robot toast: Tampa, FL

Before leaving for Tampa, we stopped at Anna Maria Point to walk on the beach.

Pirate was a bit reluctant to leave, but we assured her that she would have cats to play with in Tampa.

Our first stop was the University of Tampa where I went to college. These minarets (and 8-10 more) are found on top of Plant Hall, the oldest building on campus.

After dropping Pirate off at Brian and Brad's house, we went out to eat at Grass Roots. Unfortunately, they decided to chop a months worth of onions while we were eating. All of our eyes were watering throughout the entire meal.

All vegan food with lots of raw options.

The next day we went to some outdoor markets to get fresh veggies for our dinner. This lady was opening coconuts to drink.

Rebecca and Brian enjoying a refreshing beverage.

The Taco Bus was awesome. All sorts of goodies and vegan steak for your tacos! This place will be featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives" on the Food Network in March.

Brian and I got manly and built two benches for their back deck.

Veggies for grilling.

Got to see some kids that I haven't seen in years.

On Sunday morning after I got my butt kicked in basketball by Andy and Chris, I met Brian, Brad and Rebecca at a Thai Temple (Wat Mongkolratanaram) that serves brunch on Sundays.

I can't remember what these were, but Brian loves them.

Later that day we went to the Lowry Park Zoo. While not the biggest zoo, it has everything you want to see and can be done in less than 2 hours.

First we feed the lorikeets.

Then the giraffes.

Then the.....oh boy, get a room kids.

This wallaby had a little one in her pouch, but I was never fast enough to get it on film.

Game night while watching the Oscars. Matt gets excited when we play Ticket To Ride.

When my grandparents lived in Florida, they would take me here every time I visited them. It is a power plant that takes in the cool ocean water and pumps out warm water. The manatees love to come there and hang out.