4:50 am Alarm, and its time for the Plunge.....

The alarm sounds off at 4:50am. I roll out of bed, stumble to the coffee maker and try to maneuver in the dark. I shuffle around the house grab my bag and drive over to Sunrise Middle School for swim practice.

At 5:25am the pool is pitch black, coach John Grzeszczak of Hammerhead Aquatics turns on the outside spot lights. A few more minutes of procrastination and I take the 5:30am plunge.

Coach John calls out our warm up for the 25 yard heated pool:

400 yard swim

200 yard Pull

200 yard kick

After about 20 minutes of warm up, the coffee has kicked in my system.  My eyes begin to  adjust, and I notice other swimmers in neighboring lanes.

There is a quiet rhythm with the morning swimmers. Its almost metronomic/zen like: the monotone rhythm of the water as swimmers go down the lane and push off the wall. The Splash of  water and breathing are the only sounds I hear.

After warm-up the coach gives us our work-out. With the warm-up, the main sets are usually a cross of breathing/speed/drill/kick and timed exercises ranging from 3000 to 3800 yards.

Friends say I am crazy. " You are off all winter and you choose to get up and swim at 4:50am". I quietly nod my head and agree, but think how lucky I am. How lucky that I am able to participate in a masters swim program in Fort Lauderdale with kindred spirits, and a spirited coach.

There is nothing like swimming 3000 + yards (80 to 90 minute workout) and watch the sun gently rise over the horizon. How lucky I am that my father took me to swim lessons as a child. How lucky that I have the motivation.

Swap Shop, Fort Lauderdale

Once a year I make a pilgrimage to the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop. Its something I can do only once or twice a season. The reason? Its just to overwhelming. Its advertised on television as "Florida's second biggest tourist attraction".

Think farmers market, meets flea market, meets carnival, meets drive-in cinema. Part kitschy and circus like, the Swap Shop is an amalgamation of products and people from every corner of the globe.
The Swap Shop is 88 acres of vendors of every kind. Dealers from  New England selling priceless antiques next to newly arrived people from Haiti selling hubcaps and used Tupperware. There are approximately 2000 dealers. Some specialise in electronics, jewelry, clothing, produce and many other categories...

On approach to the Swap Shop from Sunrise Avenue, its hard to miss the over sized American flag juxtaposed the mid century kitschy drive-in cinema screens. Ferris wheels, amusement rides and an exotic car museum are some of the attractions. The drive-in was opened in November of 1963 and has been featured in some movies. The 14-screen drive-in theater doubles as the largest drive-in and largest daily flea market in the world....

The food court is a microcosm of Florida with flavors from all over Latin America and beyond. I noticed that many of the visitors of the Swap Shop today are middle aged/senior French-Canadians. As I walked through the miles of aisles, some vendors addressed me in French.

The range of products seems endless:  Impostor Designer Perfumes, hip hop gear, faux designer bags, first communion outfits and Muslim hijabs are crammed into small stalls, and kiosks.

Many business' in south Florida got their start selling rummage at the Swap Shop. This vendor "packs up" after a busy day....

The Swap Shop, always an adventure.....

The Details:

The Swap Shop (aka $wap Shop)

3291 W Sunrise Blvd

Fort Lauderdale ( Lauderhill), FL 33311

Open every day ( including holidays)

954-791-7927

Plenty of parking available on 88 acres. Price for parking varies with days and times.

http://www.floridaswapshop.com/

Drive-in, Flea Market, 2000 vendors and mini carnival...

International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum

Treat your body well, and it'll see you through for many years.

                                            -Johnny Weissmuller

Every day I run past the Swimming Hall of Fame. Located near the beach, this complex houses a museum, Olympic size pools and a library. Over the years, I have swam at the Hall of Fame and visited the museum. Today, I decided to re-visit this Smithsonian of swimming. The International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum showcases exhibits related to swimming, water-polo, diving and pool related activities.

Fort Lauderdale is internationally  recognized  as the World's capital of swimming, diving and water polo since the Hall of Fame opened in 1965. For generations, university and college swimmers would train in Fort Lauderdale in the wintertime. The omnipresent Gulf Stream keeps ocean waters warm in the winter, and the abundant sunlight creates ideal conditions for year round training.

