South Florida and Miami Limo Rental Blog
The Top 10 Things to Do in a Limo
The Top 10 Things to Do in a Limo
By Nick Jurkowski
Sure, you've done all the leg-work: made your plans, confirmed the limousine reservations, and made excuses to be away for the night. But now that you're in the limousine, what do you actually do? This is a very pertinent question. For the convenience of the limo-going masses, I have included my top 10 things to do while in a limousine from Millenium Limo.
# This one is obvious, so we'll get it out of the way early.
# Read the collected works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
# Get blind drunk while reading them.
# Host an impromtu Euchre tournament (or poker, I suppose – that seems to be what the kids play these days).
# Go on a multiple-state bender.
# Sew the seeds of destruction for western civilization.
# Develop a unified field theory.
# Dream the impossible dream.
# One word: Twister
# See number 1.
Naturally, there are other things to do in a limousine; I just wouldn't recommend them as heartily (or as is the case with acts that are felonious and/or truly deplored by society, not at all.) If you think I've missed something, feel free to add it to your own personal list.
By Nick Jurkowski
Sure, you've done all the leg-work: made your plans, confirmed the limousine reservations, and made excuses to be away for the night. But now that you're in the limousine, what do you actually do? This is a very pertinent question. For the convenience of the limo-going masses, I have included my top 10 things to do while in a limousine from Millenium Limo.
# This one is obvious, so we'll get it out of the way early.
# Read the collected works of Fyodor Dostoyevsky.
# Get blind drunk while reading them.
# Host an impromtu Euchre tournament (or poker, I suppose – that seems to be what the kids play these days).
# Go on a multiple-state bender.
# Sew the seeds of destruction for western civilization.
# Develop a unified field theory.
# Dream the impossible dream.
# One word: Twister
# See number 1.
Naturally, there are other things to do in a limousine; I just wouldn't recommend them as heartily (or as is the case with acts that are felonious and/or truly deplored by society, not at all.) If you think I've missed something, feel free to add it to your own personal list.
Islamorada
A trip down the highway from Key Largo brings us to our second stop in the Florida Keys. Known as Islamorada (Spanish for "Purple Isle," and Turkish for "Islam is over there"), it is to sport fishing what Key Largo is to diving. Islamorada is made up of four islands (the Lower and Upper Matacumbe Keys, Windley Key, and Plantation Key), and is home to some of the most spectacular sport fishing in the world. Bonefish and Sail Fish are the most popular, but you can find charters that will guide you to whatever fish you want (within reason; you won't be finding too many Pacific Salmon here). You an also find a number of restaurants that will fry up your catch for you (again, within reason – if you come with a giant sailfish, they'll probably turn you away). Like many of the Florida Keys, the surrounding water dominated the activities – and even if you don't go fishing, chances are you'll end up kayaking or dolphin watching.
For activities that are less damp, check out the shops and restaurants that are scattered throughout the Keys that make up Islamadora. Treasure Village and The Rain Barrel (located on Plantation Key) offer a great variety of gifts, arts, crafts, and other island bric-a-brac that everyone ends up with when they go on vacation. Islamorada is also the perfect place to sit and relax, and it offers numerous seaside campsites that make you never want to go back to civilization. It is also the site of the highest point in the Florida Keys: 18 ft. above sea level. All in all, Islamorada is a very relaxing chain of islands that does leisure right – it's definitely worth a stopover.
Next: Marathon
For activities that are less damp, check out the shops and restaurants that are scattered throughout the Keys that make up Islamadora. Treasure Village and The Rain Barrel (located on Plantation Key) offer a great variety of gifts, arts, crafts, and other island bric-a-brac that everyone ends up with when they go on vacation. Islamorada is also the perfect place to sit and relax, and it offers numerous seaside campsites that make you never want to go back to civilization. It is also the site of the highest point in the Florida Keys: 18 ft. above sea level. All in all, Islamorada is a very relaxing chain of islands that does leisure right – it's definitely worth a stopover.
Next: Marathon
European Microstates Tour!
Europe is always a fantastic place to visit, and some of my favorite places to go are the lesser known duchies and principalities that make up the tinier European states. All off them, from Andorra to the Vatican, offer interesting and unique things to see, as well as the chance to hear nearly dead languages. They all offer a glimpse into Europe's past: namely, a bunch of isolated ethnic groups that hated each other – as opposed to Europe's present: a conglomeration of large states that pretend to get along.
