2 Cents Worth

[JasonK]

Transatlantic Cruise

 

I’ll be going on a Transatlantic trip for three weeks (Nov 5th- 23rd). I’ll be leaving from New York on the Queen Mary 2 to London for a few days, and then on to Venice and Florence. I thought that I’d post to update you on my upcoming adventures in Europe. I’m excited and exhilarated at the same time. As I embark on this 6-day voyage across the Atlantic, I’ll update you periodically on my travels. While I’ll comment on the experiences, the places, and events, any names mentioned in the posts are fictional, & serve merely for entertainment purposes, or provide informational, or instructional value.

 

History has shown that mankind is curious and always seeking knowledge. People have often asked: “Who I am” -- So I tell them I’m Jason in Kansas (Dorothy’s younger brother without the red shoes (Ha! Ha!) “But”, you say, “ I want to know more.” Ok, I‘m 5‘ 11“, Italian ancestry, I’m handsome, dark-haired , really nice eyes…” Anything else?” I've got personality, I'm fun-loving, People have said that I'm charismatic... "What Next?" I’m handsome, dark-haired. “You said that already” Ok! , I get the point! It has been said that our Quest for knowledge reaches beyond the “mere appearances” of things, and finds its way to a things very essence. In short, there is in most relationships a spiritual connection. I suspect you think I have lost it by now. If it is true as quoted, “one gets to know one best by sharing the daily anecdotes of life’s experiences,“ then I’ve been lucky, because of advanced communications, I can share with you experiences from my travels: places I've visited and people I have encountered (no names). Sometimes my travels have taken me to quite some amazing places. My favorite college history teacher used to say, “When writing, don’t take on too much, keep it simple-- Take two or three ideas and expand on them.”

 

This past weekend I was in St Louis-- home to the St Louis Cardinals, & the baseball legend Mark McGuire. The atmosphere was festive. The downtown area was jammed. If you could travel 5 blocks in fifteen minutes you were considered lucky. Saturday was the Super-bowl celebration rally for the Cardinals. It never ceases to amaze me the “Crowd Effect” & it’s Mass Psychology on people. People were dressed in red, they drove red cars for the occasion, the streets were painted red… I was fifteen minutes late to the Roberts Mayfair Hotel, where I had a VIP ticket to the show “Sordid Lives” at the Orpheum. The play was an amazing gay-themed comedy-- absolutely hilarious. Some of the leading cast: the crazy cross-dressing “Brother-Boy” (Leslie Jordan), the jumpy aunt (Beth Grant), & Bonnie Bedelia, were also in the 2001 movie. Backstage, Leslie Jordan said I looked like Ty (Kirk Geiger), the actor who played the original Ty in the 2001 film version of “Sordid Lives.“ Unlike in the play, Ty takes it all off in the film revealing a nicely put together back-side, and romps on stage with several other raging hard-bodied guys, completely in the nude.

 

Do I have a gig in acting? I’m in the nude frequently. (Ha! Ha!)

 

You might say that my neck of the woods has officially been put on the map-- Nationally, if not globally, with the Michael Fox commercial, and the elections full-speed ahead. I try hard to be objective, but this one is intriguing, & seems to be partly political, partly social, & partly religious. Or perhaps it is a reflection of our ever changing times, and advanced strides in medicine. I sense the electricity, excitement, the potential, the fears, Hopes & disappointments of so many people as we have officially entered the crossroads. Inevitably, the thought arises in the back of our minds, “Should we re-evaluate our former ideas of the Midwest, & the U.S. role in leading the pack?”

 

I’m curious and want to know. The visit with a scientist went well. He said that he could be famous but avoids the limelight…Ok, so I’m not going to let this chance pass me by: Science tells us that when making-out we are in-fact engaging in the process of communication. “Correct”, he said Such as is evident in nature some animals in order to resolve disputes will have sex-- The whale, for example, was observed, after intense noises and struggle, compromised and began rubbing the belly of the female as they swam away. Socially, the penguin instinctively almost always makes-out following disputes to restore the status-quo, and so forth…

 

Which leads to the 2nd question: We as a society have constantly been haunted with the idea of what and who is socially appropriate to have sex. Science also tells us, that in some species of plant life, where the opposite sex is scarce the plant will improvise, such that, the male plant will become bi-sexual, & in some cases can develop both sexes-- The males, like the females, will then begin to experiment sexually with each other. So what does this all have to do with me, You might say? More than you know! Maybe this paves the way to resolve our own conflicts, notwithstanding that the communication between some animals might be much more advanced, if not superior than our own.

