LOS AMIGOS DE PAMPLONA -- Miami Reunion

This weekend the Mystery Writers of America Florida Chapter's is hosting Sluethfest, their annual convention. As Palm Beach Confidential is a Palm Beach mystery and my presence is demanded. Plus it's always full of great people and is very useful for all writers.

Again,in Fort Lauderdale, next weekend is the Los Amigos de Pamplona aka Pamplonagang's, "Miami" Reunion being held this year in Fort Lauderdale. Good for me as it cuts off a half hour drive from Palm Beach.

So what do we at the "Miami" reunion. Dress in our reds and whites, drink Rioja wine, eat tapas and other Spanish-like food, meet old and new friends, and share war stories of our Pamplona trips. A jolly good time is had by all.

Walking To Crystal River

Gustavo, Oliver and I are making plans to return to Cano Cristales -- Crystal River -- sometime in August when we hope the mosses will be at their peak. That same month I plan to take my father on a trip to Leticia, Colombia's Amazon River port. He has been all over the world from China to Chile but has not seen the Amazon River.

I have the Galapagos Islands, Puerto Montt, Chile, Isfahan,Iran, Nepal and a few other places on my must see before I die list.

THe problem is that everythime I read the National Geographic I find a new must see place. Must cancel my subscription. After all I have hundreds of copies from 1918 to this months'.

CORRIDAS

Back from three weeks of that most politically incorrect of activities -- bull fighting. Saw fourteen corridas in fourteen days and two Tientas at Ricardo Gomez' ranch outside of Manizales, Caldas, Colombia. Gonzalo Rincon gave me one of Cesar Rincon's red muletas which I used in the bull ring (practice only). The faena sword was confiscated then returned when I tried to send it in my luggage to Miami at the Cali Airport. It was not allowed to fly with me and is safely esconded in Cali.
Colombia had changed. I didn't have to think about my safety and a new attitude prevaidls through out the country.
This might be the last trip for a few months. Planning Pamplona and the Wine Battle in Spain and the Amazon in August.