Podcasts about gaslamp district

In this episode of "Sleepless in Singapore," I recount the final leg of my road trip down the West Coast of the United States, from San Francisco to San Diego, Tijuana, and back up to LA, ending in Death Valley. Our journey begins with a car swap fiasco at the LA Airport, where we end up with a convertible Chevy, perfect for cruising the Californian highways. San Diego offers us a culinary delight at Tacos El Gordo and a vibrant night at the Gaslamp District, while our brief Tijuana adventure is marked by a border-crossing mishap and a memorable breakfast at Georgina Restaurante. Back in LA, we explore iconic spots like Griffith Observatory, Venice Beach, and the Hollywood Walk of Fame, indulging in local flavors at Petit Trois and a Korean BBQ in Koreatown. Our drive through Death Valley is a scorching experience, with temperatures soaring to 49.2 degrees Celsius. The trip concludes with a Cirque du Soleil show in Vegas and a return to Philadelphia for the 4th of July celebrations, before I finally head back home to Singapore.

The Virgin Couple's Wedding Night: Part 1 A chaste couple's epiphany of pleasures. From the Awakening, By Estcher  Listen to thePodcast at Steamy Stories.My name was Emma Mary Fiore Amato. Now I proudly carry my husband's name: Emma May Fiore Williams. My brand new, gorgeous, and sexy husband is Daniel Christopher Williams. He's African American and I am Italian American. We met in the University of California San Diego (UCSD) as freshmen. We dated despite my reservations of dating a black man. I was not a fan of unwanted attention and being seen with him at school and downtown caused eyes to stare. The United States is rampant with racism. It's everywhere and palatable and real in every sense. It vibrates across social norms and in the media and sometimes openly on the street. But I was attracted to Daniel right away. We shared a class together and the first time I walked into the classroom, and I saw him, my heart had skipped a beat. He had felt the same way. It wasn't until a month later that he summoned the nerve to ask me out. We went to a dinner down at Liberty Station and then walked the boardwalk past where the San Salvador replica galleon was being made and along the inner harbour. It was a lovely first date. Afterward, he kissed me outside my dormitory, and I kissed him back and told him I would like to go out again. He was so pleased. Daniel is gorgeous. He's my height but very slim. He keeps his hair short and has a short-cropped beard. He wears black rimmed glasses. He does a little gym and a little cardio. Not a lot, but just enough to keep him fit. He's strong. His ass is golden. I was first attracted to his eyes. His glasses have a way of making them larger than life and they pulled me in. His dark skin enhancing the white of his eyes and his lovely teeth past his full lips. That first kiss outside my dorm had melted me. On our second date I admitted I was a devout Catholic, being a proper Italian American girl. Sex was not allowed outside the marital chamber. I could tell he was devastated. We could both feel the attraction to one another. A look from him would get me all tingly. I was a regular at the confessional at my church, admitting my sin and lust. I would accept my penance and say my prayers kneeling at a pew, gazing with adoration to the figure of Christ above the altar, counting my prayers on my rosary. Throughout our years at UCSD we were never apart. Our love life was constrained to kissing throughout our freshman year, to a little petting during our sophomore and junior years, and as seniors we had performed oral sex on each other a couple of times. My penance for that consisted of working at various soup kitchens in the Gaslamp District of San Diego. Daniel joined me and I think I truly fell in love with him when he did. He shared my penance and I rejoiced. My parents were shocked when I had introduced Danial to them. They aren't racist, but they had hoped I would meet someone "more like me", my mother had said. But it was too late for me. I adored Daniel and together we were wonderful. In time, they accepted our relationship. It helped that Daniel was so well spoken and so intelligent. They could see the good in him and although he was Baptist by his christening, he believed in God and that was enough for my parents to accept him. It was so hard not to cave into our sexual desires. We wanted each other so terribly badly. But I was a good Catholic girl and took my faith very seriously. Daniel understood and somehow, he stayed with me throughout college. Our friends always tried to pressure us. My girlfriends thought I was archaic; disillusioned about values they said no longer applied in the modern world. His friends were no better, urging him to leave me for "someone better". By the end of college, we had few friends, but by that point in our relationship, I only needed Daniel and he only needed me. We decided to wait until our careers started before we took things any further with our relationship. He started work at an architectural firm in San Diego, and I accepted an accounting position out in Coronado. One year later he proposed to me. My heart soared on that day, and I will never forget it. It had been magical and perfect, and I accepted right away, and he spun me around. My parents had known. Daniel has asked them for my hand in marriage and they had happily agreed. We set a date for end summer, and I dove into planning and preparations. My only remaining girlfriend, a friend from church, became my bridesmaid and helped with everything. The wedding was beautiful. Standing before my future husband in front of God and my family and friends and making my vows was the most beautiful thing I had ever done. He looked so gorgeous in his tuxedo. I never loved him more. We said our vows, exchanged rings, and then he kissed me in front of everybody. Claiming me as his bride and wife. I felt liberated. He was now my husband. Everything we had always wanted to do for the past five years were now open to us. We could consummate our marriage and love. Over and over again. I walked back down the aisle, a woman and a wife, and my pussy couldn't have been wetter. Lust ran over me in waves and I gripped Daniel's hand so tightly. The rest of the day and evening went by in a blur. I had to watch the video later to see just how much of a good time we had. But mostly I watched how Daniel and I looked at each other. Everyone said we looked with such love at each other. In truth, we were looking at each other with unbridled lust. Then, thankfully, we exited the reception to cheering family and friends and entered the limo my father had provided, and we were whisked away to our hotel. In the morning, we were heading to Hawai'i for our honeymoon. But tonight. Tonight, I would become my man's woman. He would take me and complete me. I don't recall checking in, or the elevator ride to our suite, or Daniel carrying me in his arms across the threshold to our suite. What I remember is tearing off our clothes and collapsing on the large California King bed. Later, I would peel rose petals off my flesh and Daniel's. I was a good Catholic girl. I had followed my faith, confessed my sins, and did my penance. But now? Now I was married and in the eyes of God, I would and could pleasure my husband. I knew the scripture. My chains were removed. "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands." (Eph. 5:22--24). My mother had given me advice the day before the wedding. She said it was a long tradition and I would do the same for my daughter one day. She had held my hands and spoke to me as one wife to her daughter bride. She passed on to me the secrets of a happy marriage that the priest had never mentioned during our marriage preparation classes at the church. She spoke openly of things I would need to learn to do. And often, she had said. And willingly. Her attention to detail was unnerving to me but I listened to everything. Some things she said were frightening, sounding foul, but my mother laughed and told me to wait and see. "Your father loves me just as much as the day we married, Emma," she said, holding my hands and looking into my eyes. "Every day I let him know I need him and want him. To be intimate with him and he does the same for me. Marriages fail when that stops. There will be times you don't feel the need or desire. You must fight that. Embrace him. Kiss him. Fondle him. Whisper in his ear that he is your everything and his will is yours to fulfil. Do you understand?" I nodded, biting my lip. I think I understood. My mother laughed at my expression. "Wake him with your mouth in the morning. Not every day. But some days or it will become routine. Pleasure him. Take his seed inside you. Swallow his love. It can be daunting. You'll get used to it. He is your man, and his seed will be yours. Claim it. Only you can receive it through your marriage. Don't make him regret choosing you over all others. "And seek your own pleasure. You should never regret choosing him. He should willingly pleasure you with his mouth. Accept it and bask in it. It is your husband claiming what is his by marriage. Your womanhood will pleasure him. So trim down there, okay? Did your bridesmaid take you to the salon?" I nodded, feeling heat rush to my face. I had been waxed. It had hurt so badly, but I had found pleasure in it in a small way which frightened me. I nodded at my mother. "Good. And all the way between your legs?" I nodded again, feeling more heat. "Do you know what sodomy is?" I nodded feeling horror. "My priest told me before I was married that sodomy is a sin between men," said my mother, looking hard at me. "Yes, mamma." "And he added it does not concern marital relations between man and wife." "Mamma!" I said in shock. I thought of her and dad. "Did you and poppa...?" "Oh, yes, Emma. Otherwise, you would have a lot more siblings rather than just you." "What?" "You'll need to watch your cycle. Avoid pregnancies. Anal sex is the best way to do that when you are ovulating." I stared at my mother. Questions raced through my thoughts faster than I could fully formulate and finish them. "I enjoy it, Emma. Pleasuring your father gives me pleasure. Be patient. Try it for yourself. Push