The main building showcases, a kaleidoscope history of swimming. One such exhibit is Ben Franklin's Useful Hints for Learning to Swim from 1788. The "Black Splash" exhibit features the Civil Rights struggle in the Jim Crowe south during the 1960's with photos.

There is also an exhibit wing located above the Pro Shop that features the art of swimming. Paintings, prints and photographs related to swimming, diving and water polo throughout history are displayed. Bruce Weber's photos are showcased as well as other photographers like Guillaume Deutsch.

Bruce Weber's B&W swim photos on display.

Johnny "Tarzan" Weismuller is immortalized at this museum, with a life size figure.  Also included are Tarzan ephemera, and Weismuller's  swimming gear from different competitions and movie memorabilia. The museum also showcases swimming in the entertainment industry.

Greg Louganis' five Olympic medals, swimsuit and memorabilia are on display.

There are exhibits on Water Polo. Water Polo for years was dominated by the Hungarians, which is fascinating considering Hungary is a land locked country....

The Mark Spitz exhibit is interesting. A Life-size wax figure depicts Mark Spitz' 1972, 7 gold medal performance. The display includes the actual Munich pool starting block.

The swim suit exhibit features bathing suits throughout modern history. This is the pious hijab Islamic bathing suit, I don't think this would be good for doing laps...

The Details:
International Swimming Hall of Fame Museum

One Hall of Fame Drive ( one block south of Las Olas Blvd, East of A1A)

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Telephone: 954.462.6536

http://www.ishof.org/

Admission is $8. Special pricing for students and seniors. Parking available on site. However, there is cheaper metered parking across the street starting at $.75 per hour.

Open Mon to Fri 9am to 5pm

Sat & Sun - 9am to 2pm

Also at the ISHOF are pools for public use, a 25 yard and a 50 meter pool. Swimming programs and swim camps are also held there.

The Pro Shop/Gift Shop has a great selection of swimwear, books and accessories.

Happy Martin Luther King Day

The time is always right to do what is right.
     -Martin Luther King, Jr. 

Its hard to believe how far we've come. Yes, there is still more work to be done for civil rights. In my lifetime things have changed dramatically in this county. In the summer of 1961 (the summer I, and Barack Obama were born), blacks were not allowed to swim at the Las Olas section of  Fort Lauderdale beach.  Yes, the beach that I enjoy and run on virtually every day in the winter. Hard to believe.

Police tell black Americans that they are forbidden to use this section of Ft lauderdale Beach, 1961.

How can you exclude people from enjoying a public beach? On July 4th, 1961 a group of young black men staged a "wade-in" on the beach at Las Olas in Fort Lauderdale. The protest was organized by civil rights activists,  Eula Johnson and Von Mizell. Police officers were called to enforce the segregation laws, and told the young men to leave the beach.

I often wondered how racial discrimination on Americans was justified.
The section of  Fort Lauderdale beach that blacks were prohibited from attending is mere feet away from  the International Swimming Hall of Fame. Is  this good sportsmanship?

Its fitting that we honor Dr King's legacy for non-violent peaceful change. We should also those brave Americans that conducted a "wade-in" into a free public beach.

Dr Kings message is timeless: Freedom. Freedom to vote, freedom from poverty, freedom from racism, and Jim Crow laws. Freedom to be together with the one the one you want.  And freedom to experience the hopes, and dreams that is America.

During the early 1960's it was illegal for people of different races to co-habitate in Florida. It was also illegal for blacks to marry whites in Florida.  Yes, Barack Obama's parents marriage would not be recognized in the state of Florida. And today, many  marriages are still not recognized in Florida and many other states.

J. Mark's Restaurant of Fort Lauderdale Review

You can find your way across this country using burger joints the way a navigator uses stars.
                                                                                              -Charles Kuralt



One thing I like during the holiday season is to spend a nice meal with friends. Our friend Mark, took us to the new J Mark's Restaurant on Federal Highway in Fort Lauderdale. Federal Highway is US Route One in South Florida. This major thoroughfare is dotted with local and national chain restaurants all the way to the  Keys. Restaurants come and go on this busy highway, and its hard to keep track of all the many choices. J Mark's Restaurant is not a "burger joint", but rather a casual contemporary adult oriented restaurant without the TGIF/Chili's kitsch culture.

