Activities included enjoying the beach, going to a pro hockey game (I even got a private interview with a player), watching Greek sponge divers, driving solar powered boats, learning Spanish Flamenco dancing, and cooking with several fine chefs.

The Columbia Restaurant is having its 100th anniversary this year.  The Cuban restaurant has been owned by the same family for 5 generations!  We got a walking tour and cooked with 5th generation Andrea Gonzmart in their kitchen. Check out their rich history and cuisine at www.columbiarestaurant.com.  After dinner, I had the experience of the night with a quick Flamenco dancing lesson.  The architecture of the building that now covers a whole city block is amazing.  This is a wonderful place to go to impress whomever you bring there.

Paul Ranger is number 54 on the Tampa Bay Lightning professional hockey team.  I got to interview him before a game.  He is a really nice guy (off the ice).  During the game he is one tough defenseman that checks opponents hard.

Tarpon Springs has quite a lot to offer the food tourist.  Steeped in Greek culture, this place is a fantastic source for authentic cooking and influences.  Get real gyros that you can smell cooking or baklava and other desserts to die for.  My favorite place was Mykonos.  The staff was very friendly, the portions were huge, and the price was very, very reasonable!