
The hip, urban heart of Florida’s Gulf Coast beats in Tampa, our destination for a long weekend…not so much to see Tampa, but to bask in the extraordinary voice of Andrea Bocelli!! Just recovering from a week’s bout with laryngitis (for the first time in his career,) we were fortunate that he didn’t postpone our concert as he had the three before ours. Although he was cautious and didn’t sing as much as we’d hoped, it was, nonetheless, a thrill to hear him live and be so close to him…3rd row center!! He truly is the world’s greatest tenor. The man’s middle name is ANGEL and his voice couldn’t be more angelic! What a beautiful way to celebrate Valentine’s Day! Thank you, Michael! xo

Both Michael and I had multiple cameras at the ready as we explored Tampa. With its blue skies; sunshine; extensive, culture-filled waterfront and RiverWalk;
… world-class chefs and a century of Cuban culture…(multiethnic YBOR CITY, specifically, known as CIGAR CITY in the late 1800’s and is still a major producer of hand-rolled cigars)















…and people as friendly and warm as Tampa’s weather… we had a great time walking, taking the free trolley, sampling the restaurants and just plain sightseeing! It was amazing to see all the cranes towering above downtown Tampa…a new wave of construction, raising office buildings, bars, restaurants, hotels, medical facilities as well as residential multi-storied structures.
Tampa is a booming city…Florida’s third largest…and growing. I imagine this won’t be our last visit to Tampa, Florida!