Thanksgving Week

I just got home from Open Mic night at The Mews. I must say, this was one of the best Coffee House at The Mews that I’ve been too. Every act was amazing. I had dinner with friends Bernard and Scott from New York and John from Provincetown. The food was delicious, service splendid, company wonderful and the acts very talented.

If you find yourself in Ptown this winter on a Monday night, be sure to check out The Mews. Coffee House starts at 8PM and the featured performer comes on at 9PM. It is truly a treat…a more conservative and civilized version of Showgirls. There is requested donation of $3.00 to benefit WOMR radio.

This past weekend the winds blew fiercely and the weather was freezing. The town was pretty dead with little activity on Commercial Street. I was able to catch quite a few movies up cape to pass the time.

Earlier in the week my friends Billy and Tony came out from Boston. We went to Taco Tuesday at The Crown and Anchor… great venue for socializing, just don’t eat too much as it is a buffet. 

We also saw Anne Stott perform at The Grotto at Enzo’s. She was very entertaining and she drew a nice crowd for a Tuesday off season.

We ate breakfast at the Crowne Pointe Guesthouse where Billy stayed. Sweet potato pancakes were delicious and the coffee was perhaps the best I’ve had in town… except for JOE of course.

Last Monday night, John and I attended town meeting where a tax was approved to be levied upon second homeowners on their vacation rentals. I am in complete disagreement with this tax. I’ll make this fast, but I do need to vent.

Most second homeowners, when they rent, usually do so out of genuine need to pay part of their mortgage. They are gay and lesbians who want to achieve that dream of owning in Provincetown. When they rent, they need to pay cleaners, managers and realtors, so they really do not make a “killing” as some think. Taxing second homeowners sends the wrong message to our subculture about Provincetown.

Guesthouse owners feel the tax is fare since they’ve been paying it for years in the form of room tax. Their argument is that the consumer pays it, not the homeowner and it will bring more revenue to the town. I understand and appreciate the argument, however, when you stay at a guesthouse or hotel, there is a level of service that you expect which you do not get when you rent an apartment.

There were plenty of high fives and applause when this passed, narrowly, by 20 votes. Those who passed this tax, in my humble opinion, have a serious misperception as to how this may impact us. It is important for our local economy that renters keep coming armed with enough cash to spend on retail, art, entertainment and at restaurants. This tax, based on the argument that the consumer will pay, takes away that extra money that a vacationer may have to spend on a business in town. So, just to push back a bit, the person who will really pay for this tax is the business owner in Provincetown who gets cut out of the vacation spending budget.

When I witnessed a local storeowner jump up with joy when the tax passed and shriek a loud “yeah!” and throw a fist through the air, I wanted to approach her and ask if she thought this was good for her business. To reiterate my argument; asking the renter or second homeowner to pay more taxes can really impact that extra cash a vacationer may use to buy senseless bric-a-brac, especially during a recession. The tax may amount to an extra $100 to $200 per rental, at least. This can influence a vacationer to decide whether or not they really need to buy a doormat that says “Welcome friends and ocean waves.”

We’ll see where this goes as an appeal movement is in the process. I’ll keep you posted.

In other news out here, the driver of who flipped the fire truck a couple weeks back has been cited. Three criminal citations have been issued against him...speeding, failure to use care at an intersection, and operating a motor vehicle as to endanger. He is only 21 years old. I’m not happy about the accident but as long as no one was hurt I’d like to see him reprimanded in other ways.

That’s it for this week. Have a happy Thanksgiving and play it safe. Email me if you want mike.dubour@verizon.net.

Yo Necessito Mi Café Con Leche En La Manana

NOTE: To view the pictures that go with this entry, check out the version of this blog on PTownMa.info.

The season has really ended, the boys retreated back to their respective homes and I took off on vacation. Last week, Brian and I went to Puerto Rico for a fun filled retreat. I have never been to the sunny island or “la isla bonita” as most license plates read. I’ll recap for you the trip along with some pictures. But first let’s talk Provincetown.

While I was away, The Grand Union was sold to Stop and Shop. This is huge…what will we do without the GU? Most folks are happy about the purchase. The store will be closed December 5-7th for the change. Right now, there are great deals on pretty much everything as they attempt to clear house. The pharmacy will remain open. There is even talk of remodeling…my friend Rich wants the store to expand into a neighboring vacant retail space…and in true Reagan fashion he wants to yell “Mr. Manager, tear down this wall” to the undulating cheers of townies.

George’s Pizza…the only pizza joint left open for the off-season, was forced to close its doors after being seized for non payment of taxes. Shoot…looks like frozen pizza for the winter.

Finally, our $500,000 hook and ladder truck was flipped on Route 6 by a 21 year old volunteer firefighter. He was not on his way to an emergency and had his girlfriend in the truck with him. The truck rolled a few times. Wow!!!!! Thank God they are OK.