 

All this wrangling over sex since time immortal. . . maybe it is humbling knowing that the animals figured it out in the beginning. And the best part of the story is that the question may have already been answered in the book we humans have all come to know, cherish and universally love: The bible, specifically, Genesis, “Go to the Ant Oh Sluggard, & learn of her ways…”

 

Stay tuned for more Updates, as I’ll post regularly during my travels through each of the cities!

 

Warmest Regards,

 

Jason

 

 

“We can do no Great things, Only small things with Great Love.”

[Guest carter07]

Jason, spent the week of Oct 1-8 in Venice; rented an apartment facing the Bascilica Santa Maria Glorioso dei Frari in the San Polo district. You will love Venice, although the famous St. Mark's Square is nothing but a tourist trap (have coffee at Florian's and be charged 50 euros, half of which is a charge of the music played by the orchestra behind you). You can walk everywhere, along canals and over bridges.

 

Be sure to eat at Osteria da Fiore in the San Polo district (there's a different Da Fiore in the San Marco district). Wonderful food, and worth the cost.

 

If you're flying into Marco Polo airport, after getting through customs (no hassle), go to the water taxi desk in the lobby and book a taxi. It will be 80-90 euros (expensive, but worth it because you minimize hauling luggage through the streets), and the ride across the lagoon and into the canals of Venice to your hotel (or a friend's apartment?) is simply a wonderful experience. I could go on and on about Venice, but ...

 

So I will be watching for you posts on your travels. Savor every moment.

 

Carter

[JasonK]

Buongiorno, & Grazie-- for the suggestions; Sorry I had in mind to note that in my post; You were ahead of me!

 

Isn't this great the advanced communication and lightning speed information can get around. I'm juggling back and forth between two travel guides Fodor's, & Frommers-- cross referencing, as I'm making last minute preparations for the big adventure. That must be some extra special coffee there, & I like the place-- Sounds warm and inviting. I'll spend some time in NY on the 4th-- Check out some shows, "Chicago", & "Les Miserables" seem to have gotten some good reviews. The ship departs at 5pm-- Will keep everyone informed.

 

Anyone else can offer there 2-Cents Worth, feel free... Its good to have firsthand informtion like the above from those that have been there...

 

Now its Arrivederci America, Buongiorno Roma, I'll keep you informed. Ciao...

 

"We can do no Great things, Only small things with Great Love."

 

Warmest regards,

 

Jason

[JasonK]

Hey Carter... I checked-out the Osteria da Fiore you recommended, & in the Michelin Guide it is rated as the best restaurant in Venice-- One star in three forks (Michelin Style); One star is one in a million for them... What other restaurants would you recommend? How about casinos, & gay bars?

 

Yes we are flying into the Marco Polo airport; Where excactly is the water taxi information desk located?

 

Best... Jason

[dfw2sfo]

You'll have a great time on the QM2. My BF and I sailed on it and it was truly a trip to rememeber. Definitely a good number of gay guys on the ship. Happy sailing.

[Luv2play]

Jason, I just thought I would comment on the restaurant scene in Europe generally. There are many, many great places to dine (as opposed to merely eating) and each country and city offers its local cuisine with its specialities so look out to sample these, and of course, the local wines if you appreciate that. I have travelled extensively in Europe and also lived there and while I have dined at the star establishments when on expense account, I generally avoid them when on my own tab. You can find in most locales where a star restaurant is another restaurant where the food is just as good and not as expensive. Also, some of the star restaurants are very difficult to book at the last moment.

 

Anyway, hope you enjoy your sojourn and "bon voyage".!

