JohnG wrote:
Rick, can you name a good hotel on or near the water in Clearwater? I'm gonna be in Tampa on 2/6 and then 2/11 and need a nice place to stay between the cruise dates.
I'll take a look for you. I will probably use the internet as you will. I just go there every once awhile to walk around and girl watch (I mean, to say hello to tourists and all).
When in Tampa you should check out Ybor City, it's only 2 miles from your cruise departure. It's the historic district of the city, once the Cigar making capitol outside of Havana, Cuba.
http://ybor.org/There is also a great restaurant where we can meet up known as the Columbia Restaurant.
http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/http://www.columbiarestaurant.com/Menus ... c-DistrictMy personal favorite, Paella “A la Valenciana” Our version, prepared in a traditional paella pan, features clams, mussels, shrimp, scallops, calamares, chicken and pork, baked with Valencia rice, extra- virgin olive oil, green peppers, Spanish onions, ripe tomatoes, garlic, spices and splashed with white wine. Going to take a family friend there this Saturday, she's a retired Air Force Major and just loves the Paella. You will too.
Getting hungry yet?
Rick A.