Now back to vacation. Brian called me about one month ago and wanted to go on a trip. I recommended the old stand by, Fort Lauderdale, would make a great vacation…but he wanted to go somewhere different. I gave him a few days to come up with an alternative and he called a few days later, very excited, saying our destination would be Puerto Rico. I laughed to myself at some subtle irony that lay in his choice of place and dates of travel…but I agreed and we made the plans.

We stayed at The Caribe Hilton in San Juan. This is a great hotel compound and our room had quite the view. Our first day there we relaxed on hammocks suspended between two palm trees on the beach. I crashed and literally fell asleep.

The next day we were up early and treated ourselves to room service breakfast on the balcony which overlooks a historic fort and the ocean (great coffee in Puerto Rico btw…and I grew addicted to café con leche). Then we went to the beach, jumped on this oddly huge trampoline that was floating in the ocean…. We had so much fun that we attracted tons of little girls who climbed on the trampoline and shrieked in delight…it was our cue to leave.

We flew to Vieques later that day for an overnight. We had a smooth flight and saw awesome views of Puerto Rico from the air. That night we swam in the Bioluminescent Bay with microorganisms that glowed in the dark...this was truly an amazing experience.

The next day we swam at Sun Bay Beach.. postcard beautiful… and we were the only ones there!

We flew back to San Juan and toured El Morro in Old San Juan. This structure is a fantastic fort built in the 1500’s that was once used by the Spanish to guard San Juan. It was here that I met a cute Puerto Rican man working in the gift shop/book store. We exchanged quite a few glances as he was just too darn cute…but I left.

We walked through Old San Juan and Brian took tons of pictures. We had café con leche at a plaza de Armas… and then, in Walgreens, while getting sun glasses, I ran into the cute Latino boy from the bookstore. I had to say hi…his name is Julio.

Brian and I had dinner at Café Berlin at the suggestion of my friend George. It was absolutely delicious and the service was impeccable. I tried speaking Spanish most of the trip and that got us great service and smiles everywhere we went… possibly because they were laughing at my attempt. But overall I think it was appreciated.

The next day we drove to Ponce in south Puerto Rico. It is a historic city. Brian went crazy with the photographs. Then we drove to the west coast to the Playa Crashboat and Aquidillo. Puerto Rico is a beautiful island and we saw our share this day.

That night we met up with Julio at a restaurant called Baru in old San Juan. The bar tender, Demaris, was really nice and she gave us free drinks, great food created lots of fun. We toured Old San Juan with our own personal guide. Blend and The Pink Umbrella seemed to be the hot spots.

The next day was deemed a do nothing day. After an hour long tennis match, Brian and I worked out at the gym and got massages at the hotel spa by a very attractive Puerto Rican man. Awesome massage… We relaxed in the hammocks again and then went to The Atlantic Beach House in the Condado for tea dance. It was pretty lame to be honest but we did meet two New Yorkers who were lots of fun. Hopefully, we’ll see more of them. That evening we went to Fort San Cristobal in Old San Juan for a historic light and shadow show…Julio got us in for free. Afterwards, we ate at Café Puerto Rico… the food was good but we were rushed so I can’t really comment favorably on the place at this point. On the way to Julio’s apartment we bumped into real estate guru Barbara Corcoran. I’m a big fan of her achievements and was really shocked at having run into her. 

Our last full day in Puerto Rico was spent at El Yunque Rain Forest. We walked the trails and swam under a waterfall. It was truly magical and awe inspiring.

Our last day there while we grieved the end of our fabulous trip, Brian, in a fit of thanksgiving, wrapped a towel on his head and sang “Ave Maria” from our balcony… it was mesmerizing and haunting…a nice way to say goodbye. 

We flew home Tuesday…back to reality. Mitt Romney, our former governor sat in front of us on the plane. That was strange. We were delayed for two hours on the runway before leaving…. We should have stayed and extended the vacation. I ultimately missed my connection to Cape Air in Boston, but Jet Blu put me up at the Hyatt until the next morning… one more night in a hotel and delaying my re-entry.

I’m definitely heading back to Puerto Rico. The place is a mix of extreme poverty and beauty. What a contrast. Everyone was friendly and I got to try and speak Spanish. In fact, most of the time, folks addressed me in Spanish and I didn’t do too badly responding. I’m going back. 

That’s it for this week. Play it safe and email me at mike.dubour@verizon.net if you have questions.

Autumn Scenes in Provincetown

Trick or treat indeed!

It is Sunday night and I’m wrapping up an incredibly fun weekend here in Provincetown.

Halloween fell on a Friday so the town was full of Boston and New York guys…I even ran into a few from Philly.

The town was unbelievably packed and Commercial Street held crowds as if it were summer. Friday night was a parade of costumes up and down Commercial Street…the paparazzi were out snapping photos.