past the initial pain and I think you will be surprised. Do this for your husband. For you." I couldn't speak. "Throughout your marriage your husband should want to take you all the time, correct?" "Y-yes." "Invite him to take you. Place yourself at his mercy. Let him claim that which is his by marriage." "Mamma!" "And take him when you want, Emma. You are equals in this, despite what the scriptures say. This is a partnership. If you lust after him, take him. If he lusts after you, give yourself to him. Do this, this simple thing, and your marriage will be full of such love and last for eternity. You will join yourselves in heaven and find such blessings. I'm so happy for you, Emma. Daniel is a beautiful man. Your children will be beautiful." "Thank you, mamma." "One more thing. Are you still intact?" I knew what she meant. My hymen had been lost as a teenager doing simple girlish things. Mine opened riding my bike. I shook my head at my mother. "No, mamma." "And I know you are a virgin. I am so proud of you, Emma. I saw how hard it was for you throughout college. Tomorrow night, you give him your everything. What you do with your husband in your bed, will please God. Everything your heart desires. Put your soul into it, Emma. Seize your pleasure and his, okay?" "Mamma? Did nonna give you this same advice?" "No. I had to learn the hard way. I promised myself I would not let my own daughter go into her marriage bed unprepared. We have more to discuss. Are you okay with all this?" "Yes, momma. I'm uncomfortable, but thankful." "Okay, we still have a lot to cover. Like how to truly pleasure your husband with your mouth. Places on his body you need to explore..." "Explore? Like what?" Mother chuckled. "I'm warming up to this now. Your father has always had the best sex with me. It's okay Emma! You came from our love! Now, the penis is a strange thing at first. Daniel is likely very large. But a man's pleasure also comes from his nipples, and his scrotum and testicles. Play with them. Lightly! So very lightly! And below them. Pay attention there. And below that, too. Do you understand where I am talking about?" She meant his asshole. I was horrified. "Make sure he is clean. You, too. Take the time to keep yourself fresh down there. Inside a man is a place. You'll need to find it. Put a finger inside, find it, rub it." "Momma!" "Hush, you have much the same place inside you. Teach him to find it. Your bodies will be one, once married. There is no shame. It is the beauty of sex between a married couple. Seek your pleasure and give your pleasure. There is so much on the Internet. Watch with him. Learn together." "Yes, momma. Do you do all these things with poppa?" "Oh, God, yes. We're older now and we have slowed down. But yes. We still do. I adore your father and his body. Have you ever seen us fight? Not speak to one another?" "No, momma." And it was true. The love between my parents was there for all to see. They constantly hugged and kissed. I've seen them mildly grope each other. I've heard them through the bedroom walls. I only could pray my marriage would be as close to the beauty of theirs. With my mother's advice I think I now knew how. If I could be brave enough. "And now the more mundane things. You and Daniel will be equal in all things. You are not some toy or trophy the bible would have you believe. The bible was written by some seriously misogynistic men..." My memory of that first night with Daniel is seared into my soul. I subjected myself to my husband. My heart soared. My soul sang. I praised God. I stood fully naked before my husband, and he stood naked before me. I am a beautiful woman. Many men have lusted after me. But I was only for my husband, and I stood proudly before him, exposed so willingly for the first time to his gaze. I watched his eyes devour me. He stared into my brown eyes first and I'm sure he saw the same lust as I saw in his. His gaze slowly drifted down and lingered on my breasts. My nipples were tight and painful, lifting to the sky. I saw him lick his lips and delight filled me. So far, he did not look disappointed. His eyes roamed over my flat stomach and then lower. He stared long and hard at my perfectly waxed pussy. I had left a small, heart-shaped, tuft of my fur on my mound. My wetness trickled down my thigh and it tickled. I saw him lick his lips with his hunger and it thrilled me. I felt exposed. Wanton. But I was married, and this was my husband. A smile crossed my lips. I was awakening to my lust and hunger, and it thrilled me. I stared equally back at my husband. We had done some things together. Fully clothed. I had let him taste me a few times. My penance for that had been the soup kitchens. And I had put him in my mouth a few times. I had never swallowed, though. I had spat it out, shame filling me, knowing I disappointed him. But I could not take his sperm inside me until we were married. But now I stared at his slim figure. His brown skin glistened in the dim light of the room. His chest was lightly sprinkled with dark hair, and I couldn't wait to feel my exposed breasts and nipples rubbing against it. He lacked a defined six pack, but his stomach was toned and flat. My eyes traced that delicious area below his stomach that lowered to his penis. The smooth skin demanded my mouth. And I stared at his penis. I had stroked it before. Sucked it before. Did penance for it before. But now I could see it in all its glory. Black men are endowed and so was my husband. It was long and thick and stood hard and standing straight out from his body. The tip glistened with moisture. Veins ran along its length. Below it hung his heavy testicles. His manhood was displayed for me, and I knew tonight he would put it inside me and fill me. It was darker than the rest of him. The head was large and round and was even darker. My ebony husband was panting for me. He wanted the pleasure only I could bring to him. And I wanted his in return. After my talk with my mother, I did a little research. Watched pornography that showed how to pleasure a man fully. Another trickle of my wetness ran down my thigh and I shivered at the tickle. My husband watched it and his eyes widened. "My husband," I purred. "I am so wet for you. You are so hard for me." "Emma, you are gorgeous. Seeing you walking down the aisle in that dress? Oh my God, the angels were jealous, baby. All eyes were on you, but you only had eyes for me." I had stared at him the whole way down the aisle. My papa handed me over and when I had stood before Daniel, my legs threatened to fail me. My love for him in that moment had risen above everything I thought I could reach. And I could see the same reflected back at me. "And you, my Daniel, you looked so handsome. The perfect man. My man. My husband." Daniel was losing himself in his lust for me. He was shaking, and so was I. "Tonight, we will make love, Daniel. I've wanted this for years. I give my everything to you. Do you understand?" He shook his head. "We are married now. My body--all of it--is yours to pleasure yourself with. And I will pleasure myself with you. Over and over, again and again." "My God, Emma. You are so beautiful. Look at you! A gorgeous Italian beauty! I love you so much. I am the luckiest man in the world that you could love me as I love you." "And you are my ebony stud. You are so beautiful to me, Daniel. I have lusted after you since the first day we met. Do you remember?" "How could I forget? Freshman year. Sitting in class, and in walks the woman of my dreams! A vision. So elegant and poised. I knew then I wanted to marry you." "You did?" "Oh, yes. It was love at first sight. I would have waited my entire life to be with you." "Wait no longer, my love. I am yours. Take me. Take all of me. Whatever you desire. Anything." "Anything? What do you mean?" "All my body is yours now, Daniel. And all your body is mine. I mean to take it. I want you to take me, in any way you imagine. But first, I want you to make love to me. To enter me. To cum inside me and seal our marriage in our pleasure and love. I want to lie back and feel you enter me." "Okay," replied Daniel, simply. His eyes looked wild. I moved to him, crossing the distance in two steps, and pressed myself to him. My mouth found his with hunger and I groaned at the feel of his hard cock pressing between us, reaching up past my belly button. We kissed, our tongues dancing, our hands caressing and exploring. His fingers found my wet slit and slid down along my clit and into my depths. I groaned into his mouth and reached down and took his hard, hot penis into my gentle hand. I stroked him, savouring the glorious hardness and maleness of him. We shuffled to the bed and flopped down hard on our sides. We squirmed our way further up the bed until we found the pillows. Rose petals clung to us. All that existed was his body and mine and the pleasures we would pull from one another. I found myself on my back, my legs spread in a delicious wanton way I was now free to enjoy. Daniel crawled up between my legs until he lay on me, his cock pressed against my wet labia, spreading them apart and rubbing deliciously on my clit. We necked hard. My tongue driving into his mouth with desire. His tongue rammed into my mouth, and we sucked on each other's tongues, swallowing our spit, and sinking into each other's souls. My mind was purely on my vagina. An ache I hadn't felt before burned down there. My pussy felt more alive than ever before. I was intimately aware of every little feeling. Wetness poured from me. I could feel the rivulets escaping me. My pussy felt like it was opening on its own. Spreading for my husband. My man. My lover. My best friend in the whole wide world. The righteousness of it overwhelmed my emotions. I sobbed happy tears. I held Daniel's beautiful face in my hands and pressed my lips against his plump, full, sexual lips. Lips I wanted all over my body, tracing his tongue into places I had only dreamed of. And thanks to my mother's words--and a little bit of research--I knew what I wanted to do and taste. Daniel shifted his hips. I felt his enormous cock head press against my opening. "Wait!" I said, pushing on his shoulders. "I want to watch you enter me for the first time! Please!" To be continued, By Estcher for Literotica

