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Carl wanted to complain whenever his wife Denise asked him to go with her on one of her business trips. She really only requested this of him once every year or so, but Carl was just not a fan of sitting in a hotel room while she engaged in her meetings while waiting for the possible chance that they might get to do something together for a couple of hours in the evening. He much preferred to stay at home and watch baseball on television or a sports bar with his friends. And if it were fall or winter, basketball or football would do. Hands down, however, baseball was his favorite sport and the New York Yankees were his favorite team.

So, when Denise brought up the idea that she was going to have to be gone for a week in July Carl began to prepare his defense for why he would not be able to go with her. He immediately began to think about various projects around the house that she had requested he get done and just when he was starting to say that that week was when he had planned to fix the rear outdoor drain, Denise mentioned that the business was taking place in New York City. Carl stopped in cold, with the words home improvement stuck in his mouth. Denise finished his previous sentence for him and agreed that it was great that he get those projects done during that time and not go with her on the trip.

Well, Carl knew his only option was to get those projects finished quickly, which he did and then announced to his wife that the work around the house was complete and he would be willing to go with her on the business trip if she wanted him to. Of course she did, and actually ended up getting exactly what she wanted. She knew Carl would want to go to New York so she structured telling him about it in a way that would guarantee he fix some of the areas of the house. Carl did not mind any of this as he sat at Yankee Stadium and watched Derek Jeter hit a home run. The next morning as he was getting ready to head out into the city he mentioned Denise that he would be happy to go with her anytime she was required to stay in a five star hotel New York City for work.

The 53rd largest city in the United States is Tampa, Florida. It is part of the metropolitan area known as the Tampa Bay area. There is speculation the name Tampa is derived from a Native American tribe that dwelled south of the Tampa Bay area. The Calusa Indians called this area Sticks of Fire. The summer storms produce a great deal of lightening so its possible this theory is correct. However, there are other theories regarding the name. Some historians believe it means a place to gather sticks. I personally like the lightening theory best. When the Spanish explorers starting arriving in this area in the 1520’s they found the Calusa villages but were looking for gold instead. The explorers had hoped to form a colony and establish themselves with the gold. There was no gold, only fish. Disappointed in their discoveries and rejected by the Indians, the explorers moved on.

Eventually the people did come, they settled, they built, they struggled, they stayed and they grew. Now the population is over 340,000 and the city has a strong economical base with solid industries. Vincent Martinez Ybor moved his cigar factory from Key West to Tampa and the cigar business thrived. Another thriving industry is tourism. Tampa luxury hotels have been around well over a century.

Tourists come from all over the United States and other countries and they are not disappointed with these beautiful facilities, with the incredible amenities and the accommodating staff. Restaurants are abundant with their first class elegant dining and superb menus. The fresh seafood shacks on the beach are enticing as well and fill a definite need for the casual diner. Tampa is a unique city with an ancient history. As you explore this area, visit the museums and historic sites and landmarks, reflect back on the Indians and ancient explorers who walked this same ground so many, many years before.