[Guest carter07]

Jason, the desk is sort of left-center in the main lobby area after you come through the doors from customs. Look for a sign that says "Consorzio motoscafi." As I recall the sign said CONSORZIO in big letters. That was the water taxi recommended by the agent who rented us an apartment.

 

Yes, da Fiore is a fabulous place for food (at a price; about $120-150 a head depending on what wine you drink). Went by during the lunch hour and next day to buy their cookbook; I was asked for my name and the chef autographed it.

 

For other restaurants, head to Campo S. Giacomo dell'Orio in the San Polo district. The Taverna Capitan Uncino is good. So is Il Refolo. La Zucca in San Croce is a great vegetarian/organic food restaurant. Whatever you do, stay away from St. Mark's except to visit the Doges Palace. There is a casino; check out "gay Venice" on the Web (I was traveling "straight.")

 

Carter

[JasonK]

RE: New York New York

 

Up at the crack of dawn-- Caught the early morning flight to NY; The weather was great couldn't have been a better day for flying.

 

Emailing from the Queen Mary. By now we are on our third night at sea, & the weather is a bit stormy. The Queen Mary has proven she can handle almost anything, especially now with better structure improved technology, & a 5 story deep thick iron Hull. The experience is surreal-- Sometimes feeling very light and other times twice my normal weight. We are now three night into the trip, & over two-thousand miles from London

 

As much as I would have liked to have expanded on my time in NY, I'm going to have to be much briefer here-- Realizing from experienced travelers, the internet at Connexions cafe can be in excess of $400; They want your money.

 

The city of NY has proved once again that anything goes for transportation these days. Sometimes taking a bicycle-taxi can be more efficient than traditional transportation. More & more I get the feeling that finding a good taxi driver can be like one in a million; If you can find one that can get you to where you need to be without getting a site seeing tour of the city your fortunate. Our taxi ride form the Sheraton NY to the Brooklyn Terminal included a sightseeing tour of New Jersey.

 

Saw the broardway show Les Miserables. Suggestion-- Be sure to avoid drinking uneccessary/ excessive liquids; It was about a three hour production-- One intermission after the second act, well into two hours of the show. The show was pretty intense, Lots of plots and sub-plots. Great props and nicely done costumes, perhaps my favorite were the songs, in particular-- "I dreamed of dreams gone buy..." Got a performance here last night at the Royal court theater with Jerry Siegler--also performs on Broadway-- and treated us to the same song, I think she gave even a better performance.

 

The first part of the trip was a little bumpy-- with one day in NY and being in several places simultaneously... Checked out of the Sheraton NY Sunday @ noon, had brunch at the somewhat famous Cafe des Artistes, where if you time it right you may just bump into the famous film legend Lauren Mcall(sp?) After cancelling the credit cards, was relieved to know that I wasn't pickpocketed, found the wallet-- It had fallen off to the side of the trunk in the top zipper.

 

Yesterday, the satellite signal on the ship was down all day-- so deprived from information back home on my favorite channel CNN and the elections, as well communications via internet was down. As we are now well into the middle of the Atlantic, each night we move our watches ahead by one hour, so the time zones merge without out the effects of jet lag...

 

"Pleasure is a Sin, & Sin is a Pleasure"

[+ Lucky]

RE: New York New York

 

"...had brunch at the somewhat famous Cafe des Artistes, where if you time it right you may just bump into the famous film legend Lauren Mcall(sp?)"

 

Didn't she used to date Humphrey Booger?

[Luv2play]

RE: New York New York

 

Yeah, that's right. She was underage and he was a married man. Those were the days before everyone got politically correct. Can you imagine the ballyhoo now if such an affair came to light. :o

[JasonK]

RE: New York New York

 

Oops...

[JT Brooklyn]

RE: New York New York

 

Enjoy your Adventure's Jason.....

 

It sure doesn't hurt, seeing you in your Tightey Whitey's either when reading about them! You fill them out very Nicely... Nice New Photo Guy... :P

[JasonK]

Hey Guys-- I know this one has been along time in coming, but I arrived back home safely from Florence, Italy Nov 23rd (Thanksgiving Day) The luggage missed the flight in Frankfurt due to much delayed service @ the Florence airport. A last minute descision to take a cruise out of Lisbon to Miami, got ditched due to the Holiday, and having to taking care of things back home...