The Virgin Couple's Wedding Night: Part 1 A chaste couple's epiphany of pleasures. From the Awakening, By Estcher  Listen to thePodcast at Steamy Stories.My name was Emma Mary Fiore Amato. Now I proudly carry my husband's name: Emma May Fiore Williams. My brand new, gorgeous, and sexy husband is Daniel Christopher Williams. He's African American and I am Italian American. We met in the University of California San Diego (UCSD) as freshmen. We dated despite my reservations of dating a black man. I was not a fan of unwanted attention and being seen with him at school and downtown caused eyes to stare. The United States is rampant with racism. It's everywhere and palatable and real in every sense. It vibrates across social norms and in the media and sometimes openly on the street. But I was attracted to Daniel right away. We shared a class together and the first time I walked into the classroom, and I saw him, my heart had skipped a beat. He had felt the same way. It wasn't until a month later that he summoned the nerve to ask me out. We went to a dinner down at Liberty Station and then walked the boardwalk past where the San Salvador replica galleon was being made and along the inner harbour. It was a lovely first date. Afterward, he kissed me outside my dormitory, and I kissed him back and told him I would like to go out again. He was so pleased. Daniel is gorgeous. He's my height but very slim. He keeps his hair short and has a short-cropped beard. He wears black rimmed glasses. He does a little gym and a little cardio. Not a lot, but just enough to keep him fit. He's strong. His ass is golden. I was first attracted to his eyes. His glasses have a way of making them larger than life and they pulled me in. His dark skin enhancing the white of his eyes and his lovely teeth past his full lips. That first kiss outside my dorm had melted me. On our second date I admitted I was a devout Catholic, being a proper Italian American girl. Sex was not allowed outside the marital chamber. I could tell he was devastated. We could both feel the attraction to one another. A look from him would get me all tingly. I was a regular at the confessional at my church, admitting my sin and lust. I would accept my penance and say my prayers kneeling at a pew, gazing with adoration to the figure of Christ above the altar, counting my prayers on my rosary. Throughout our years at UCSD we were never apart. Our love life was constrained to kissing throughout our freshman year, to a little petting during our sophomore and junior years, and as seniors we had performed oral sex on each other a couple of times. My penance for that consisted of working at various soup kitchens in the Gaslamp District of San Diego. Daniel joined me and I think I truly fell in love with him when he did. He shared my penance and I rejoiced. My parents were shocked when I had introduced Danial to them. They aren't racist, but they had hoped I would meet someone "more like me", my mother had said. But it was too late for me. I adored Daniel and together we were wonderful. In time, they accepted our relationship. It helped that Daniel was so well spoken and so intelligent. They could see the good in him and although he was Baptist by his christening, he believed in God and that was enough for my parents to accept him. It was so hard not to cave into our sexual desires. We wanted each other so terribly badly. But I was a good Catholic girl and took my faith very seriously. Daniel understood and somehow, he stayed with me throughout college. Our friends always tried to pressure us. My girlfriends thought I was archaic; disillusioned about values they said no longer applied in the modern world. His friends were no better, urging him to leave me for "someone better". By the end of college, we had few friends, but by that point in our relationship, I only needed Daniel and he only needed me. We decided to wait until our careers started before we took things any further with our relationship. He started work at an architectural firm in San Diego, and I accepted an accounting position out in Coronado. One year later he proposed to me. My heart soared on that day, and I will never forget it. It had been magical and perfect, and I accepted right away, and he spun me around. My parents had known. Daniel has asked them for my hand in marriage and they had happily agreed. We set a date for end summer, and I dove into planning and preparations. My only remaining girlfriend, a friend from church, became my bridesmaid and helped with everything. The wedding was beautiful. Standing before my future husband in front of God and my family and friends and making my vows was the most beautiful thing I had ever done. He looked so gorgeous in his tuxedo. I never loved him more. We said our vows, exchanged rings, and then he kissed me in front of everybody. Claiming me as his bride and wife. I felt liberated. He was now my husband. Everything we had always wanted to do for the past five years were now open to us. We could consummate our marriage and love. Over and over again. I walked back down the aisle, a woman and a wife, and my pussy couldn't have been wetter. Lust ran over me in waves and I gripped Daniel's hand so tightly. The rest of the day and evening went by in a blur. I had to watch the video later to see just how much of a good time we had. But mostly I watched how Daniel and I looked at each other. Everyone said we looked with such love at each other. In truth, we were looking at each other with unbridled lust. Then, thankfully, we exited the reception to cheering family and friends and entered the limo my father had provided, and we were whisked away to our hotel. In the morning, we were heading to Hawai'i for our honeymoon. But tonight. Tonight, I would become my man's woman. He would take me and complete me. I don't recall checking in, or the elevator ride to our suite, or Daniel carrying me in his arms across the threshold to our suite. What I remember is tearing off our clothes and collapsing on the large California King bed. Later, I would peel rose petals off my flesh and Daniel's. I was a good Catholic girl. I had followed my faith, confessed my sins, and did my penance. But now? Now I was married and in the eyes of God, I would and could pleasure my husband. I knew the scripture. My chains were removed. "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands." (Eph. 5:22--24). My mother had given me advice the day before the wedding. She said it was a long tradition and I would do the same for my daughter one day. She had held my hands and spoke to me as one wife to her daughter bride. She passed on to me the secrets of a happy marriage that the priest had never mentioned during our marriage preparation classes at the church. She spoke openly of things I would need to learn to do. And often, she had said. And willingly. Her attention to detail was unnerving to me but I listened to everything. Some things she said were frightening, sounding foul, but my mother laughed and told me to wait and see. "Your father loves me just as much as the day we married, Emma," she said, holding my hands and looking into my eyes. "Every day I let him know I need him and want him. To be intimate with him and he does the same for me. Marriages fail when that stops. There will be times you don't feel the need or desire. You must fight that. Embrace him. Kiss him. Fondle him. Whisper in his ear that he is your everything and his will is yours to fulfil. Do you understand?" I nodded, biting my lip. I think I understood. My mother laughed at my expression. "Wake him with your mouth in the morning. Not every day. But some days or it will become routine. Pleasure him. Take his seed inside you. Swallow his love. It can be daunting. You'll get used to it. He is your man, and his seed will be yours. Claim it. Only you can receive it through your marriage. Don't make him regret choosing you over all others. "And seek your own pleasure. You should never regret choosing him. He should willingly pleasure you with his mouth. Accept it and bask in it. It is your husband claiming what is his by marriage. Your womanhood will pleasure him. So trim down there, okay? Did your bridesmaid take you to the salon?" I nodded, feeling heat rush to my face. I had been waxed. It had hurt so badly, but I had found pleasure in it in a small way which frightened me. I nodded at my mother. "Good. And all the way between your legs?" I nodded again, feeling more heat. "Do you know what sodomy is?" I nodded feeling horror. "My priest told me before I was married that sodomy is a sin between men," said my mother, looking hard at me. "Yes, mamma." "And he added it does not concern marital relations between man and wife." "Mamma!" I said in shock. I thought of her and dad. "Did you and poppa...?" "Oh, yes, Emma. Otherwise, you would have a lot more siblings rather than just you." "What?" "You'll need to watch your cycle. Avoid pregnancies. Anal sex is the best way to do that when you are ovulating." I stared at my mother. Questions raced through my thoughts faster than I could fully formulate and finish them. "I enjoy it, Emma. Pleasuring your father gives me pleasure. Be patient. Try it for yourself. Push past the initial pain and I think you will be surprised. Do this for your husband. For you." I couldn't speak. "Throughout your marriage your husband should want to take you all the time, correct?" "Y-yes." "Invite him to take you. Place yourself at his mercy. Let him claim that which is his by marriage." "Mamma!" "And take him when you want, Emma. You are equals in this, despite what the scriptures say. This is a partnership. If you lust after him, take him. If he lusts after you, give yourself to him. Do this, this simple thing, and your marriage will be full of such love and last for eternity. You will join yourselves in heaven and find such blessings. I'm so happy for you, Emma. Daniel is a beautiful man. Your children will be beautiful." "Thank you, mamma." "One more thing. Are you still intact?" I knew what she meant. My hymen had been lost as a teenager doing simple girlish things. Mine opened riding my bike. I shook my head at my mother. "No, mamma." "And I know you are a virgin. I am so proud of you, Emma. I saw how hard it was for you throughout college. Tomorrow night, you give him your everything. What you do with your husband in your bed, will please God. Everything your heart desires. Put your soul into it, Emma. Seize your pleasure and his, okay?" "Mamma? Did nonna give you this same advice?" "No. I had to learn the hard way. I promised myself I would not let my own daughter go into her marriage bed unprepared. We have more to discuss. Are you okay with all this?" "Yes, momma. I'm uncomfortable, but thankful." "Okay, we still have a lot to cover. Like how to truly pleasure your husband with your mouth. Places on his body you need to explore..." "Explore? Like what?" Mother chuckled. "I'm warming up to this now. Your father has always had the best sex with me. It's okay Emma! You came from our love! Now, the penis is a strange thing at first. Daniel is likely very large. But a man's pleasure also comes from his nipples, and his scrotum and testicles. Play with them. Lightly! So very lightly! And below them. Pay attention there. And below that, too. Do you understand where I am talking about?" She meant his asshole. I was horrified. "Make sure he is clean. You, too. Take the time to keep yourself fresh down there. Inside a man is a place. You'll need to find it. Put a finger inside, find it, rub it." "Momma!" "Hush, you have much the same place inside you. Teach him to find it. Your bodies will be one, once married. There is no shame. It is the beauty of sex between a married couple. Seek your pleasure and give your pleasure. There is so much on the Internet. Watch with him. Learn together." "Yes, momma. Do you do all these things with poppa?" "Oh, God, yes. We're older now and we have slowed down. But yes. We still do. I adore your father and his body. Have you ever seen us fight? Not speak to one another?" "No, momma." And it was true. The love between my parents was there for all to see. They constantly hugged and kissed. I've seen them mildly grope each other. I've heard them through the bedroom walls. I only could pray my marriage would be as close to the beauty of theirs. With my mother's advice I think I now knew how. If I could be brave enough. "And now the more mundane things. You and Daniel will be equal in all things. You are not some toy or trophy the bible would have you believe. The bible was written by some seriously misogynistic men..." My memory of that first night with Daniel is seared into my soul. I subjected myself to my husband. My heart soared. My soul sang. I praised God. I stood fully naked before my husband, and he stood naked before me. I am a beautiful woman. Many men have lusted after me. But I was only for my husband, and I stood proudly before him, exposed so willingly for the first time to his gaze. I watched his eyes devour me. He stared into my brown eyes first and I'm sure he saw the same lust as I saw in his. His gaze slowly drifted down and lingered on my breasts. My nipples were tight and painful, lifting to the sky. I saw him lick his lips and delight filled me. So far, he did not look disappointed. His eyes roamed over my flat stomach and then lower. He stared long and hard at my perfectly waxed pussy. I had left a small, heart-shaped, tuft of my fur on my mound. My wetness trickled down my thigh and it tickled. I saw him lick his lips with his hunger and it thrilled me. I felt exposed. Wanton. But I was married, and this was my husband. A smile crossed my lips. I was awakening to my lust and hunger, and it thrilled me. I stared equally back at my husband. We had done some things together. Fully clothed. I had let him taste me a few times. My penance for that had been the soup kitchens. And I had put him in my mouth a few times. I had never swallowed, though. I had spat it out, shame filling me, knowing I disappointed him. But I could not take his sperm inside me until we were married. But now I stared at his slim figure. His brown skin glistened in the dim light of the room. His chest was lightly sprinkled with dark hair, and I couldn't wait to feel my exposed breasts and nipples rubbing against it. He lacked a defined six pack, but his stomach was toned and flat. My eyes traced that delicious area below his stomach that lowered to his penis. The smooth skin demanded my mouth. And I stared at his penis. I had stroked it before. Sucked it before. Did penance for it before. But now I could see it in all its glory. Black men are endowed and so was my husband. It was long and thick and stood hard and standing straight out from his body. The tip glistened with moisture. Veins ran along its length. Below it hung his heavy testicles. His manhood was displayed for me, and I knew tonight he would put it inside me and fill me. It was darker than the rest of him. The head was large and round and was even darker. My ebony husband was panting for me. He wanted the pleasure only I could bring to him. And I wanted his in return. After my talk with my mother, I did a little research. Watched pornography that showed how to pleasure a man fully. Another trickle of my wetness ran down my thigh and I shivered at the tickle. My husband watched it and his eyes widened. "My husband," I purred. "I am so wet for you. You are so hard for me." "Emma, you are gorgeous. Seeing you walking down the aisle in that dress? Oh my God, the angels were jealous, baby. All eyes were on you, but you only had eyes for me." I had stared at him the whole way down the aisle. My papa handed me over and when I had stood before Daniel, my legs threatened to fail me. My love for him in that moment had risen above everything I thought I could reach. And I could see the same reflected back at me. "And you, my Daniel, you looked so handsome. The perfect man. My man. My husband." Daniel was losing himself in his lust for me. He was shaking, and so was I. "Tonight, we will make love, Daniel. I've wanted this for years. I give my everything to you. Do you understand?" He shook his head. "We are married now. My body--all of it--is yours to pleasure yourself with. And I will pleasure myself with you. Over and over, again and again." "My God, Emma. You are so beautiful. Look at you! A gorgeous Italian beauty! I love you so much. I am the luckiest man in the world that you could love me as I love you." "And you are my ebony stud. You are so beautiful to me, Daniel. I have lusted after you since the first day we met. Do you remember?" "How could I forget? Freshman year. Sitting in class, and in walks the woman of my dreams! A vision. So elegant and poised. I knew then I wanted to marry you." "You did?" "Oh, yes. It was love at first sight. I would have waited my entire life to be with you." "Wait no longer, my love. I am yours. Take me. Take all of me. Whatever you desire. Anything." "Anything? What do you mean?" "All my body is yours now, Daniel. And all your body is mine. I mean to take it. I want you to take me, in any way you imagine. But first, I want you to make love to me. To enter me. To cum inside me and seal our marriage in our pleasure and love. I want to lie back and feel you enter me." "Okay," replied Daniel, simply. His eyes looked wild. I moved to him, crossing the distance in two steps, and pressed myself to him. My mouth found his with hunger and I groaned at the feel of his hard cock pressing between us, reaching up past my belly button. We kissed, our tongues dancing, our hands caressing and exploring. His fingers found my wet slit and slid down along my clit and into my depths. I groaned into his mouth and reached down and took his hard, hot penis into my gentle hand. I stroked him, savouring the glorious hardness and maleness of him. We shuffled to the bed and flopped down hard on our sides. We squirmed our way further up the bed until we found the pillows. Rose petals clung to us. All that existed was his body and mine and the pleasures we would pull from one another. I found myself on my back, my legs spread in a delicious wanton way I was now free to enjoy. Daniel crawled up between my legs until he lay on me, his cock pressed against my wet labia, spreading them apart and rubbing deliciously on my clit. We necked hard. My tongue driving into his mouth with desire. His tongue rammed into my mouth, and we sucked on each other's tongues, swallowing our spit, and sinking into each other's souls. My mind was purely on my vagina. An ache I hadn't felt before burned down there. My pussy felt more alive than ever before. I was intimately aware of every little feeling. Wetness poured from me. I could feel the rivulets escaping me. My pussy felt like it was opening on its own. Spreading for my husband. My man. My lover. My best friend in the whole wide world. The righteousness of it overwhelmed my emotions. I sobbed happy tears. I held Daniel's beautiful face in my hands and pressed my lips against his plump, full, sexual lips. Lips I wanted all over my body, tracing his tongue into places I had only dreamed of. And thanks to my mother's words--and a little bit of research--I knew what I wanted to do and taste. Daniel shifted his hips. I felt his enormous cock head press against my opening. "Wait!" I said, pushing on his shoulders. "I want to watch you enter me for the first time! Please!" To be continued, By Estcher for Literotica

