach with jeans and shoes on, and that is probably one of the things I hate the most. Sand ends up getting stuck in every crevasse of my shoes. Next time, I'll invest in some beach gear.

Fondest memory: There's many waterways, canals, etc. in Tampa Bay and many million dollar waterside homes stretching along them. They offer tours of these waterways to view the ritzy houses, and at Christmas time people take the cruises to view the decorative lights. It seems like an invasion of privacy to me. If I paid millions to live in one of these houses, I certainly wouldn't want obnoxious photo-snapping tourists prowling around in my waters taking photos of my home and boat.

Ha, well I just took a photo and contradicted myself.

Fondest memory: Although many dream of a beach side mansion in Florida, I think I'd pass. Land is relatively cheap here, but I'd probably retire someplace more exotic. And someplace where houses aren't pink or orange.

Fondest memory: I hid in this fallout shelter in preparation for these missiles to hit St. Petersburg. My bunk was a little bit uncomfortable due to lack of a mattress, but that's alright. I had plenty of canned spam and potable water to last me until I could resurface to land again.

The only problem, I guess they forgot to build a toilet in the shelter...

Damn.

Here's to Florida International Museum's "Cuban Missile Crisis" exhibit for making my bladder burst!

Favorite thing: Here is a tip about beaches in the St. Petersburg area:

For tourist attractions, the intercoastal beaches are always crowded. These include but are not limited to St. Pete Beach (in the south), Madeira Beach, Treasure Island, all the way up north to Clearwater Beach. The more north you go, the more expensive the area is.

Up north, Clearwater, Dunedin, Tarpon Springs, the beaches are not as crowded but certainly as pleasant.

For some of the top beaches in the country try Fort DeSoto Beach, Caladesi Island Beach, Clearwater Beach.

For partying hit up St. Pete. It is a notorious spring break/summer vacation destination.

Favorite thing: If you are into photography then SAINT PETERSBURG will give you some of the greatest sunrises and sunsets you will ever see. A lot of the locals will go to the beach to see the sunsets.

Fondest memory: After a day of go,go,go it is extremely relaxing to just set and feel the breeze as the sun sets down into the GULF of MEXICO. I find it is the best way to end the day, it makes you feel like your at peace with the world.

Favorite thing: The Dali Museum gives you a chance to see several distinct phases in the career of the artist/businessman. Not all of his work fits under the category of surrealism. But most of it is at least a little bit strange.

Favorite thing: Check out the "sunken gardens" if you are in St. Petersburg Florida -

Sunken Gardens is a delightful contrast to the fast paced world outside its historic, vine covered walls. The garden has been an historic, world renowned attraction in St. Petersburg since 1935. Its mixture of tropical gardens and wildlife has entranced visitors for over 65 years. This unique, four acre garden, with meandering paths, drops 15 feet below street level and has unique specimen tropical trees and flowering plants.

> www.stpete.org/sunken.htm
Open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am to 4pm.

Fondest memory: Watch out for those pelikans - they are soo cute and really tame - hihi.

I remember sharing my lunch with one winged fella - amazing how much they can stuff in their mouth !:)