Christmas spirt in Florida

Having grown up outside of New York City, my preconceived notions of Christmas, just like many other folks have, is that it just doesn't feel right when it is warm this time of year.

After all, Santa comes from the North Pole, which is a very very cold place. We have songs, such as "White Christmas", "I'm dreaming of a winter wonderland", etc. that perpetuate this notion. People like to make warm apple-cider, etc.

It's amazing how far our preconceived notions can take us - and even the power of the media to some extent. After all, I'm sure they get in the Christmas spirit in Brazil and Australia, even though it is summer for those locations.

That being said, the Christmas spirit in Florida doesn't have to be non-existent because of our beautiful weather.

In fact, we have some advantages as opposed to our northern neighbors. Look at the photo below. If it was cold, snowy, and wintery, we would not have beautiful women dressing like they did in the picture below :-)

Bachata workshop by Urban Vibe from Chicago

This was a nice workshop from Urban Vibe out of Chicago on the salsa cruise by Aventura Dance Studio.  I enjoyed this bachata workshop from these guys.  Contact information below the video.



Urban Vibe Dance Company, Chicago
Facebook Page

A funny stop sign in Tampa regarding Governor Scott

This may be my first political post on this blog, as it is not a topic that I follow enough to write with any sort of intelligence. However, I did find a funny picture while I was driving around in Tampa regarding our Governor Rick Scott.

The facts are that his approval rating is very dismal, and it shows when you see "signs" like this below:

Miami Calle Ocho Festival, 2012

The Miami Calle Ocho Festival for 2012 is supposed to take place on

March 11, 2012

If you have never been to the festival, it is one big Latin-street festival that encompasses 23 blocks.  I read in  the Miami Herald that they estimate 1 million people attended that event last year.  It is supposed to be the largest block party in the world.

The Little Havana section of Miami every year transforms itself into a big celebration and has turned into an annual tradition.  It is an opportunity to experience the Cuban culture via music and food.

There are stages set up with various performers on each of the city blocks.  And of course, there are aspiring singers like the one in the video below that is eager to entertain an audience!

Salsa Workshop on the Aventura dance Cruise

One of my favorite workshops on the Aventura Dance Cruise was by a couple of instructors from the Kenny and Adriana Dance School in Orlando.  Below is their information.  This is a nice pattern, but the ending could have been a little better in my mind, it looks like his shine is dancing away from his partner.  I would have preferred that they not break away at the end.  Nonetheless, it is a beautiful pattern.  Please feel free to comment. 



Here is information on SalsaOrlando

Phone: 407-275-0943

Main Location East Orlando
10685 East Colonial Dr.
Orlando, FL 32817

Main Location Kissimmee
401 N. Main Street
Kissimmee, FL 34744

Does it snow in Tampa?

The answer is a resounding YES!  At least it does during the annual Santa Pub Crawl in Ybor City, which is a great event done by Tampa Charities every year to benefit local needy families by providing toys during the holiday season.

This year over 1,000 people attended the event.

Below is some rare footage of "actual" snow-fall :-) in Tampa, taken outside of the Honey Pot.



If you are wondering when we had some real snow in Tampa, here is a partial list:

• December 1934
• January 1940
• January 1948
• January 1976  
• January 1977 believed to be about 1/2 inch 
• December 23 and 24, 1989 

It looks like we are due to have some more snow in Tampa!