Paramount, A-House, Vixen and even the BoatSlip were open with Halloween bashes. Provincetown was the place to be this weekend.

A group of us ate dinner Saturday night at Jimmie’s Hideaway…Barb (Babs), Marguerite, John, Mark, Bill, Rich and Paul… it was pretty good… then we went to see Poor Superman at The Art House…one of hopefully many off season performances that will be there. The house was full, acting superb and storyline pretty powerful. My friends Anne, Spencer and Scott were the main characters.

Earlier in the week, John and I viewed an Italian movie “Seven Beauties” at PAAM (Provincetown Art Association and Museum). Great movie from the 1970’s…The era is World War II and the setting is a concentration camp. It really sets perspective. Try and watch it if you can find this movie.

Tonight, I saw “Religulous” with John at The Art House Theatre. I must say it’s quite the thought provoking flick.

My short film Pump; Terror on the Bike Trail will be screened next week as part of Outer 2K8, The OUTer Gay and Lesbian Science Fiction and Fantasy Film Festival in Austin, Texas. You can have your very own private screening right here. Click on the links below to check out the festival and to watch the movie on Youtube. It’s very short.

Pump: Terror on the bike trail, Click here.

Outerfest, Click here.

Remember to come to Provincetown in the last few weeks of the fall. It is absolutely beautiful. Also, it’s not too early to start planning for New Years Eve! It is quite the bash here! I think I’ll stay put this year after being away from home for two New Years Eve’s in a row. Last year, I ventured to Atlanta and the year before to The Hamptons.

Next week is “Meet Your Mate’s Weekend.” All you single guys can come out for some fun and just maybe you’ll meet the man of your dreams…or men.

Ok.. that’s it this week. Play it safe and feel free to shoot me an email at mike.dubour@verizon.net.

I’ll be on vacation for the next two weeks. Next Monday my webmaster, Paul, will post a link for you to watch video scenes I shot of Autumn in Provincetown. Check it out, you’ll wish you were here. See ya.

Fantasia Fair and Round Up

Don’t forget to vote on November 4th. This election is very important for so many reasons. Here’s a chilling fact; hate crimes in general have decreased across the nation while crimes against gays and lesbians have increased. Electing a Democrat to the presidency along with the Democratic Congress for at least two years is more promising for us than having a Republican in the white house. Ok I’ll get off the box. 

Here’s why places like Provincetown are still so important and valuable.

Fantasia Fair occurred this week. There is truly nowhere on Earth where hundreds of transgender folk come to town, have fun and address issues that face their subculture without being harassed. Provincetown openly welcomed them to town for their weeklong conference. All week, cross dressers, their friends and family walked Commercial Street, shopped and socialized. It was fun to “people watch” this week with no judgment, only acceptance in my heart (except for the occasional unfortunate outfit). All walks of life are welcome here and part of what makes this place so very special.

The Round Up was also here this week. Celebrating 21 years, “Serenity by The Sea” was a success. I met many interesting people at the event from all over the country. In particular, my new friends from Philadelphia are extra special. I met Chris and Tom early in the week and for me, there was an instant connection. Later, I was introduced to the rest of their group… Jack and Philip. We all cliqued and I was sad to see them leave. I think I may be going to Philly for a visit. 

Part of the Round Up included a variety show which was attended by close to 500 gays and lesbians. It was a lot of fun, especially my friend’s imitation of Phyllis Diller…dead on.

This Friday is Halloween and means the town will be absolutely packed. If you haven’t been to Provincetown for Halloween, than get your fanny here. It rivals Salem, Ma in intensity, only Provincetown is full of talented and creative straight and gay folk who want to have happy fun… Salem can get a bit rough. But here the costumes are outrageous. Every bar has a contest or you can just walk up and down Commercial Street. It is like a parade. I still have to buy some candy as I usually get about a hundred trick or treat'rs. Since it falls on a Friday, the town will be mobbed.

That’s it for this week. I’ll let you know how Halloween was. Friends are coming from Boston and want me to dress up. I’m not too sure about that.

Email me if you have a comment mike.dubour@verizon.net and remember to play it safe and VOTE!

From Women's Week to Nantucket and Back

Women’s Week was here! It was the 24th year women converged on our lovely hamlet to celebrate womanhood. The town was busy with ladies who came for fun, shows and workshops. I went away for two days.

Getting off our “island” for my weekend to Nantucket was quite fun. It is nice to see another Cape Cod resort town in the throws of a shoulder season. The weird part was that no stores offered an end of season discount like Provincetown. Some stores here are offering 70% off merchandise before closing for the winter.
John, Tony and I took the slow ferry Tuesday morning in part because we were in no hurry to be anywhere. What a tremendous feeling that was. We sat in the “first class” section of the slow ferry to Nantucket. Now don’t get too excited, first class on this ferry means padded chairs, free coffee and a Danish pastry. How can one resist for the $7.00 surcharge?

