Panama City: The nation's first green airport

I have been fortunate to experience a lot of things in my life: drink cobra venom in a dingy back alley in Taipei, blend my own red at Dave Matthew's vineyard, watch as tanks roll down the Champs Elysee on the anniversary of the liberation of Paris. But standing in an international airport control tower overlooking the vast expanse of runway was something I had yet to experience... until now.

Before you go blowing the whistle (or fearing for your life) you'll be glad to know this watch tower was still under construction, as is most of the new International airport soon to service, among other areas, Panama City, Florida. The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is the first, to be built since 9/11. With construction gear on, myself and a lucky few were able to tour the new site.

Inside, reminders of the "lure of the sea" abound with intricate details on panelling at various check in areas, restaurants and service desks. In-laid shells and aquatic blue highlights add just enough flavor without becoming kitch. With roughly one month until it opens, workers are digging deep to ensure passengers can experience the ease of non-stop flights to Washington among many other destinations.

As we celebrate Earth Day today, you'll be glad to know The Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport is designed to be the nation’s first green airport, including a LEED certified terminal building, state-of-the-art stormwater management system, and a plan for carbon neutral operation.





www.SunshineOnSugarHill.blogspot.com

Panama City: Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville

If 145th street was deserted, 125th was plain dangerous. Thankfully the universe sent me my own private bodyguards in the form of a waiting security patrol and an off duty policeman (on his way to visit family in Alabama). After arriving at the airport and playing some 6am Sudoku with Jane — a 65 year old grandmother on route to Jacksonville — I finally arrived at my destination, Panama City, Florida. First on the itinerary, Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville.

For those not familiar with James "Jimmy" Buffet, let me give you a little run down. Born in December 25th, 1946, he spent most of his childhood in Alabama and released his first country album in 1970. It's his beachy vibe however, (think Hawaiian shirts and flocks of parrots) that caught on with songs such as "Margaritaville" (No. 234 on RIAA's list of "Songs of the Century") and "Cheeseburger in Paradise" topping the charts.

Some things you may not know about Jimmy Buffet:

* He has written three No. 1 best sellers. Tales from Margaritaville and Where Is Joe Merchant? both spent over seven months on the The New York Times Best Seller fiction list.
* He was part-owner of two minor league teams: the Fort Myers Miracle and the Madison Black Wolf.
* Between his restaurants, album sales, and tours, he earns an estimated $100 million a year.

Seated on the deck, with a margarita in hand, is perhaps the best way to begin any mini vacation to Panama City, Florida. So Jimmy, we salute you and your millions, your take-home souvenier margarita glass and your giant sized nachos.

Next stop, the new International airport...

Panama City: The Adventures Begin

Early morning is the most dangerous hour to travel in Manhattan. Simply because it's deserted. Safety comes in numbers in the Big Apple, so it was with some trepidation and an extra don't-screw-with-me stride that I set off for the subway, to catch the bus, to board the plane, en route to Panama City, Florida. Waking at 3am, dressed and ready to go at 4am.

Why fly cross country at such an early hour, during Spring Break? Well, in a moment of overworked delirium I once again forgot to read the fine print and thought Panama City had something to do with Panama. Turns out, I'm not that far off. The city was officially named in May 2, 1936 due to it being the closest American port to the newly opened Panama Canal. Not swimming distance though, as I was soon to find out.

The best thing about traveling, is that you discover things about other cities, neighborhoods and even a bit about your own. I had no idea for example, that the duty bound Indian brothers who man the fruit and vege stand on Sugar Hill set up shop at 4am. Who would have thought I could pick up a banana pre dawn? Good to know.

It seems another local also favors the early morning hours. Standing on the deserted platform, that familiar rustling sound caught my attention. It was with some dread that I looked towards the moving plastic bag. Yes, it seems the local subway rats come above ground pre-dawn. I prayed the A train would arrive first. Should the D come, I would have to step within inches of this charming rodent.

As you can guess, it was the D train that arrived and much to my horror, as I ran past the rat it ran with me. The bloody thing escorted me down the stairs, step by step, obviously anxious to be on time as well. This is when desertion works in your favor. As you run down the stairs waving your arm hysterically, silently screaming, small rodent by your side, no one can laugh at you aside from yourself.