Located along the southern coast of France, the quintessential micro-state vacation hotspot of the Principality of Monaco cannot be missed. The thought of Monaco invariably conjures images of tuxedoed secret agents playing baccarat while casually gambling with the free world itself. While this particular demographic is a sizeable minority in Monaco, it should be noted that Monaco is surprisingly diverse for being such as small place (the second smallest in Europe, as a matter of fact), and there more to it than gambling in opulent casinos.
Monaco has a wonderful Mediterranean climate, which makes it a vacation hotspot for much of Europe. The Principality itself is an interesting historical curiosity, surviving in its present form against the odds, and is now one of the few places in the world you can hear the nearly-extinct language of Monegasque. The beaches of Monaco are some of the world's finest (though that won't necessarily impress someone from Florida), but it is Monte Carlo that really packs in the visitors.
Monte Carlo is the jewel of Monaco, known for glamour and luxury that would make even Miamians gasp. It is the home of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Master tennis tournament, and has hosted numerous championship- boxing bouts. The casino complex is amazing, and also holds the Theatre de Monte Carlo, which hosts ballet and theater companies.
Monte Carlo is a destination not to be missed, and anyone planning a trip to Europe should consider paying a visit. Have fun breaking the bank.
Next time: the Azores
Located along the southern coast of France, the quintessential micro-state vacation hotspot of the Principality of Monaco cannot be missed. The thought of Monaco invariably conjures images of tuxedoed secret agents playing baccarat while casually gambling with the free world itself. While this particular demographic is a sizeable minority in Monaco, it should be noted that Monaco is surprisingly diverse for being such as small place (the second smallest in Europe, as a matter of fact), and there more to it than gambling in opulent casinos.
Monaco has a wonderful Mediterranean climate, which makes it a vacation hotspot for much of Europe. The Principality itself is an interesting historical curiosity, surviving in its present form against the odds, and is now one of the few places in the world you can hear the nearly-extinct language of Monegasque. The beaches of Monaco are some of the world's finest (though that won't necessarily impress someone from Florida), but it is Monte Carlo that really packs in the visitors.
Monte Carlo is the jewel of Monaco, known for glamour and luxury that would make even Miamians gasp. It is the home of the Formula One Monaco Grand Prix and the Monte Carlo Master tennis tournament, and has hosted numerous championship- boxing bouts. The casino complex is amazing, and also holds the Theatre de Monte Carlo, which hosts ballet and theater companies.
Monte Carlo is a destination not to be missed, and anyone planning a trip to Europe should consider paying a visit. Have fun breaking the bank.
Next time: the Azores
Microstates pt. II: The Azores
Alright, alright. I know what you're going to say: "Not only are the Azores not an independent state, they aren't really even in Europe! They're in the middle of the Atlantic" You may be technically right, but they are an "autonomous region" of Portugal, and they are very tiny, which is good enough for me.
To those unfamiliar, the Azores are a small archipelago 750 miles off the Portugese coast. They have a rich and bloody history, but are now comparatively mellow, and a great vacation spot.
The Azores are, by and large, fairly quiet communities, with a good selection of outdoorsy attractions and quaint villages. On the island of Sao Miguel, check out Ponta Delgada, which seems to be a snapshot of old-world Europe, with cobblestone streets and tiled sidewalks. Furnas is a very interesting place – a village inside the mouth of a volcano. There is still some geologic activity here, and the locals use the smoking holes in the ground as ovens.
Leaving Sao Miguel, my second favorite island is Pico, which features breathtaking scenery and the mountain for which the island was name (which is the highest point in the Azores). The hike to the summit of the mountain takes about three hours, and the view makes it entirely worth it. You can also see whales (and even go on whale watching trips), depending on the season.
On the nearby island of Terceira, you can get partake of traditional entertainment, namely, the bullfight. If you loath bloodsports, have no fear – in Portuguese bullfighting, the bull is neither killed nor wounded in any way. The spectacle is certainly entertaining, and afterwards, you can head to one of many local restaurants that feature freshly caught seafood.
This just scratches the surface of the volcanic island paradise of the Azores. The islands deserve ample time to explore, but any amount you can spare is well spent.