This locally owned restaurant has a comfortable contemporary/mid century decor. J Mark's has  nice cozy bar, with high tops and booth seating.  The dining room is a modest size and features mid century architectural stone work, and light wood grains with modern contemporary fixtures.  The restaurant is decorated for the holidays but not in an over- the- top garish way. The staff  is polite and professional.  Restaurant is similar in concept to: J Alexander's and Houstons which feature contemporary American fare.

We started with a shared calamari appetiser. The calamari was fresh and  tasted good. However, we noticed that it was overly salted. I liked the selection of dipping sauces: marinara, garlic aioli, basil pesto ( Italian flag colors?).

Mike and Mark opted for the much touted prime rib that came with garlic mashed potatoes and side of vegetables. The meals were ample and cooked perfectly with a side of au jus.
J Mark's also had a nice selection of tuna meals. Our server, Candace, suggested that I try  tuna burger. The Deep Sea Tuna Burger, is 4 ounces of chopped sushi grade tuna mixed with spices, topped with an avocado, tomato and onion. Served with a side of remoulade sauce. The burger was tasty and filling, and I would get this again on another visit.

As  mentioned, restaurants come in go in South Florida, but I do think this one will be here for a while. A combination of: menu selections, specials, quality of  meals, and professional staff are things that make for a good restaurant!

The Details

J Mark's Restaurant

1245 North Federal Highway ( Route One)

Ft Lauderdale, FL  33304

Phone 954.390.0770

http://www.jmarksrestaurant.com/

Dress Code: Casual ( not beach attire)

Price: Modest

Servers: professional and polite

Quality: Excellent

Parking: Ample

Full liquor license. 

Goodby Fort Lauderdale; Hello Ogunquit Maine

Goodbye Palm Trees; Hello Pine Trees!
Goodbye Cuban Sandwiches; Hello Clam Rolls!
Goodbye Egrets; hello Chickadees
Goodbye Florida;  Hello Maine!
The journey of a thousand miles (or 1553 to be exact) starts with the first step! Mike packs the Subaru for the annual migration!

The journey is about 24 to 27 hours of driving time. We take Route 95, which hovers the east coast. It's a journey I've been doing since I was a kid in the 70's with my parents for our annual trip to Florida. Many things have changed: vehicles, telecommunications, entertainment, etc. However, one thing has not changed: finding a clean restroom, its still a challenge!

Like all migratory birds, we arrive back to our home for the start of another season of Ogunquit Beach Inn
Like many returning birds, I am eager to get to the beach and comb the white sands of Ogunquit beach!

Los Asados Argentine Steak House, Fort Lauderdale

Oakland Park Blvd in Fort Lauderdale is dotted with generic shopping plazas that start at the beach and continue west to the everglades. Its hard to notice what types of shops or restaurants that line this long boulevard. However, last month while driving this congested boulevard I noticed a new restaurant that "popped-up" on my visual radar. The Argentine and Uruguay flags quickly got my attention. I noticed the sign that said Los Asados Argentinian  Steak House. In the last four years I have made three trips to Argentina, and I am enamored with their culture, food and lifestyle. Therefore, I need to try this new haunt!

I invited my buddy Ivan to lunch. Ivan use to help us at the Ogunquit Beach Inn for many years. Ivan is from Bulgaria and lives in Florida full time.

Los Asados is a rather large space dotted with many tables, and booths The Steak house is decorated with faux terracotta walls, cowhides and other accoutrement from the pampas of South America. The plaza is faceless and plain like many of the plazas that were built in the 1970's in South Florida. However the surprise was that we were transported back to South America for a nice leisurely lunch!


Argentine lunches are long and filling. The wonderful thing about eating in Argentina or Uruguay is that you are never rushed. Its common to see people at cafes and restaurants spend countless hours enjoying their meal with their companions.

