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.