Next time: San Marino
To those unfamiliar, the Azores are a small archipelago 750 miles off the Portugese coast. They have a rich and bloody history, but are now comparatively mellow, and a great vacation spot.
The Azores are, by and large, fairly quiet communities, with a good selection of outdoorsy attractions and quaint villages. On the island of Sao Miguel, check out Ponta Delgada, which seems to be a snapshot of old-world Europe, with cobblestone streets and tiled sidewalks. Furnas is a very interesting place – a village inside the mouth of a volcano. There is still some geologic activity here, and the locals use the smoking holes in the ground as ovens.
Leaving Sao Miguel, my second favorite island is Pico, which features breathtaking scenery and the mountain for which the island was name (which is the highest point in the Azores). The hike to the summit of the mountain takes about three hours, and the view makes it entirely worth it. You can also see whales (and even go on whale watching trips), depending on the season.
On the nearby island of Terceira, you can get partake of traditional entertainment, namely, the bullfight. If you loath bloodsports, have no fear – in Portuguese bullfighting, the bull is neither killed nor wounded in any way. The spectacle is certainly entertaining, and afterwards, you can head to one of many local restaurants that feature freshly caught seafood.
This just scratches the surface of the volcanic island paradise of the Azores. The islands deserve ample time to explore, but any amount you can spare is well spent.
Next time: San Marino
Malta
Famous as the setting of the Joe Don Baker classic, "Final Justice," this small island nation is popular for its falcons and knightly orders. In spite of being a rather diminutive country, it has played an important role in European politics and court intrigue, which means you know that the Maltese know how to party. Malta is great for those whole love calendars, folk festivals that consume the nation for months at a time, and Mediterranean charm.
Malta is really made up of three islands – the largest, creatively called "Malta," and three smaller islands, Gozo, Comino, and Filfla. Like all coutries that have a definite sense of their own history, you can find some fantastic archaeological sites that shed some light on Malta's pre-Christian past. The temple at Mnajdra is not only an interesting site, but its orientation shows that the ancient Maltese used it as a type of calendar - the temple's axis is directly aligned with the sun's path at the equinox – and in a Raiders of the Lost Arc-esque wonder, at the winter solstice, the sun's rays shine through the entrance and are reduced to a small disc that shows the sun's position. This temple is the first known calendar in stone.
Malta, in my opinion, really shines at festa time. The festa season lasts from May to September, and almost every community in Malta has one. They celebrate with folk traditions and a lot of nougat, which is a traditional festa-season favorite. You can buy the treat from any number of toothless vendors, and you'll see that the old adage is true: Nougat really does taste better in Malta. Festas are huge events for the community, which decorates with all manner of flare, according to each village's traditions. If you are going to find yourself in Malta, do yourself a favor and be there during festa season. If you can't make it then, there's still plenty to see and absorb.
Next time: Gibraltar
Malta is really made up of three islands – the largest, creatively called "Malta," and three smaller islands, Gozo, Comino, and Filfla. Like all coutries that have a definite sense of their own history, you can find some fantastic archaeological sites that shed some light on Malta's pre-Christian past. The temple at Mnajdra is not only an interesting site, but its orientation shows that the ancient Maltese used it as a type of calendar - the temple's axis is directly aligned with the sun's path at the equinox – and in a Raiders of the Lost Arc-esque wonder, at the winter solstice, the sun's rays shine through the entrance and are reduced to a small disc that shows the sun's position. This temple is the first known calendar in stone.
Malta, in my opinion, really shines at festa time. The festa season lasts from May to September, and almost every community in Malta has one. They celebrate with folk traditions and a lot of nougat, which is a traditional festa-season favorite. You can buy the treat from any number of toothless vendors, and you'll see that the old adage is true: Nougat really does taste better in Malta. Festas are huge events for the community, which decorates with all manner of flare, according to each village's traditions. If you are going to find yourself in Malta, do yourself a favor and be there during festa season. If you can't make it then, there's still plenty to see and absorb.
