Miami in July - Day Three

Last day in Miami.

We were up at 9am and after a gourmet breakfast cooked by Gabore (fresh fruit, eggs and tangerine juice) took a leisurely walk around Biscayne Bay area to view all the stunning homes and greenery. After our walk around the neighborhood where we took in some stunning homes and the wonderful water of the Bay, we hopped in the car and took off to Coral Gables to visit the luxurious Biltmore Hotel. Luxury is the only world that describes the way the hotel makes its visitors feel. We weren’t lucky enough to spend a night there or have the sumptuous brunch spread but we did get to walk around and take in the opulence of the building. Here are some pictures. If I ever return to Miami, I will make sure I save enough money in order to partake of the gorgeous brunch offered. It is $90.00/person!

After the Biltmore, we drove to the Cuban Community section of Miami. It was nice to look around and people watch. Funny, it didn’t really remind me much of my trip to Cuba though. I guess nothing can compare to the real thing. We then went to Publix to get fresh meat and fixin’s for lunch. On the menu today is Goulash!

While our host prepared the lunch, Anita and I took off to take a last walk around his neighborhood as this was our last day in lush Miami. Here are some of the great pictures we took. (Our walk from this morning was nice but we had to revisit for pictures as I forgot my camera the first time. Doh!) When we returned the house smelt wonderful and savoury as the fragrant meat scented the air. The goulash with pasta was heavenly! Wow, Gabor can really cook. We then topped off the meal with left over cake and tea/coffee. At this point, our plans had changed. We were supposed to go shopping but because of the late hour we had to bow out and get ready to head back to Canada. After getting ready, we made the half hour trek to Fort Luaderdale airport. After saying a sad goodbye to Gabor, Anita and I checked in and sat/read/chatted while waiting for our flight. We took Southwest home and although the service was great, the turbulence made me nervous. I kept thinking, I don’t want to die on a plane. Silly me. We landed without incident a whole 10 minutes early. I was overjoyed to be back on terra ferma.

After getting off the plane and changing into warmer clothing, we were freezing, we headed out. At this point, fatigue was rearing its ugly head and I was fighting off lots of loud yawns. After coming up against a traffic jam (at 12:30am!) on the QEW due to road construction, we made it to Anita’s house around 2am. I was so grateful to rest. I was beyond happy to be warm but not HOT and comfortable and sleepy in my country. I love traveling but I love getting home more.

Things I observed about Miami:
-Even on the plane, I felt the heat. It is hot as hell there but great.
-The people are overall very nice and the men are very forward. Yes, we were hit on and honked at many times.
-People love to dress in skimpy clothing and parade their bodies. No one seems self conscious or ashamed to have a few bumps. Everyone showed off their stuff.
-Fake breasts and plastic surgery is HUGE there. It is very common to see size one women sporting DD breasts-surgically enhanced of course.
-The mannequins are even designed to accommodate these large cup sizes as they too sport oversized boobies. See!
-Tattoos are the order of the day. If you don’t have one and you live in Miami-you better get one quick!
-The vegetation is lush and gorgeous and abundant
-Lots and lots of lizards – ew
-Spanish is everywhere
-I had no idea Miami comprised of a bunch of islands
-I was stunned at the size of the Jewish population
-Rain is on the menu at least twice a day for a minimun of 10 minute downpours
-Avocados grow right out people’s bedroom window. This is a novelty for Canadian’s, let me tell you.
-Beautiful people on beautiful beaches
-Ceveche is huge there
-Cookie-cutter, boring houses are NOT allowed. Vivid colors are an order

Enjoy some of my random pictures from pretty Miami

Miami in July - Day Two

Up at 8am and after eating and shower, Anita and I gave Gabor a break by going to his complex pool and chilled for about an hour. We then allwent to a small fruit market for fresh produce. All the fruit were so sweet and delicious as they wer all kissed by the Florida sun.

We then drove to Lincoln Road Mall and took in all the wonders that is Miami. Beautiful plastic people half dressed. Wonderful stores and great places to eat. Oh yes, grand palm trees. We then went to a sushi/thai restaurant for lunch. Gelato was on the menu for dessert. We then made a pit stop to a Starbucks (yuck). We then drove the hour or so the the Fruit and Spice Park.