The Virgin Couple's Wedding Night: Part 1 A chaste couple's epiphany of pleasures. From the Awakening, By Estcher  Listen to thePodcast at Steamy Stories.My name was Emma Mary Fiore Amato. Now I proudly carry my husband's name: Emma May Fiore Williams. My brand new, gorgeous, and sexy husband is Daniel Christopher Williams. He's African American and I am Italian American. We met in the University of California San Diego (UCSD) as freshmen. We dated despite my reservations of dating a black man. I was not a fan of unwanted attention and being seen with him at school and downtown caused eyes to stare. The United States is rampant with racism. It's everywhere and palatable and real in every sense. It vibrates across social norms and in the media and sometimes openly on the street. But I was attracted to Daniel right away. We shared a class together and the first time I walked into the classroom, and I saw him, my heart had skipped a beat. He had felt the same way. It wasn't until a month later that he summoned the nerve to ask me out. We went to a dinner down at Liberty Station and then walked the boardwalk past where the San Salvador replica galleon was being made and along the inner harbour. It was a lovely first date. Afterward, he kissed me outside my dormitory, and I kissed him back and told him I would like to go out again. He was so pleased. Daniel is gorgeous. He's my height but very slim. He keeps his hair short and has a short-cropped beard. He wears black rimmed glasses. He does a little gym and a little cardio. Not a lot, but just enough to keep him fit. He's strong. His ass is golden. I was first attracted to his eyes. His glasses have a way of making them larger than life and they pulled me in. His dark skin enhancing the white of his eyes and his lovely teeth past his full lips. That first kiss outside my dorm had melted me. On our second date I admitted I was a devout Catholic, being a proper Italian American girl. Sex was not allowed outside the marital chamber. I could tell he was devastated. We could both feel the attraction to one another. A look from him would get me all tingly. I was a regular at the confessional at my church, admitting my sin and lust. I would accept my penance and say my prayers kneeling at a pew, gazing with adoration to the figure of Christ above the altar, counting my prayers on my rosary. Throughout our years at UCSD we were never apart. Our love life was constrained to kissing throughout our freshman year, to a little petting during our sophomore and junior years, and as seniors we had performed oral sex on each other a couple of times. My penance for that consisted of working at various soup kitchens in the Gaslamp District of San Diego. Daniel joined me and I think I truly fell in love with him when he did. He shared my penance and I rejoiced. My parents were shocked when I had introduced Danial to them. They aren't racist, but they had hoped I would meet someone "more like me", my mother had said. But it was too late for me. I adored Daniel and together we were wonderful. In time, they accepted our relationship. It helped that Daniel was so well spoken and so intelligent. They could see the good in him and although he was Baptist by his christening, he believed in God and that was enough for my parents to accept him. It was so hard not to cave into our sexual desires. We wanted each other so terribly badly. But I was a good Catholic girl and took my faith very seriously. Daniel understood and somehow, he stayed with me throughout college. Our friends always tried to pressure us. My girlfriends thought I was archaic; disillusioned about values they said no longer applied in the modern world. His friends were no better, urging him to leave me for "someone better". By the end of college, we had few friends, but by that point in our relationship, I only needed Daniel and he only needed me. We decided to wait until our careers started before we took things any further with our relationship. He started work at an architectural firm in San Diego, and I accepted an accounting position out in Coronado. One year later he proposed to me. My heart soared on that day, and I will never forget it. It had been magical and perfect, and I accepted right away, and he spun me around. My parents had known. Daniel has asked them for my hand in marriage and they had happily agreed. We set a date for end summer, and I dove into planning and preparations. My only remaining girlfriend, a friend from church, became my bridesmaid and helped with everything. The wedding was beautiful. Standing before my future husband in front of God and my family and friends and making my vows was the most beautiful thing I had ever done. He looked so gorgeous in his tuxedo. I never loved him more. We said our vows, exchanged rings, and then he kissed me in front of everybody. Claiming me as his bride and wife. I felt liberated. He was now my husband. Everything we had always wanted to do for the past five years were now open to us. We could consummate our marriage and love. Over and over again. I walked back down the aisle, a woman and a wife, and my pussy couldn't have been wetter. Lust ran over me in waves and I gripped Daniel's hand so tightly. The rest of the day and evening went by in a blur. I had to watch the video later to see just how much of a good time we had. But mostly I watched how Daniel and I looked at each other. Everyone said we looked with such love at each other. In truth, we were looking at each other with unbridled lust. Then, thankfully, we exited the reception to cheering family and friends and entered the limo my father had provided, and we were whisked away to our hotel. In the morning, we were heading to Hawai'i for our honeymoon. But tonight. Tonight, I would become my man's woman. He would take me and complete me. I don't recall checking in, or the elevator ride to our suite, or Daniel carrying me in his arms across the threshold to our suite. What I remember is tearing off our clothes and collapsing on the large California King bed. Later, I would peel rose petals off my flesh and Daniel's. I was a good Catholic girl. I had followed my faith, confessed my sins, and did my penance. But now? Now I was married and in the eyes of God, I would and could pleasure my husband. I knew the scripture. My chains were removed. "Wives, be subject to your husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, his body, and is himself its Saviour. As the church is subject to Christ, so let wives also be subject in everything to their husbands." (Eph. 5:22--24). My mother had given me advice the day before the wedding. She said it was a long tradition and I would do the same for my daughter one day. She had held my hands and spoke to me as one wife to her daughter bride. She passed on to me the secrets of a happy marriage that the priest had never mentioned during our marriage preparation classes at the church. She spoke openly of things I would need to learn to do. And often, she had said. And willingly. Her attention to detail was unnerving to me but I listened to everything. Some things she said were frightening, sounding foul, but my mother laughed and told me to wait and see. "Your father loves me just as much as the day we married, Emma," she said, holding my hands and looking into my eyes. "Every day I let him know I need him and want him. To be intimate with him and he does the same for me. Marriages fail when that stops. There will be times you don't feel the need or desire. You must fight that. Embrace him. Kiss him. Fondle him. Whisper in his ear that he is your everything and his will is yours to fulfil. Do you understand?" I nodded, biting my lip. I think I understood. My mother laughed at my expression. "Wake him with your mouth in the morning. Not every day. But some days or it will become routine. Pleasure him. Take his seed inside you. Swallow his love. It can be daunting. You'll get used to it. He is your man, and his seed will be yours. Claim it. Only you can receive it through your marriage. Don't make him regret choosing you over all others. "And seek your own pleasure. You should never regret choosing him. He should willingly pleasure you with his mouth. Accept it and bask in it. It is your husband claiming what is his by marriage. Your womanhood will pleasure him. So trim down there, okay? Did your bridesmaid take you to the salon?" I nodded, feeling heat rush to my face. I had been waxed. It had hurt so badly, but I had found pleasure in it in a small way which frightened me. I nodded at my mother. "Good. And all the way between your legs?" I nodded again, feeling more heat. "Do you know what sodomy is?" I nodded feeling horror. "My priest told me before I was married that sodomy is a sin between men," said my mother, looking hard at me. "Yes, mamma." "And he added it does not concern marital relations between man and wife." "Mamma!" I said in shock. I thought of her and dad. "Did you and poppa...?" "Oh, yes, Emma. Otherwise, you would have a lot more siblings rather than just you." "What?" "You'll need to watch your cycle. Avoid pregnancies. Anal sex is the best way to do that when you are ovulating." I stared at my mother. Questions raced through my thoughts faster than I could fully formulate and finish them. "I enjoy it, Emma. Pleasuring your father gives me pleasure. Be patient. Try it for yourself. Push past the initial pain and I think you will be surprised. Do this for your husband. For you." I couldn't speak. "Throughout your marriage your husband should want to take you all the time, correct?" "Y-yes." "Invite him to take you. Place yourself at his mercy. Let him claim that which is his by marriage." "Mamma!" "And take him when you want, Emma. You are equals in this, despite what the scriptures say. This is a partnership. If you lust after him, take him. If he lusts after you, give yourself to him. Do this, this simple thing, and your marriage will be full of such love and last for eternity. You will join yourselves in heaven and find such blessings. I'm so happy for you, Emma. Daniel is a beautiful man. Your children will be beautiful." "Thank you, mamma." "One more thing. Are you still intact?" I knew what she meant. My hymen had been lost as a teenager doing simple girlish things. Mine opened riding my bike. I shook my head at my mother. "No, mamma." "And I know you are a virgin. I am so proud of you, Emma. I saw how hard it was for you throughout college. Tomorrow night, you give him your everything. What you do with your husband in your bed, will please God. Everything your heart desires. Put your soul into it, Emma. Seize your pleasure and his, okay?" "Mamma? Did nonna give you this same advice?" "No. I had to learn the hard way. I promised myself I would not let my own daughter go into her marriage bed unprepared. We have more to discuss. Are you okay with all this?" "Yes, momma. I'm uncomfortable, but thankful." "Okay, we still have a lot to cover. Like how to truly pleasure your husband with your mouth. Places on his body you need to explore..." "Explore? Like what?" Mother chuckled. "I'm warming up to this now. Your father has always had the best sex with me. It's okay Emma! You came from our love! Now, the penis is a strange thing at first. Daniel is likely very large. But a man's pleasure also comes from his nipples, and his scrotum and testicles. Play with them. Lightly! So very lightly! And below them. Pay attention there. And below that, too. Do you understand where I am talking about?" She meant his asshole. I was horrified. "Make sure he is clean. You, too. Take the time to keep yourself fresh down there. Inside a man is a place. You'll need to find it. Put a finger inside, find it, rub it." "Momma!" "Hush, you have much the same place inside you. Teach him to find it. Your bodies will be one, once married. There is no shame. It is the beauty of sex between a married couple. Seek your pleasure and give your pleasure. There is so much on the Internet. Watch with him. Learn together." "Yes, momma. Do you do all these things with poppa?" "Oh, God, yes. We're older now and we have slowed down. But yes. We still do. I adore your father and his body. Have you ever seen us fight? Not speak to one another?" "No, momma." And it was true. The love between my parents was there for all to see. They constantly hugged and kissed. I've seen them mildly grope each other. I've heard them through the bedroom walls. I only could pray my marriage would be as close to the beauty of theirs. With my mother's advice I think I now knew how. If I could be brave enough. "And now the more mundane things. You and Daniel will be equal in all things. You are not some toy or trophy the bible would have you believe. The bible was written by some seriously misogynistic men..." My memory of that first night with Daniel is seared into my soul. I subjected myself to my husband. My heart soared. My soul sang. I praised God. I stood fully naked before my husband, and he stood naked before me. I am a beautiful woman. Many men have lusted after me. But I was only for my husband, and I stood proudly before him, exposed so willingly for the first time to his gaze. I watched his eyes devour me. He stared into my brown eyes first and I'm sure he saw the same lust as I saw in his. His gaze slowly drifted down and lingered on my breasts. My nipples were tight and painful, lifting to the sky. I saw him lick his lips and delight filled me. So far, he did not look disappointed. His eyes roamed over my flat stomach and then lower. He stared long and hard at my perfectly waxed pussy. I had left a small, heart-shaped, tuft of my fur on my mound. My wetness trickled down my thigh and it tickled. I saw him lick his lips with his hunger and it thrilled me. I felt exposed. Wanton. But I was married, and this was my husband. A smile crossed my lips. I was awakening to my lust and hunger, and it thrilled me. I stared equally back at my husband. We had done some things together. Fully clothed. I had let him taste me a few times. My penance for that had been the soup kitchens. And I had put him in my mouth a few times. I had never swallowed, though. I had spat it out, shame filling me, knowing I disappointed him. But I could not take his sperm inside me until we were married. But now I stared at his slim figure. His brown skin glistened in the dim light of the room. His chest was lightly sprinkled with dark hair, and I couldn't wait to feel my exposed breasts and nipples rubbing against it. He lacked a defined six pack, but his stomach was toned and flat. My eyes traced that delicious area below his stomach that lowered to his penis. The smooth skin demanded my mouth. And I stared at his penis. I had stroked it before. Sucked it before. Did penance for it before. But now I could see it in all its glory. Black men are endowed and so was my husband. It was long and thick and stood hard and standing straight out from his body. The tip glistened with moisture. Veins ran along its length. Below it hung his heavy testicles. His manhood was displayed for me, and I knew tonight he would put it inside me and fill me. It was darker than the rest of him. The head was large and round and was even darker. My ebony husband was panting for me. He wanted the pleasure only I could bring to him. And I wanted his in return. After my talk with my mother, I did a little research. Watched pornography that showed how to pleasure a man fully. Another trickle of my wetness ran down my thigh and I shivered at the tickle. My husband watched it and his eyes widened. "My husband," I purred. "I am so wet for you. You are so hard for me." "Emma, you are gorgeous. Seeing you walking down the aisle in that dress? Oh my God, the angels were jealous, baby. All eyes were on you, but you only had eyes for me." I had stared at him the whole way down the aisle. My papa handed me over and when I had stood before Daniel, my legs threatened to fail me. My love for him in that moment had risen above everything I thought I could reach. And I could see the same reflected back at me. "And you, my Daniel, you looked so handsome. The perfect man. My man. My husband." Daniel was losing himself in his lust for me. He was shaking, and so was I. "Tonight, we will make love, Daniel. I've wanted this for years. I give my everything to you. Do you understand?" He shook his head. "We are married now. My body--all of it--is yours to pleasure yourself with. And I will pleasure myself with you. Over and over, again and again." "My God, Emma. You are so beautiful. Look at you! A gorgeous Italian beauty! I love you so much. I am the luckiest man in the world that you could love me as I love you." "And you are my ebony stud. You are so beautiful to me, Daniel. I have lusted after you since the first day we met. Do you remember?" "How could I forget? Freshman year. Sitting in class, and in walks the woman of my dreams! A vision. So elegant and poised. I knew then I wanted to marry you." "You did?" "Oh, yes. It was love at first sight. I would have waited my entire life to be with you." "Wait no longer, my love. I am yours. Take me. Take all of me. Whatever you desire. Anything." "Anything? What do you mean?" "All my body is yours now, Daniel. And all your body is mine. I mean to take it. I want you to take me, in any way you imagine. But first, I want you to make love to me. To enter me. To cum inside me and seal our marriage in our pleasure and love. I want to lie back and feel you enter me." "Okay," replied Daniel, simply. His eyes looked wild. I moved to him, crossing the distance in two steps, and pressed myself to him. My mouth found his with hunger and I groaned at the feel of his hard cock pressing between us, reaching up past my belly button. We kissed, our tongues dancing, our hands caressing and exploring. His fingers found my wet slit and slid down along my clit and into my depths. I groaned into his mouth and reached down and took his hard, hot penis into my gentle hand. I stroked him, savouring the glorious hardness and maleness of him. We shuffled to the bed and flopped down hard on our sides. We squirmed our way further up the bed until we found the pillows. Rose petals clung to us. All that existed was his body and mine and the pleasures we would pull from one another. I found myself on my back, my legs spread in a delicious wanton way I was now free to enjoy. Daniel crawled up between my legs until he lay on me, his cock pressed against my wet labia, spreading them apart and rubbing deliciously on my clit. We necked hard. My tongue driving into his mouth with desire. His tongue rammed into my mouth, and we sucked on each other's tongues, swallowing our spit, and sinking into each other's souls. My mind was purely on my vagina. An ache I hadn't felt before burned down there. My pussy felt more alive than ever before. I was intimately aware of every little feeling. Wetness poured from me. I could feel the rivulets escaping me. My pussy felt like it was opening on its own. Spreading for my husband. My man. My lover. My best friend in the whole wide world. The righteousness of it overwhelmed my emotions. I sobbed happy tears. I held Daniel's beautiful face in my hands and pressed my lips against his plump, full, sexual lips. Lips I wanted all over my body, tracing his tongue into places I had only dreamed of. And thanks to my mother's words--and a little bit of research--I knew what I wanted to do and taste. Daniel shifted his hips. I felt his enormous cock head press against my opening. "Wait!" I said, pushing on his shoulders. "I want to watch you enter me for the first time! Please!" To be continued, By Estcher for Literotica