My last trip to the rock was in August and I travelled on the fast ferry surrounded by corporate weekenders seeking a retreat from their lives. This time, we were surrounded by an elderly travel group. The soft classical music was quickly drowned out by men and women yelling to hear themselves. No harm was done though but the pastry disappeared rather quickly.

I know you’re reading this because you want to know about Ptown, so I’ll explain the Nantucket get away quickly. It was nice to walk down the street and not know anyone. The cobblestone streets are beautiful and downtown Nantucket is quite nice, as if a gay man designed it. I’m not complaining about Provincetown and I love running into friends here, that’s one of its charms, but it was a nice break. We stayed at a lovely B+B called The Anchor Inn. It was located in town. We walked everywhere and I didn’t rent a bike this time. We dined at Lo La 41 at the referral of a friend who has a home on Nantucket. I asked him for a chic and stylish eatery for the upwardly mobile who come to play. Of course I knew I‘d find some sisters there…. and we did… we sat right next to a lovely gay couple visiting the island from Denver, Colorado. We even spied a few others tipping their martinis and laughing. The dinner was delicious, atmosphere pleasant and service excellent. I highly recommend the place.

John and I toured the island on Wednesday. We saw a historic old house, windmill and lighthouse that was just moved due to erosion. We were informed that Macy’s Department Store and Folgers Coffee got their starts on the island.

We headed back to mainland on the ferry. Once we landed, we had dinner at a hip restaurant on Main Street in Hyannis called Colombo.

Back in Provincetown, I embraced Women’s Week by attending “The Really Big Show” at the UU Meeting House with Marguerite and Barbara. This two hour extravaganza was attended by at least 300 women. I think I was one of three guys there. It started with the lesbian drum corp…pretty wild percussionists…yes, I got totally into it. The hostess Mimi Gonzalez introduced the acts…there were opera singers, drag kings (very interesting) Broadway singers, a pianist, comedians and my favorite; The Mount Holyoke College Glee Club sang do- wop. . I bought four of their cds after the show. Next year, I plan to attend more of the shows for Women’s Week…what a fun part of our subculture.

Tonight, I attended a classical piano recital at the UU Meeting House. My friend John Stott performed numerous classical pieces from Chopin, Beethoven and Listz…from memory. It was amazing and his hands literally danced over the ivory.

This week Fantasia Fair starts. It is a particularly fun week with the cross dressers here in town. Most of them have their wives with them. I’m serious. I love seeing their outfits.

Well, that’s it for this week. Nothing Earth shattering happening out here. Keep reading and have a fun week. Remember to play it safe. mike.dubour@verizon.net

An Amazing Gay Wedding, and More

I’m writing this after attending an amazing gay wedding. I feel high with the good time that this event was. My friends Phillip and Scott were married at The Provincetown Inn. Phillip is Jewish and Scott a Christian… the wedding was an amazing mix of both religions…more Christian, however. 

The weather was absolutely beautiful as they exchanged vows with Provincetown Harbor and skyline as a backdrop. I thought that maybe someday I will be married. Then I laughed…not sure I believe in that institution at this point in my life. Gay marriage is now legal in MA, CT and CA. It will be a matter of time before gay marriage is just not an issue. With the economy in shambles, a depressing war taxing our nerve and AIDS making a comeback…the fact that two people want to exchange vows and commit to each other legally, is not so important. At least it shouldn’t be.

Anyhow, the wedding was quite traditional and the setting was marvelous. The Tiffany Room at the inn was the perfect place for the reception. There was the Christian blessing, they were married under their own chuppa, we all yelled mazel tov after the grooms smashed the glass, the meal blessing, the first dance, the hora dance, we carried one groom on a chair while dancing (the other groom didn’t want to be carried), the cutting of the cake… it was by all means the way life is supposed to be. A huge mix of about 200 friends and relatives were there. Phillip and Scott are truly blessed. Good luck guys.

Now about Provincetown. The large Navy barracks boat that was here for the past five years, was towed away last week. It is gone. The empty space was sadly noticeable until I realized that it really was an eyesore. Cabral Wharf looks great now.

It's Women’s Week and there are many shows happening. Lots of talent in town and the weather is unbelievable and the streets are crowded. My dear friends Barb, Marguerite, Laurie, Elaine, Rich, Mark and Bill dined at Fanizzi’s Saturday night. We had a great time and Tanya provided excellent service. We were at dinner for three hours!

Well I’m off to Nantucket for my weekend with my friends Tony and John. I know you want to see more pictures and I’ll provide some of the trip next week.

Thanks for your emails and for reading. Have a good week and play it safe. Send me an email… I love them mike.dubour@verizon.net.