What a cool place that place is. The park is full of local fruits as well as exotic vegetation including Japanese, African, Brazilian and Caribbean fruit and spices/herbs. Pictures: excotic fruits from the park. The place was wonderfully fragrant and pure.

We spent a good hour and a half there and then went back to Gabore's apartment. We freshened up, changed and headed to South Beach again to enjoy dinner with the two friends we were introduced to the night before.

From this dinner I learned that I am not a big fan of Spanish food but still had a wonderful time. We all then trekked down to Ocean Drive to take in Miami at night. This was a site to see. My eyes were all over the place. Everywhere was lit up beautifully and all the stores and restaurants were jumping even though it was ten at night. Pictures: ocean drive, a very busty mannequin, Versace's house which is now a night club for the uber-rich.

We saw famous places such as the Carlyle, Donatelo Verssace's mansion and the famous and crazy club, Mango. After walking back to our original meeting place. At this point Andreas and his wife bade us good night and the three of us kept walking and taking in the sites. However, after about half an hour of this, Anita and I called it quits. We all climbed back into the car and made it back to his home. Our nightcap included jasmine tea, cookies and a bit of tv. We then retired to our respective beds. Long day.

Miami in July - Day One

So, this weekend my friend Anita and I went to Miami and it was fantastic. Let me share the tale.
Day 1



Our day started off at 3am where we drove from her home in Acton to Buffalo. It was supposed to be a normal drive but of course, there was an adventure to be had. Only with her and I! We couldnt find the correct highway to the Peace Bridge for some reason. We had mapquest and it was correct but the path we were on was just not familiar. We eventually had to ask this guy who worked at a casino on where to go and he directed us. I have tell you that we were a bit nervous because we were scared that we would miss our 7am flight. In any case, we had no need to worry at all. We made it over the correct border in record time and still made it to the airport parking around 5:30am. The shuttle came around and we were dropped off to check in and then security.

We then made it to breakfast at the same place we ate last time we went to the US (New York last year). After all that, we boardered our plane bound for Fort Lauderdale, Miami. I pretty much slept and wrote all the way there.





The first time I noticed about Miami was the heat. While in the air, I felt the tempurature change and was sweating. I have to say, I was super excited. Our host, Gabor, was kindly waiting to take us on our adventure. When we entered his car he had Will Smith's "Welcome to Miami" pumping from the car stereo. Anita and I started cheering and both said, "Well done" at the same time. What a lovely welcome!
We then stopped for gas in Little Haiti which aparently is a little unsafe. I got out of the car and snapped pictures anyway. I was not trying to miss any opportunities while on my mini-vacation.



We then onforwarded to his condo in little Havana which was right on the water. After unloading our bags, we immediately set out to take in his complex. We sat around the pool and then took off to Biscayne Bay. We got some fantastic photos there of lush vegetation and beaches. It was fantastic.


We then re-entered Little Haiti for further driving and viewing. Interesting homes but we didn'tstay long. Next was downtown Miami.

It is like other cities just that the buildings are colorful and pretty or vulgar-depending on your opinion. We then drove to Indian Creek to take in all the wonderful colorful stately homes. We then drove to North Beach for a late lunch.


I finally had seafood caviche at Fifi's Place-Fresh Seafood Dining.





Then we walked like five minutes to North beach itself. All I have to say is...beautiful. Also, the people in Miami are confident! That's all I have to say. We went into the beautiful warm water and just sat being...calm.











After we drove back to Gabore's house to relax as the heat was very draining.


Tonight some of his friends are coming over the Fourth of July dinner and fireworks. This is my first American 4th of July celebration.
Dinner consisted of pork with brown sauce, asparagus and homemade Fresh Pasta! All made by Gabor! Who is this guy?

Well, the fireworks was a bust. It rained for about two hours and all throughout the fireworks themselves which still had to go on. I really wanted to be part of the great U.S. 4th of July celbration but we only got a soaked out show. Too bad because the firework potential was great. After that we made it back to the condo and had reverse black forest cake (which Gabore made) and tea for dessert. It was fantastic!! Then the five of us had spirited discussio on Canadian and American politics, retail centers and health care.


Very interesting and eye opening. We finally made it to bed around midnight.