This week we share some travel ideas that will help awaken your wanderlust for travel in the winter. Most people think of traveling in the summer but we think Winter is the perfect time to explore new destinations and you have so many choices whether you are looking for that magical winter wonderland or maybe escape the cold to somewhere warm and tropical. We will cover it all, so pack your bags with something warm and maybe a bathing suit or two and let's get started on discovering your perfect winter getaway away. I've always had this picturesque image of a winter wonderland at Christmas time, but since moving to the beach, I learning how to appreciate a bit of a sunny, sandy Christmas. It was nice last night enjoying our local Christmas down by the Marina without freezing to death. Make sure you check out some of the videos and pictures on our social media here and here on @sunshinetravelerspodcast. We know some people listening to this episode are experiencing months on end of gray skies and bone chilling cold. You're probably for that escape to somewhere warm. But for others, the allure of snow and maybe some winter sports is calling for you. We want to give you a few options that will help fill your bucket list for winter destinations. Scott's birthday is 9 days before Christmas so for the past several years we've tried to squeeze in last trip of the year for his birthday but he's also had some work trips during the Christmas season that has allowed us to see some pretty magical Christmas destinations. Here's a few we've been to and a few that are definitely on our bucket list! For a few of these we do have location specific podcast episodes. So we will mention those as we go and then link them in the show notes for you if you want to dive into a specific location we have talked about. Some links are affiliate links. See our disclosure. Here's the list: 1.New York City, New York The city is magical during the winter, especially with holiday decorations, store window displays, and the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center. One year we were there on the night of the Tree Lighting and once for the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade to kick off the holiday season. A must visit at least once during the holiday season! 2. Vail/Beaver Creek With the snowy backdrop and the holiday greenery and red bows it's just magical. Fresh powder and the hot cookies at Beaver Creek are a bonus to visiting these Colorado towns and ski destinations Episode 35 - Snow Skiing in Colorado 3. Palm Springs, California, USA Sometimes we just want to go somewhere warm though and Palm Springs is famous for its hot springs, stylish hotels all decorated for Christmas , and golf courses. It is definitely a spot for relaxation and sunshine and make sure that you take a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park. As an added bonus we flew in and out of LA so we spent a day at Disneyland enjoying the Christmas decorations and festivities including seeing Santa Claus 4. Savannah or Charleston or any Historic City They come to life with their historic homes all decked out in their holiday finest. Many will have holiday pop up bars you have to check out but be sure to spend some time wandering the neighborhoods to enjoy the decor. Stay in a smaller boutique hotel or bed & breakfast too! 5. Amelia Island, Florida From the Day After Black Friday Shop Small Pajama Party to the Dickens on Centre Holiday Festival and Market the 2nd week in December, the Holidays are a perfect time to visit this magical island in North Florida. Episode 14: Discover Amelia Island, Florida – A Local's Ultimate Travel Guide 6. London We had a chance to visit a few years back just after Christmas and the ice rinks were still going strong and the holiday decor is everywhere and 100% magical! Episode 5: London Travel Guide 7. San Diego, CA Don't miss the decorations and the festivities at the San Diego zoo this time of year and the Gas Lamp District decked out for the holidays. 8. Ft Lauderale & Miami, Florida Known for its warm beaches, lively nightlife, and rich cultural scene. Winter is also the dry season, making it a perfect sunny escape to enjoy the decor and the Holiday Season. We enjoyed a college football bowl game in Miami one year and enjoying the beach on New Years Eve was a bonus of the trip! 9. Walt Disney World in Florida If anyone knows how to do Christmas it's this Magical Place. From the parks to the resorts to Disney Springs, there are more trees than you can count. Don't miss resort hopping to see the beautiful themed decorations that match the vibe of each resort and the elaborate gingerbread houses. A must do is the Festival of the Holidays at Epcot complete with the Candlelight Processional at Epcot which includes a celebrity narration of the Christmas story, a mass choir and orchestra, and a candlelight processional of course. This tradition began as Walt's Vision in the 1960s at Disneyland. We talk about this destination for 3 types of travelers in: Episode 15: How to Plan a Trip to Walt Disney World with Children Episode 16: Tips for an Adult Walt Disney World Adventure Episode 17: Navigating Walt Disney World with Senior Adults Here's three that are on our winter desination bucket list: 10. Lapland, Finland Some friends of ours take their kids here every December and we are always so jealous of their magical pictures. He introduced us to this “official" hometown of thats offers a magical winter wonderland experience with snow-covered landscapes, a chance to meet Santa Claus, and various Christmas-themed activities and attractions. Maybe we will also get to see the Northern Lights? 11. The Christmas Markets in Europe We enjoying seeing everyone's videos and pictures from the markets this year and have our eyes on a Christmas market river cruise. 12. Banff, Canada There's so many winter sport options here but just to see this place with its small town charm transformed by snow and holiday decorations…it's going to be hard to choose one for next year! Sign up for free travel deals and exclusive content here. Read more about this and other travel destinations on our BLOG Follow our travels on Facebook Follow our travels on Instagram here Save our travel ideas on Pinterest See our travel videos on You Tube Music Credit Music by OYStudio from Pixabay

