Miami Photos

So in February I went to Miami for four days.  By myself.  Weird, I know.  I had some airmiles I had to use up for a one-way anywhere in the US, but needed a place that wasn't too expensive to fly the other direction.  Originally I had a friend connection for accommodation, but things fell through for her and so I ended up being creative because, well, Miami isn't cheap to stay in as a tourist.  I used some more airmiles for a disappointing hotel, cut way back for one night in a hostel (which was quite cool and where I met some attractive guys from Spain, ha ha) and then splurged for a night at the MIA hotel.

When I learned that my friend had to back out, I figured it would turn into just four days lying on the beach or by the pool reading; it was Reading Week after all and I brought some French and Spanish to study for school.  I had heard that Florida was experiencing a cold winter, but I didn't think it would affect Miami.  I was wrong.  It was cold.  Of course, not as cold as Ontario, but definitely NOT warm enough for my lying-around-in- the-sun plan.  If I was going to enjoy Miami, I would have to walk around to keep myself warm.  And shop for some clothes, because I didn't bring enough warm things.

Camera in hand, I set out to explore.  Not staying right at Miami Beach, I figured out the bus system and was on my way.  Over the four days, I rode those Miami buses A LOT.  What an interesting way to see a place.  I felt like the ethnic minority on the bus, for sure. And Spanish felt like the first language of many places I found myself in Miami.  On the second day I ventured to the downtown and checked out some touristy market and then rode this free little train with the commuters.

I wandered around trying to find a "downtown" and well, couldn't really find anything particularly interesting.  Everything shut down at about 6!  Waiting for a bus back to the hotel area was strange as I was the only one waiting.  And getting off the bus was a little sketchy and it was only 7:30!  So weird.  A big contrast from Miami (South) Beach where I spent Days 1 and 3.



In fact, Day 1 was great because I met a local who hung out and wandered around with me for hours.  We checked out lots of vintage clothing shops and then had Cuban for dinner.  He was an interesting, musician dude (shout out, if you're reading Adé).  I ran into him when I was crossing the street to get a better view of the line up to see Celine Dion at her movie premiere.  Never did take the picture, but saw the limo pull up and then saw Celine, her hubbie and son across the street.  Interesting tangent...I kept hearing francophones all over Miami Beach.

Day 4 I checked out Coconut Grove, a supposedly artsy area.  It was kind of just lots of yachts, restaurants and expensive shops.  Came upon the Barnacle Historic State Park pretty much just as it was closing.  Wandered around and took pictures of interesting things.

I spent the third day walking along the entire beach of South Beach, down to the southern most tip and back up in through the middle of town.  And now I know what Vanilla Ice was talking about "A1A Beachfront Avenue", although I didn't really go on that as a walker.

Cute British family.

Dude modelling some underwear I guess.

A bearded man just chillin'.

And there you have it.  My Miami trip.

Oh, I also had: stone crabs, a Peruvian fish dish, an empenada and Cuban coffee.  Ate Subway once and immediately passed the Whopper Bar and was sad to have missed that experience.