Tampa

Sigh.

Look, I'm not going to editorialize.  If you know me, you know me.  And you should know that Florida, in general, is really not a place for me for many reasons.  Sorry.  There are fine people here, nice places to dine, lovely parks, all kinds of things.  But it's not for me.

However, I don't care to make this blog a place for negative reviews and experiences.  My life has those, for sure, but no, I'm not sharing them here.  So yes, I'll put a positive spin on things, and yes, I'll say nice things.

I flew in on Wednesday, circling out over past St Petersburg and then on into Tampa. 

40 years since I first and last flew in here, on a vacation with my Dad and sister.  Things have probably changes since then - I only have dim recollection of St Petersburg Beach and none of Tampa airport at all.  From the airport into the downtown of the city where I had a view of, well, a parking garage and a little of the Hillsborough River beyond. 

After check in, I walked a little nearby, checking out the immediate surroundings.

Last night - Thursday night - I walked across the river to a restaurant not far from the University of Tampa campus,

I took a few more shots. 

The downtown is a little indistinct, perhaps, but that may also be unfamiliarity on my part.  Not unappealing, however, and it does have a real city feel to it.

I went a little farther afield this morning, heading north on the river walk past more buildings and parks. 

All cities should have such features.  It was a very nice walk, indeed - I'll follow it south tomorrow morning, I think.  I took bridge photos for Conrad as well - I thought he might geek out on them a bit.

And then tonight it was a reception at the Florida Aquarium, from which we had a fine view around sunset.

I won't see much more of Tampa, barring greater adventures on tomorrow morning's walk.  There is some interesting history here.  There is a thriving city.  I don't know if and when I will visit again.  I still am ambivalent about Florida, but it was good to see Tampa all these later.