This is the beginning of goodbyes. Rosie says goodbye to Not Another Monday and hangs out to talk about San Diego, pickleball, Matthew Perry, and horse love.Reach us at namshowcast@gmail.com or follow us on:Instagram @notanothermonTwitter @Mondayanother

Furniture plays a critical role in the function and comfort of your working environment, and San Diego Office Design (+1-619-610-9358) offers some of the latest innovations from the west coast's best furniture producers. Go to https://www.sdofficedesign.com for more information. San Diego Office Design 5005 Texas Street Suite 304 San Diego office Design, San Diego, CA 92108, United States Website https://www.sdofficedesign.com Phone +1-619-610-9358 Email info@sdofficedesign.com

The furniture in your office can have a significant impact on employee productivity and wellbeing. San Diego Office Design (+1-619-610-9358) offers ergonomic and sustainable furniture for businesses in the Gaslamp District and further afield. Go to https://www.sdofficedesign.com for more information. San Diego Office Design 5005 Texas Street Suite 304 San Diego office Design, San Diego, CA 92108, United States Website https://www.sdofficedesign.com Phone +1-619-610-9358 Email info@sdofficedesign.com

Ben & Woods kick off the 7am hour with a little “Throwback Thursday” as we take a quick look at how we started our Opening Day show last year before we play Real or Fake with a listener down at Happy Does! Then we get to “Don't Do This” before we're joined by “In-Season Sammy” as our Padres pre and postgame host Sam Levitt joins us live in the Gaslamp District! Listen here!