Los Asados offers a nice menu with an  Executive Lunch. In South America and menú ejecutivo is an affordable meal with soup or salad, a choice of entrees and bread. Los Asados offered Argentine favorites like skirt steak, chicken breast, lasagna and fish filet for their executive lunch.

Our server Jorge, suggested we get the cream of broccoli soup.  Jorge hails from Buenos Aires and is quite fluent in the culinary aspects of an Argentine kitchen. His suggestion of the soup was perfect! I have known Jorge for about a year. Jorge spent last summer working in Ogunquit.
Jorge also told us that the fish was fresh, so we tried the fish filet Milanesa. This Argentine take on this classic Italian dish is breaded and fried. Milanesa dishes are quite popular in Argentina. We also tired the grilled tilapia filet, which was also quite tasty.

Blogger Greg and Server Jorge.  Jorge hails from Buenos Aires.

The fixed price meal was $7.25, which included, soup or salad, potato or rice. Authentic homemade chimichurri sauce was on virtually every table. Tables had tablecloths and a bottle of wine. This restaurant is truly a gem on Oakland Park Boulevard and should not be overlooked.

Asado is Spanish for barbecued/grilled/roasted. In The pampas huge fires roar as the gauchos grill beef, chicken and other game. This culinary technique is popular throughout Argentina and Uruguay, and in many of the restaurants. The one thing about Argentine restaurants is that you never leave hungry. At Los Asados this also the custom! Next time I will try their dinner specials!

We were too stuffed to try the desserts or cafe.

Owner, Isabel of Los Asados hails from Uruguay.

The Details:
Los Asados
1672 E Oakland Park Blvd
Oakland Park, FL 33334
Telephone 954-566-6700
Atmosphere: Casual
Price: Extremely reasonable, Especially lunch.
Food Rating: Very Good
Style: Argenine Steak house, with pastas, chicken and fish.
Attitude: Very friendly!

After our delicous meal, Ivan and I went down to the beach to walk off the meal and watch the wild waves pass us by! Another great day in Fort Lauderdale!

Lester's Diner Fort Lauderdale

This classic style diner located moments from Fort Lauderdale's 17th Street seaport area is popular with locals and visitors. This shiny chrome diner has been serving breakfast, lunch and dinner with a Greek flare since 1967. Lester's Diner is open 24 hours and has an extensive menu. The waitresses are very friendly and a bit on the kitschy side.

Lester's features a wide chrome counter, booths and a larger dining room. There is plenty of parking, and the diner is large.

I had a vigorous  one and a half hour swim workout this morning, so I needed a hearty breakfast. I invited my buddy Jay, who is always up for a good meal!

I got the omelet with feta cheese and spinach. Home fries and toast accompanied the meal. The omelet was perfect! The home fries were just average.

Jay got chicken friend steak with mashed potatoes, the perfect greasy spoon meal. Both meals were hearty, and service was perfect and prompt. The menu is extensive with: pancakes, French toast, pot roast, soups, huge salads, and Greek gyros. Many of the desserts are homemade, and the baklava  is popular with the patrons. The extensive menu also features Italian and seafood specialties.

 Depending what time of the day you go, the clientele can be interesting and entertaining! ( present company excluded, of course!).

The Details:

Lester's Diner

250 W State Route 84

Ft Lauderdale, FL
Telephone:  954.525.5641

American diner with a Greek flare.
Rating: Good

Early Bird in Florida

Well, I guess I have been in Florida too long this winter. I went to an "Early Bird" dinner at Zuckerellos Restaurant in Pompano. We entered the dark Italian style restaurant while the sun still had one more hour to shine. I am not use to being seated at 5:00 pm for dinner, but my friend Jay said the "Early Bird" menu was great, and he was right!
With your entree meal, you also get soup or salad, coffee and desert.

I got the Eggplant Parmigiana, which was served on angel hair pasta and steamed broccoli. This "Italian-American Style" restaurant has quite a following with a lively bar, and good service

By the time we left, it was dark, and I had great meal with friends. I now see why "Early Bird" specials are popular!