 

The trip was one to remember. The Queen Mary was "gloriusly lovely" to use the expression of the Brits. There was many of nights I spent at Club G-32, 4th deck through the iron doors, past the Queens Room. G-32 was a clubby after-hours room with a state-of-the-arts sound system, replete with dance floor and Karrioke, & bar. I must have danced there one night til 4am with the girl that shared the assigned table @ the three level Britannica restaurant. Another one of my favorites was Club Commodore, which showcased a panoramic view of the aft on the 14th level.

 

My birthday was celebrated on the ship Nov 10th-- with a card from the Captain, & our dinner companions, including a one-day pass to the sauna, & massage room. I had everything there to spoil me short of having the Four Seasons played at the table-- due to it being the day before the last of the cruise...

 

I first sighted lights on the fifth day around 3am... By the time I had awoke again around 6am we were already docked.

 

London is a great city. Just as the US is known to be the Financial capital of the world, and Italy is world famous for the arts, London is said to be the Cultural capital of the world. One thing is for certain, British Taxis are unique-- very spacious, and really knowledgeable drivers. It is said that to be a taxi driver in London one must know every street in the city. Taxi drivers must also pass a thorough exam. I found the drivers very professional, friendly, courteous and knowledgeable.

 

Our time in London was one of the shortest of the whole trip. Checked into a classy hotel in Picadilly square. Saw the American musical comedy "Chicago" The Brits put on a great performance-- The acting was really good if not better than on Broadway.

 

Some of the other highlights of London included and organ recital, & Vespers at the famous St Paul's Cathedral. Perhaps the highlight of the trip was a guided tour of the Westminister Abbey. Alot of history there. Westminister Abbey enshrines the tombs of King Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, Queen Mary among others... incluidng the Cornation Chair...

 

We spent the longest part of the trip in Venice-- One day in Venice and its not hard to understand why! Venice is unique! Flying into the San Marco airport, you take the boat (water taxi) to the island. Learned later that the Italians fled to the island to escape the barbarians, and once there they dug themselves in, creating a series of burroughs down each street to alow the water from the Grand Cannal to fill the streets-- So all transportation is strictly on water. You travel to the different parts of the island via Grand Canal on the Vaparetto. The Italians are known for thier musical abilities, which if you travel with me you might find yourself being serenaded from time to time.

 

The Venetians advertise there performances by way of postings on buildings and restaurants including handouts. Attended and opera at a palace, & another along the strip across from St Marks cathedral--Both were Great Performances.

 

Florence was great in its own way. I think the highlight for me in Florence was the Uffizi museum and Michelangelo's David. There are sometimes when reading the reviews, and hearing the comments that you are let down when actually seeing the thing in person. The David is exactly how the books said, & even better. It was said that chairs were provided in the lobby, because the David had such an overpowering presence... For me the statues, is a celebration of the male body in all its glory, sensuality and masculinity. Perfect sculpturing of every muscle, vein, & detail... Proportionate.

 

Just as San Marco Square, & the famous San Marco Basilica (five domes) is the central point of Venice, the Il Duomo of Bruelleschi, &, San Croce is among others the masterpieces of Florence. Recent excavations have discovered that the Il Duomo was actually built over a 5th century early christian church. The dome of Bruelleschi is unique encompassing some 39,000 tons constructed entirely without support-- You know you are entering a massive and awesome structure, when you hear a steady noise, simiiar to the noise of the waves at the ocean.

 

San Croce, the largest Franciscan Chruch is notable in that within it walls is entombed some of the titans of history, namely Gallileo (as unbelievable as that might sound), Machiavelli, Coppernicus, Michelangelo (Florentine), who it is said was stolen from Rome despite the protests of the Pope.

 

This coming Sat, Dec 9th I fly to New Orleans for a night on the French Quarter, including a visit to the famous OZ, where I've danced in the past, not a few times. Sun, Dec 10th I depart out of New Orleans on a Cruise to the Carribean for a week, & Returning Dec 19th.

 

"Everything in Life is Speaking in spite of its apparent Silence..."

H.I. Khan