Man Sentenced for Opening Fire in the Gaslamp District, SDGE Warns of Another Scam for Customers, Sheena is Tracking Today's Santa Ana Winds, If you Want to Camp in Yosemite Make a Reservation See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ben & Woods kick off the 7am hour talking about complaints they've seen from people saying that Major League Baseball needs to change it's playoff format. Really??? Then we talk about the incredible scenes downtown on Saturday night including Wil Myers buying drinks for everyone in the Gaslamp District. and Paul ending up in a nightclub with Adam Jones. Plus, we take plenty more of your calls to hear how the Tier 1's are feeling on this Monday morning! Listen here!

Woman Hit by Stray Bullet in Gaslamp District, Economic Fallout From Weekend Violence in Tijuana, Calls to Reduce Water Usage, Sheena Tracking the Ongoing Hot and Muggy WeatherSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

San Diego Comic Con, or SDCC for brevity, is a must see pilgrimage for most nerds. A lot of major comics publishers and big time movie production companies use SDCC to launch campaigns for their new ventures. It helps that the city completely embraces the event. SDCC is not only confined to the walls of the venue, it extends out into the surrounding community. Deep into the Gaslamp District you will still see SDCC related events. There is enough stuff outside the convention center to keep you busy all weekend without even entering the venue. It is impossible to see and do all the things, mostly due to the long lines for the popular stuff. In this video I show you a small sample of the few things I was able to see and do at San Diego Comic Con. SUBSCRIBE to watch more videos like this one! LET'S CONNECT! -- Zia Comics website -- Zia Comics TikTok -- Zia Comics Facebook -- Zia Comics Twitter -- Zia Comics Instagram LISTEN TO OUR PODCAST! - iTunes #ziacomics #lascruces #newmexico #sdcc #sdcc2022 #sandiegocomiccon #sandiegocomiccon2022

Ben, Woods, and Paul are LIVE from Happy Does Bar downtown right in the heart of the Gaslamp District as we count down to Padres Opening Day at Petco Park! Listen here as the guys give their thoughts on yesterday's series loss to the Giants, and whether or not Dave Roberts was right in pulling Clayton Kershaw after 7 PERFECT innings.

Spurred by our struggles with making an audio tour, we take it to the streets of the Gaslamp District for a true crime history guided tour. Afterwards, we get the inside scoop of operating and creating a tour with the owner, Rae Walaska!  For those interested in Rae's tour, book here: https://murdernmayhem.com/mystery-tours/historic-true-crime-tour/

In this special Halloween episode, Rachel speaks with Bernice (Jessie) and Paloma (Mena) from Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours. We discuss how being spooky women has empowered them, the moment they started to believe in ghosts, what to expect on the tour and their favorite scary stories. We ask that you keep an open mind and enjoy the history behind San Diego's Gaslamp District and their personal stories. If you would like to book a tour with Bernice or Mena, please see the link below and HAPPY HALLOWEEN!Host: Rachel CoxGuest: Bernice (Jessie Rudolph) and Paloma Carrillo (Mena)Haunted San Diego Ghost Tours: https://hauntedsandiegotours.com/Producer: Alana FinemanThis Episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off of your first month of professional therapy at: https://www.betterhelp.com/girlgovpodcast/

San Diego crosses another milestone in its vaccination effort — 3 million COVID-19 vaccination doses administered, but across the state vaccination has slowed. Plus, a historic building in the heart of the Gaslamp District is on the verge of shutting down for good if it doesn't get financial help. And, a preview of the weekend arts scene includes art made by construction equipment, a virtual baroque concert and more.

Happy HAHAHAlidays y'all! This week Wake and Cake sits down with a good homey, local San Diego Show Runner and Comedian, Alex Peregrina. Alex and I both come from the Service industry and when he's not on stage and producing shows he's hustling in America's Finest City's restaurant scene. Stage time and live shows are obviously scarce in 2020 so in this episode Alex discusses how he's spending this time incubating reading and writing in preparation for when we can safely perform again on a consistent basis. Another way Alex keeps a clear head is by observing a clean and sober lifestyle for over two years now. He knows himself well when the going gets tough so instead of hitting the bottle he shrugs things off with a road trip or a good book. Alex runs a successful show in the Gaslamp District of San Diego known as "Industry Comedy Night" which he recently took outdoors this year to a Rooftop Brewery before that sadly was shutdown too. No doubt he's crafting a master plan to resurrect it in 2021. I can't wait to see what my amigo has in store for the Comedy World when we can get back to doing what we love and do best. You inspire me my friend! To learn more about Alex and to catch a show in the future follow him on IG @brainwashtheyouth With Love and Grat, XO LJ AKA Kosher Barbie --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/wakeandcakepod/support

This week we have Jessa Reed taped live at the American Comedy Company in the Gaslamp District of San Diego, California! Jessa spent her childhood going back and forth between parents, one of which was a drug addict. She married early, had a child, and started hitting open mics. She left her husband and started doing stand-up full time in 1997. Shortly after that, her life took a turn when she became addicted to crystal meth. Through her recovery from her addiction, she found her way back to comedy. Jessa's honesty about dealing with drug addiction, poking fun at her not so distant past, and motherhood brings down the house. We also get a revealing look at what her life looked at when she was an addict and what it looks like now.

This week we have Rob Christensen taped live at the American Comedy Company in the Gaslamp District of San Diego, California! Rob was born and raised in Brooklyn. Looking to fit in, he found himself joining a crew and selling drugs. To escape that lifestyle, he joined the Air Force, went to college, and found stand-up which changed his life. Rob's no-holds barred comedy slays the room. We also get an intimate look at his past life and how comedy changed his life for the better.

Welcome to Season 5, which will be dedicated to the strange histories of San Diego's people, places and things! In this episode, we look at one of the most iconic buildings in San Diego’s Gaslamp District with the most sordid history: the Louis Bank of Commerce. Located on the 800 block of 5th Avenue, the beautiful building with two towers is touted as the jewel of the Gaslamp by locals and historians of the area. Built in 1888, the bottom floor served as a bank, then later a restaurant that Wyatt Earp frequented; and the upper floors, consisting of 33 rooms, were rented out by Madam Cora, a fortune teller who must have foreseen a higher profit margin in a house of ill repute. Thus, the Golden Poppy Hotel was born, as well as the site of our story, The Madam and the Marbles.

Latino Communities impacted more by Coronavirus, Several new COVID-19 Outbreaks being reported, More outdoor dining options now available in Little Italy, Gaslamp District, and Liberty Station

Coming live & direct from The Gaslamp District, The deeper look into Ben Baller, Not Ben Humble. Today he is here to discuss: A thank you to the fans, the last episode with Aria Price, the next interview in the SHE-EO, DPA Shoot, Driving to San Diego, The Aaron Hernandez Documentaries, The Climate of Music Today, The Grammy's, His upcoming birthday, Shooting's This Week, An earthquake, Answering Fan Questions, Remembering QWorldStar, Hitting Dave & Busters, L.A. City Council vs. Houston Astros & more. This episode is not to be missed.  Illegal Kartel Mikal Shakur “Out On 2 Bails”  Available on iTunes and all streaming services.  Includes the “Behind The Baller” theme song. Produced by: DBP CORP www.dbpodcasts.com Music by @lakeyinspired Available on all Podcast Platforms, YouTube & BehindTheBallerPod.com Behind The Baller Theme Music  Artist: Illegal Kartel (@illegal_kartel_mikal_shakur) Produced by: Gene Crenshaw @yuyuthemaker

San Diego is not only blessed by a benign Pacific climate but a handsome historic property, The Sofia Hotel. Hear all about the 211-room property at 8p EDT Thursday, August 8, when assistant general manager John MacLean visits TRAVEL ITCH RADIO as a guest of Dan Schlossberg and Annita Stokes Thomas. Learn why the hotel, opened in 1926 as the Pickwick, once offered a room-and-a-half for two-and-a-half and still promises a room type for every request and need. A member of Historic Hotels of America, the Sofia is a short walk from the rail and streetcar hub, the waterfront, Petco Park, and the Gaslamp District. Listen live on iTunes or BlogTalkRadio.com or check out the archived show later on Facebook, www.DanSchlossberg.net, or www.BlogTalkRadio.com.

