When I was asked to write a blog, I thought what could I write that would be informative, entertaining and interesting enough to garner loyal readers, getting them involved in this new technical world we are all finding out is a cool way to communicate?
My answer surprised even myself.
Could I write about politics? Yes, that’s entertaining and sometimes informative, but I discovered there are enough people already penning opinion pieces that I best leave that to the pundits who have labels like “conservative, liberal and just plain biased.”
Then, I thought about my bass-pursuing years and a quest to catch a 10-pound fish might have some appeal. I ruled that one out knowing not everyone had the same passion to chase little “green fish” around the countryside; getting up at 4 a.m. to drive to East Texas area lakes before daylight. Those were the fun years, and I was doubly blessed to live where you can hitch-up your bass boat and be at one of the 10 best bass lakes in Texas located within an hour’s drive of Tyler.
Early in my newspaper career, I fished with several professional bass fishermen along the way like three-time world champion Rick Clunn, Tommy Martin, Larry Nixon, Zell Rowland, and Lonnie Stanley, all Texas pros who taught me productive tricks on how to catch bass. They were all pretty nice people as well.
It was hard not to get caught up in their world. They were at the pinnacle of their chosen professional career, and heralded as heroes to the thousands of passionate weekend fisherman.
No, that blog idea smelled a little bit fishy and the newspaper already publishes two outdoor columns a week written by Steve Knight.
The fishing blog would not have wide appeal even though I also covered the women’s professional circuit as well. I figured the topic was too restrictive, and I was a dismal failure when it came to catching large bass. However, let’s not forget my one moment of fame when I won the prestigious Bass Angling Sportsman Society’s Classic Press Division with a one-pound, 9-ounce bass. Even I was surprised!
Heck, even then B.A.S.S. President Ray Scott presented me my trophy on national television.
Away from the TV cameras and back home, I was still a hard-luck fisherman like most who practiced the sport. I always had a terrible story to tell about the “big one getting away.” I still fish but not with the same intensively fervor like I once did. It’s going to be grandpa fishing real soon, if you know what I mean. My two lovely grandchildren have a desire to get in my boat and now are asking, “When are we going fishing, Buddy?”
Let’s re-focus on the blog. So, I thought I could write about news stories I covered in my almost 40-year newspaper career, but then I surmised nobody is really interested in rehashing old reporter stories. I only met five U.S. presidents, went to the White House twice and became acquainted with the now-deceased military junta leader of Panama, Gen. Omar Torrijos along the way. Gen. Torrijos was overthrown twice while I lived in Panama. I was an invited guest in his home and socialized some with his brother Hector, who was a tourism minister.
After almost 30 years, I returned to Panama on a Christmas day only to find a different Panamanian Republic than I once knew. I had read there were free elections but did not know Torrijos’ son Martín Torrijos Espino, won the presidential election on May 2, 2004, and took office the following September.
How cool was that? I remember seeing him as a small child at a Christmas party in the late 60s, and now he was somewhat following in his father’s footsteps but he used the ballot box instead of the guns and bullets strategy his father practiced.
Gen. Torrijos was a well-respected man and a genuine friend of Panama’s poorest citizens. I guess it was somewhat befitting his son won election when the citizens gained their right to vote.
His son moved the country in a new direction of attracting tourism dollars. History will recall it was President Jimmy Carter who gave the Panama Canal back to the Panamanian citizenry, ending the practice of splitting the country geographically along the length of the canal and keeping a large U.S. military presence there. That’s another story. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Omar_Torrijos
So, I after more blog thought settled on a topic appealing very much to me, and hopefully it will to you.
It’s my love to travel and meet people -- all cultures, ethnic groups and diversity. It is my desire to communicate with others through traveling that consumes my interest.
My body has been around the block a time or two, and I can offer insight into countries I have visited; possibly offer suggestions on places to see and things to do or showcase memorable destinations.
Today launches my first attempt at writing a blog titled, “Where In The World Is Jim Giametta?”
The format will be simple as we journey together to who knows where in photographs and text. Simply, I will offer a few photos each week and ask if anyone can identify the location, share a story about the photo or supply your own recollections for all of us to see on this blog. Could be some prizes will be in order for those who participate. I’ll have to check with the boss to see if the budget can stand it.
I hope this blog has interest. If not, I will keep traveling, meeting new people and taking pictures to enjoy in my old age and let somebody else have a shot at doing this.
Welcome to “Where In The World Is Jim Giametta?” Come along for the experience and let’s have a good time showing our world to others.
This week’s photo is a famous place. It was once a “most photographed” location.
When built, it was heralded as innovative, futuristic, and down-right entertaining. My travels took me there on a recent vacation.
Can you tell us, “Where In The World Is Jim Giametta?”
Here's another hint? Now, do you know what this structure represents and why it was constructed?
And, where is it located in the world?