Next time: Gibraltar
Gibraltar (or, Rocks not Involving Sean Connery)
I know, I know – Gibraltar isn't technically a state either – but after I talked about the Azores, I figured I could talk a bit about Gibraltar. A small territory with a big rock, the history of Gibralter is steeped in dispute and controversy, and, to some extent is still a disputed territory. The British (and the Gibraltans themselves) want it to remain a holding of the United Kingdom, while the Spanish also lay claim. Though the dispute has cooled down after recent tripartide talks, Gibraltar's legal status is still disputed. One thing that isn't in dispute, however, is Gibraltar's status as a great tourist destination (how's that for a segue?)
In my opinion, the coolest thing about Gibraltar is the fact that it is home to the only wild apes native to Europe (other than the Belgians) – the Barbary Macaques. Local lore has it that as long as the apes remain, so too will the British. As a result, the apes are very well taken care of, and seem to know that they have the might of the British Empire backing them up. They are very friendly, and will steal your bags and purses if you let them. Ape watching tours can be combined with exploration of the famous Rock of Gibraltar itself (if you're going to take the time to go to Gibraltar, you'd damn well better see the Rock!), which can make for a very entertaining day.
The interior of the Rock shouldn't be missed either; there are countless tunnels that were part of a British fortification effort. Over the years, additional tunnels have been added to the main ones, and they offer an interesting glimpse into Gibraltar's past. There is even an auditorium in the Rock, which has hosted all manner of concerts and expositions.
While not my favorite destination in Europe, Gibraltar never gets the respect it deserves. You owe it to yourself to take a trip to see this Pillar of Hercules, and its wonderful monkey caretakers.
Next time: Sardinia
In my opinion, the coolest thing about Gibraltar is the fact that it is home to the only wild apes native to Europe (other than the Belgians) – the Barbary Macaques. Local lore has it that as long as the apes remain, so too will the British. As a result, the apes are very well taken care of, and seem to know that they have the might of the British Empire backing them up. They are very friendly, and will steal your bags and purses if you let them. Ape watching tours can be combined with exploration of the famous Rock of Gibraltar itself (if you're going to take the time to go to Gibraltar, you'd damn well better see the Rock!), which can make for a very entertaining day.
The interior of the Rock shouldn't be missed either; there are countless tunnels that were part of a British fortification effort. Over the years, additional tunnels have been added to the main ones, and they offer an interesting glimpse into Gibraltar's past. There is even an auditorium in the Rock, which has hosted all manner of concerts and expositions.
While not my favorite destination in Europe, Gibraltar never gets the respect it deserves. You owe it to yourself to take a trip to see this Pillar of Hercules, and its wonderful monkey caretakers.
Next time: Sardinia
Wrapping up - Sardinia
This will be the last installment of our European microstate tour – and you may notice that our final destination is neither a state (like other places I've talked about, it is an autonomous region) nor particularly "micro" (it is the second largest island in the Mediterranean). Even so, I think it deserves mention with my other entries, as it is oft-neglected when European holiday destinations are mentioned.
The land of small, oily fish and large, oily men (just kidding. Sardinian men are, in reality, known far and wide for their lack of oil) – Sardinia, while technically an Italian holding, has a large amount of autonomy. Sardinia's economy is, in large part, based on tourism. It has beautiful beaches, as well as a number of archaeological sites that will appeal to those who like that kind of thing. Here are some of my favorite parts of Sardinia:
1. Cagliari - The ancient capitol city of Sardinia, Cagliari is a beautiful city, and the old quarter of it (called "Castello") is in excellent condition, with most of the walls and towers preserved. It offers a fantastic view of Angels Gulf, and the white limestone that most of the city is hewn from gives the city the look of, to quote D.H. Lawrence, "a white Jerusalem."
2. San Giovanni di Posada – In addition to being a European holiday destination, San Giovanni di Posada is a settlement that goes back to Etruscan times. It was an important Roman harbor, has a wonderful beach, and is, in general, a nice place to visit.
3. Anywhere you can get Sardinian food/wine – Like the cuisine of many microstates, Sardinian food is an interesting fusion of many sources. Spanish and Italian influences are evident, and seafood is generally featured. The food pairs excellently with local wine, making for a gastronomic pleasure.
There you have it, Sardinia in a nutshell. This wraps up our European Microstate Tour – I hope it was as good for you as it was for me.