Today our guest is Michael Stepner a Professor of Architecture and Urban Design at the New School of Architecture in San Diego and has 27 years of experience working within the city of San Diego, including the City Architect Role. Some of the many many things he has achieved are: Community planning for both older and newly developing communities, transit oriented design, San Diego Street Design Manuel, and had a huge impact in putting together the Gaslamp District in in downtown San Diego. Mike is seriously humble and will be the first one to tell you that everything he did was the summation of many people’s work. His advice is the sure result of a lifetime of experience. In this episode we talk about design thinking, dealing with governments, differing perspectives of the community and some simple advice to all the designers or planners out there. Links: Michael's New School Profile New School of Architecture The Death and Life of Great American Cities - Jane Jacobs Images of The Cities- Kevin Lynch Books by Jan Gehl Lawrence Halprin Uptown District San Diego Trolley park in University Heights Soccer Sity Vs SDSU West We would absolutely love your feedback (seriously!) Please email humancitypodcast@gmail.com, Tweet at HumanCityPod, or message on Instagram Hosted By Stig Terrebonne

Hoofing it through the Gaslamp District in San Diego w/ David Buoy while waiting for Yachtley Crew's 5:30 load-in time at House of Blues. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Yachtley Crew Adventures and interviews through the fame-ed Gaslamp District of San Diego! Also a sweet message from Maria Humphreys from Strong Body Strong Soul Podcast! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

PROJECT RECLAMATION Episode 26: Breaking The Habit In Memory of Chester Bennington In this episode we finally have all three hosts in the San Diego Studio (aka Tim’s dining room).  We celebrate our 26th episode, and hitting our 6 month anniversary.  To say we get derailed in this episode would be to assume we were ever on the rails to begin with.  Regardless though, we discuss a plethora of topics and jump down even more tangents and rabbit holes.  Ultimately we discuss the first PR Team event, take a dive into the Topic of Breaking Bad Habits, and this anniversary episode is in memory of Chester Bennington from Linkin Park. 2:24       Last Podcast on the Left               https://www.lastpodcastontheleft.com/ 10:28    Abe Lincoln’s Tophat               https://www.lastpodcastnetwork.com/shows/ 10:32    Cave Comedy Radio               https://www.lastpodcastnetwork.com/ 16:35    Comic Con International San Diego               https://www.comic-con.org/ 18:00    Gas Lamp District               https://www.gaslamp.org/ 19:25    Leonardo Da Vinci               https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonardo_da_Vinci 19:36    Vincent Van Gogh               https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vincent_van_Gogh 19:50    Chopper Read               https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_%22Chopper%22_Read 35:00    LunAzul Tequila               http://lunazultequila.com/blanco.php 35:20    Coco               https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2380307/ 39:23    Ironman Triathlon               http://www.ironman.com/#axzz5LwaL6TLH 39:52    Sprint Triathlon               https://www.active.com/triathlon/sprint 53:47    Intermittent Fasting               https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Intermittent_fasting 56:26    Linkin Park https://linkinpark.com/ Chester Bennington https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/chester-benningtons-last-days-linkin-park-singers-mix-of-hope-heaviness-124862/ 56:45    Hamburger Habit               https://www.habitburger.com/ Project Reclamation Links Website: http://projectxreclamation.com Email: projectxreclamation@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Project-Reclamation-395831667534101/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCihrXohOFuDTZh1BM_HwiJw Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/projectxreclamation/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/ProjectReclama2 Jax the dog:  https://www.facebook.com/jax.frickmovicz.9 Page the dog:  https://www.facebook.com/page.frickmovicz.3 Tim's Links YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHCxAUPtoaoagQKW7lOdZSg Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tim.frick.92 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/t_k_ultra/?hl=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheTimFrick  

Welcome to Experience This 360 Episode Seven One Week in San DiegoOn this episode we will go over a recommended itinerary for visiting San Diego for one week and also some tips for families, couples and solo travellers. A week should give you enough time to enjoy most of the recommended attractions and also give you enough time to relax in between. It really doesn't matter where you are staying in San Diego, as most of the major attractions are within easy driving distance.Day One: On your first day, I would visit La Jolla and spend the entire day in the beach side community. Here you will enjoy the waterfront, and be close to a lot of exciting attractions and adventures.Day Two: The second day, take in the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park.Day Three: The third day I would go onto the harbour front, visit the USS Midway and The Maritime Museum.Day Four: Beach Hopping. Take a tour of all the beaches, from Coronado to Ocean and Pacific. All these beaches have a unique vibe great opportunities to mix with locals and enjoy activities.Day Five: Seaworld Amusement Park, plan a day trip here, but alternatively you could visit San Diego Safari Park.Day Six: Take a Harbour tour of San Diego, then go across into Mexico to Tijuana to enjoy more shopping, beaches and authentic Mexican culture.Day Seven: San Diego Old Town and then the Gas Lamp District for evening fun.If you are travelling with a family and young ones are in tow, there are certain other activities that I would recommend. Certainly, Legoland is a must, as is the adjoining waterpark. You will also enjoy taking them to Scripts Aquarium and visiting real tidepools. Young ones are also eager learnings when it comes to surfing, so try taking a family surf lesson. And a quick drive up the coast will make every little one's dream come true when you take them to Disneyland.Couples and solo travellers will note that San Diego has a lot of wine outlets and craft brewhouses. Take advantage of the laid back atmosphere but don't forget there are some really cool outdoor adventures waiting for you. From surfing, to sea kayaking in sea caves to paragliding. There are so many cool places to hike, to bike and to enjoy the outdoors you will never find idle time. For couples there are a lot of romantic locations in San Diego from underground fairy-tale wine bars to patios overlooking the ocean and amazing sunsets, you'll not only find happiness here, but romance.If you are travelling solo, San Diego for the most part is a very safe city. Most of the inhabitants are retired military men and women. There are certainly parts of the city where you would want to take more caution, especially at night, but all of the areas we recommended are totally safe for a solo traveller. Sometimes, attractions can cost a premium for individuals, so if you see a family or group of tourists ask if you can join their group and perhaps even get a group discount. And if you are a solo traveller looking to keep things under budget there are some less expensive hostels available throughout the area.I hope you enjoyed these episodes on San Diego and if you have any questions pop by our Facebook page and we'll try to answer them.Until next time, Happy Travels. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Jillian returns from her near month in Australia to talk with D.J. and Kate about her trip, her experience with Austrlian sports and how American sports are viewed from the land down under. Kate talks about her trip to San Diego and gives a shoutout to the bars of the Gaslamp District and D.J. accidentally puts mustard on a chicken taco at a Cinco de Mayo party and surprisingly enjoys it.

"Some people love lines, but I am not one of those people." I got together with a fellow street rat Ernie Munoz to talk shit about Comic Con, and to hear his story about taking LSD in the Gaslamp District. You're sold, right? Yeah you are. Also, I recently helped shoot and edit a music video for BJ Jezbera, a previous guest. Check it: www.youtube.com/watch?v=134uaUiqTO4 As always, 'Daniel Doesnt' is on iTunes. Fuck what you're going through.

LIVE from the Green Room of the Mad House Comedy Club in the Gaslamp District of San Diego, we sit in with Dallas McLaughlin between sets and talk about stand up, his new album on iTunes and Amazon “An Evening of This”, and shoot the shit on our first location podcast ever. We also give Dallas a horrible joke to say about Harambe the gorilla and he takes it to the stage 10 minutes after we finish recording. The balls on this guy……. ***BIG NEWS*** We have an amazing new sponsor that we wear regularly. If you love fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, sailing you need to get over to www.blackfinoutfitters.com and buy some outdoor apparel from them. Made from the most comfortable material that money can buy, you need to be wearing Blackfin Outfitters when you hit the water. Summer is coming up so let’s make BFO a household name in San Diego. ENTER PROMO CODE “LMPF” for 20% OFF AT CHECKOUT!!!

Join James and Eric as they re-cap day by day, their experiences at their first SDCC!  Included are highlights of creators, hollywood stars, and fun antics as they two traveled around San Diego’s Convention Center and Gaslamp District. Join in the discussion by sending us an email to podcast@kowabungacomics.com. You can follow us on Facebook @ www.facebook.com/incredicow, on Twitter @Incredicow or on the web at www.kowabungacomics.com. Music provided byNight Runner (http://nightrunnermusic.bandcamp.com/).

Take some time this week to remember your original happy hour: Saturday mornings as a kid, waking up at dawn, jumping on the couch with a bowl of chocolate cereal, turning on the ‘toons, tuning out the outside world, and working your way into a sugar hangover before noon. Join us at a special time on a special day for this special episode: our San Diego Comic Con 2014 Spectacular! Hosted by Grim Shea and Marke. plus Special Guest Host Slick McFavorite of Openyourtoys.com, we take you into the practical side of con attendance, all the way from how to plan your panels to the medicinal value of vodka in waterbottles and beyond. It makes the perfect podcast for anyone about to take a long road trip to the Gaslamp District this week (look for us on iTunes after the broadcast)! Featuring a cavalcade of stars including Walter Koenig (Star Trek, Nobility), Cas Anvar (Nobility, Assassin's Creed), Adrienne Wilkinson (Xena Warrior Princess, Nobility, Star Wars: The Force Unleased), Miracle Laurie (Dollhouse, Nobility) E.J. de la Pena (creator of Nobility), Dan Casey (editor at Nerdist.com), Dan Jolley (author of Terminator: Enemy of my Enemy), Rochelle Keyhan (GeeksforConsent.org), Kaj-Eric Eriksen (The Commish, See No Evil 2, The 4400), and Jacqui Holland (Silent But Deadly, My Best Friend's Girl). Visit us anytime at www.mattypradio.com and Follow us anywhere @StayClassySDCC

Hosts Rafael "Ray" Collazo & Abe Amoros recap the week in Latino Politics. Analysis of hot elections impacting Latinos from the Gas Lamp District to Brick City; latest on Bridgegate, Immigration Reform & 2016 Presidential handicapping. ???????????????????