A Week In Tampa

My husband had to go to a conference in Tampa for a week. I tagged along thinking oh boy I will have a week of quiet to do writing, maybe see a few sights, and of course there has to be some shopping I can do in Tampa. Wrong on all accounts.

The flight was smooth, got to the beautiful hotel overlooking the channel, and found out there isn't much here. That is unless you own a boat, have a LOT of money, and have a car readily available. Oh yes, there is a trolley that runs from the hotel to Ybor City, but don't let the sun go down on you in that part of town.

Saturday we took the trolley to Ybor City, got off looking for a place to grab a bite to eat. If you drink your lunch you are all set, but we, on the other hand prefer to grab a bite of salad or have a sandwich. So we head back to our hotel. The conductor suggested we get off at Channel Plaza. There were a few restaurants in the small area, of which we found Bennigans. The waiter gave a us a booth by the window and while we shared our plate of bar-b-que ribs we watched boats go by. Then of course, we were sort of on vacation, we decided to go with the dessert the waiter suggested. It was chocolate ice cream, chocolate topping, and chocolate fudge crust, death by chocolate. Topped our day off!

Sunday morning.........yes Sunday morning..........we made our way to one of the hotel's four restaurants. Of course this was the only one open at nine o'clock in the morning. We glanced through the menu then looked at each other, mouth agape.......bowl of oatmeal......$15! The waitress suggested the buffet so we proceeded to indulge. It was really good...........then we were presented with the bill. Fifty dollars! Is this how the rich live?

I told my husband it's time we rented a car and get away from the hotel. I wasn't going to spend that kind of money again. Renting the car was really the best thing to do. We followed the map and found Tarpon Springs. The sponge capital of the world. Very interesting. Worth the car rental.

Oh yes did I say at the beginning we left home with a sick husband? He's been real good about not catching a cold for a long time.......well he caught it before we left. And here we are in the hotel room.....I'm on the computer.......and he's in bed with his head covered up! We don't leave for two more days!

Until then....