The land of small, oily fish and large, oily men (just kidding. Sardinian men are, in reality, known far and wide for their lack of oil) – Sardinia, while technically an Italian holding, has a large amount of autonomy. Sardinia's economy is, in large part, based on tourism. It has beautiful beaches, as well as a number of archaeological sites that will appeal to those who like that kind of thing. Here are some of my favorite parts of Sardinia:
1. Cagliari - The ancient capitol city of Sardinia, Cagliari is a beautiful city, and the old quarter of it (called "Castello") is in excellent condition, with most of the walls and towers preserved. It offers a fantastic view of Angels Gulf, and the white limestone that most of the city is hewn from gives the city the look of, to quote D.H. Lawrence, "a white Jerusalem."
2. San Giovanni di Posada – In addition to being a European holiday destination, San Giovanni di Posada is a settlement that goes back to Etruscan times. It was an important Roman harbor, has a wonderful beach, and is, in general, a nice place to visit.
3. Anywhere you can get Sardinian food/wine – Like the cuisine of many microstates, Sardinian food is an interesting fusion of many sources. Spanish and Italian influences are evident, and seafood is generally featured. The food pairs excellently with local wine, making for a gastronomic pleasure.
There you have it, Sardinia in a nutshell. This wraps up our European Microstate Tour – I hope it was as good for you as it was for me.
By Word of Mouth - Review
Ft. Lauderdale has often claimed to have more restaurants per capita than any other city in the United States. South Florida in general (and Ft. Lauderdale specifically) is always abuzz with what the next favorite restaurant is going to be. It is for this reason that By Word of Mouth is such a success: they spend absolutely no money on advertising, but instead put their efforts into creating great cuisine. The décor is simple but elegant, featuring lace curtains and a warm ambiance. This isn't really a restaurant to be seen, but it is a very nice place for a romantic get together for those to whom haute-cuisine is important.
The best part about By Word of Mouth is the unorthodox menu. It constantly rotates, and there is nothing cast in stone; rather, the wait-staff tells you what the daily specials are. You will always be offered a solid line-up of beef, fowl, pasta, and seafood, served with a delicious side salad. I ordered the beef tenderloin the last time I was there, and it was exceptional. There are some standard appetizers that rarely change (for good reason), such as the sun-dried tomato pate. The choices that are offered for dessert are quite impressive – they have dozens of delicious cakes, and chocolate lovers will adore the colorfully titled "Orgasm" – chocolate mousse squeezed between layers of fudge brownie and covered with chocolate butter-cream. The wine list is acceptable.
By Word of Mouth's prices are really quite acceptable, considering the caliber of the food (think $14-$19 an entrée), and it is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in restaurant polls. Check it out for yourself the next time you're in Ft. Lauderdale – you won't be disappointed.
The best part about By Word of Mouth is the unorthodox menu. It constantly rotates, and there is nothing cast in stone; rather, the wait-staff tells you what the daily specials are. You will always be offered a solid line-up of beef, fowl, pasta, and seafood, served with a delicious side salad. I ordered the beef tenderloin the last time I was there, and it was exceptional. There are some standard appetizers that rarely change (for good reason), such as the sun-dried tomato pate. The choices that are offered for dessert are quite impressive – they have dozens of delicious cakes, and chocolate lovers will adore the colorfully titled "Orgasm" – chocolate mousse squeezed between layers of fudge brownie and covered with chocolate butter-cream. The wine list is acceptable.
By Word of Mouth's prices are really quite acceptable, considering the caliber of the food (think $14-$19 an entrée), and it is consistently ranked among the top restaurants in restaurant polls. Check it out for yourself the next time you're in Ft. Lauderdale – you won't be disappointed.
Finding the Right Cigar Size
When trying cigars for the first time, it is exceptionally easy to be turned off of them. Bad cigars and improper smoking technique are two of the main culprits. Picking the right cigar for you is certainly one of the most important steps towards enjoying a hobby that makes you look really cool and can ultimately give you oral cancer. Of course, the best cigar in the world will taste less than fantastic if you smoke it improperly – the key to both of these steps begins with picking a good cigar size.
Cigar size is oft overlooked by cigar-neophytes. Typically measured in terms of length and ring gauge, the number of cigar sizes can be a little overwhelming ("My God! Do I want a Churchill or a Double Corona?!") The best idea is to figure out the general characteristics of your preferred cigar and go from there.
