Transatlantic (Day 2) Tampa, Florida


We're off on another adventure. We landed in Tampa for a couple of nights ahead of our Transatlantic cruise to Barcelona. Arriving late at night, it really only gave us one full day in Tampa, but we did our best, starting with a 2-hour Segway tour along the Riverwalk, a 2.5 mile path along the side of the Hillsborough River. It was busy with lots of people attending the Riverwalk Festival along our route. We took a break at the far end of the path to check out the old Electric Tram maintenance building that has been repurposed as a collection of eateries. After our tour, we headed off to historic Ybor City, an older neighbourhood of Tampa known for its Cuban roots. Lots of interesting shops and buildings. We took a break to enjoy a bucket of beer in honour of Cinco de Mayo (or "Cinco de Drinko" as it was often called), before heading back on the tram. We then headed off to another neighbourhood in search of dinner and some supplies for the 14-day crossing. At least we got a taste of what Tampa has to offer.


Looking across the Hillsborough River to the university on the other side.



Our group of Segway "pilots". Took us a bit to get the hang of it, but by the end of the session, we were "flying" down the straightaway.



Some wildlife along the River.



The repurposed tram maintenance yard, now a collection of restaurants.



One of the eateries inside.



We crossed the river over to the university. It was originally a resort hotel at the end of the train line.



Historic Columbia Restaurant in Ybor City. The place took up the whole block. We didn't eat here, but we did eat at an offshoot - Columbia Café.



Inside one of the shops.



Part of the main street in Ybor City.



We were lucky to be entertained by a singer on the tram ride back to the hotel. They are part of the Gasparilla Music Festival, and are hired to entertain on the trams Saturday afternoons during May.

NEXT: (Day 4) Key West, Florida
Transatlantic - May 2018