The inexperienced often make the mistake of thinking that they'll prefer a skinnier cigar. Paradoxically, I find thinner cigars are generally harder to enjoy. Thicker cigars have more surface area, and thus burn cooler. That makes for fewer off flavors and less irritation from the hot smoke. The length of the cigar is also important, as it determines how long you will be smoking it. For n00bs, I find that shorter is better, as prolonged smoking can overwhelm someone who is not used it. This combination of thick gauge and stout length leads me to recommend the "robusto" size, which are generally around 5.5 inches in length and a gauge 50. After smoking a few robustos, move on to a longer cigar, and, if so moved, skinnier ones. A great cantadate for a first robusto is the Punch Grand Cru Robusto. They cost about $3.50 a piece, but taste better than many $10 cigars.
One last thing to remember: smoke slowly. Even the stout robusto will taste harsh and hot if you smoke it too fast. You cant smoke a cigar like a cigarette and expect it to retain its flavor. Happy smoking!
Cigar size is oft overlooked by cigar-neophytes. Typically measured in terms of length and ring gauge, the number of cigar sizes can be a little overwhelming ("My God! Do I want a Churchill or a Double Corona?!") The best idea is to figure out the general characteristics of your preferred cigar and go from there.
The inexperienced often make the mistake of thinking that they'll prefer a skinnier cigar. Paradoxically, I find thinner cigars are generally harder to enjoy. Thicker cigars have more surface area, and thus burn cooler. That makes for fewer off flavors and less irritation from the hot smoke. The length of the cigar is also important, as it determines how long you will be smoking it. For n00bs, I find that shorter is better, as prolonged smoking can overwhelm someone who is not used it. This combination of thick gauge and stout length leads me to recommend the "robusto" size, which are generally around 5.5 inches in length and a gauge 50. After smoking a few robustos, move on to a longer cigar, and, if so moved, skinnier ones. A great cantadate for a first robusto is the Punch Grand Cru Robusto. They cost about $3.50 a piece, but taste better than many $10 cigars.
One last thing to remember: smoke slowly. Even the stout robusto will taste harsh and hot if you smoke it too fast. You cant smoke a cigar like a cigarette and expect it to retain its flavor. Happy smoking!
Pocket Watches - Bane or Boon?
Now mainly famous with model-train enthusiasts and dandies, pocket watches were once the discerning gentleman's timepiece of choice (wristwatches were felt to be effeminate and the hallmark of a weak constitution). While wristwatches (and more recently, cell-phones) are now la mode, I still find that I have use for my trusty pocket-watch, most often during formal occasions. It's not because I'm some sort of foppish dandy who is into unnecessary vanity items (that is entirely beside the point) – I find that it is difficult to wear a tux shirt with a wristwatch at the same time, because the long cuffs (French or otherwise) overlap with where the watch would be, making it difficult to wear both comfortably. Enter the pocket watch.
Even though the pocket watch is a luxury item, if you frequent formal events, it's very nice to have one. While you can spend as much as you want on a pocket watch (antique models from well known makers can go for tens of thousands of dollars), you can find plenty of great pocket watches for under $100 that tell time and look snazzy. For example, Fossil has a few nice models – my favorite being the black dialed model. Harrington also makes a nice model for around $50, and offers free inscription of initials on the front cover, as well as a short message on the inside cover, making it an excellent gift.
If you really like pocket watches, you can always collect decorative fobs (the little medallions that attach to the chain) – though such an activity would push you over the edge of "stylish watch owner" to "obsessive fob collector" – a characterization that most sane people avoid. Even so, it takes all kinds, and once you get your first pocket watch, you might be hooked.
Even though the pocket watch is a luxury item, if you frequent formal events, it's very nice to have one. While you can spend as much as you want on a pocket watch (antique models from well known makers can go for tens of thousands of dollars), you can find plenty of great pocket watches for under $100 that tell time and look snazzy. For example, Fossil has a few nice models – my favorite being the black dialed model. Harrington also makes a nice model for around $50, and offers free inscription of initials on the front cover, as well as a short message on the inside cover, making it an excellent gift.
If you really like pocket watches, you can always collect decorative fobs (the little medallions that attach to the chain) – though such an activity would push you over the edge of "stylish watch owner" to "obsessive fob collector" – a characterization that most sane people avoid. Even so, it takes all kinds, and once you get your first pocket watch, you might be hooked.