Passing Time in Miami

---

02/13/07 5:45pm
Welcome to Miami! Bienvenidos a Miami! (You'd better be singing it a la Will Smith!)

With a 5.5 hour layover in Miami airport, there really isn't much to write about -- not yet at least. Well there has been some drama already. Our friend Brandee, who is working in Chicago, called us to let us know that her flight from Chicago to Miami was cancelled. Not delayed. Cancelled! Instead of meeting us (me, Meli, and Louis) in Miami to head to Sao Paulo and then to Salvador, she'll arrive on Thursday. That sucks for her!

Our flight over to MIA was uneventful, aside from Meli playing footsy with the woman in the window seat--this lady had a lil dog on board and the dog was taking up much of the foot space, so Meli kept kicking it. Editor's note: I didn't kick the dog, just the bag. It wasn't until two hours later that I noticed a 3-lb. poodle sitting on her lap! There was also this little Brasileiro boy across from us who wanted to keep up a fuss while I tried to sleep. The flight was 4.5 hours, and I only slept for 2. Given that I waited until 11:30pm to start packing last night -- after downloading music, going for a 2 mile run plus 250 sit-ups (it's summer in Brasil and I will be on the beach much, so gotta continue working on that 6-pack), and taking a shower--I was tired on the plane.

In the airport here, we have chilled out at the Admiral's Club, where they gave both of us 2 free drink coupons. We left for food and came back and they gave us two more. The bartender in the Admiral's Club in Terminal D made me a specialty that has won her the best bartender in Florida award: Jack plus peach schnapps and sour. Money! A lot better tasting than it sounds. See Francine's link: http://www.drinkstv.com/recipe5600.aspx?r=y&pl=main. Meanwhile, Meli is in heaven because the Brazilian bartender knows how to make caipiroskas!

We are now in the Admiral's Club in Terminal A because we depart from A12. And yes, they gave both of us yet more drink coupons. Don't worry, we won't be too hammered before leaving. The day I flew to L.A. to propose to Meli, I sat at Fox's Sports Bar watching the Laker's vs the Heat on Christmas where I sat next to a lush who had been booted from his flight because he was WASTED! On Christmas! Where was the Christmas spirit for him? I guess he had excessive Christmas spirits! (Ba-doom-boom.) Then again, who gets wasted en route to seeing family on Chirstmas??? So no, not too much EtOH for us. Just enough to pass the time. I'll turn it over to Meli...

From my point of view, it's been nothing but excitement and anticipation. Flying together is old hat for us, so we get into the routine of boarding, deplaning, and exploring the airport. Leroy had Uno's chicago pizza and a Jamaican Jammer smoothie -- his airport special. Being in Miami, just 90 miles from Castro, I figured having a Cuban sandwich was the way to go. Besides, I haven't had one in so long!

Leroy's Platinum status is a boon! It gets us into the Admiral's Club where they have coffee, tea, water, and soda always at the ready. The bathrooms are clean. There's free internet access. And the free drinks are a bonus, although I prefer to take it slowly, and really, there are more vouchers here than people. Brandee's cancellation is a drag, but at least she doesn't miss out on any of the events we have planned. I am psyched to speak Portuguese again, and I'm even more excited at how much progress Leroy has made in his Portuguese study. We may just be falando por todos partes pretty soon!

Well, since all we're really doing is hanging out, I'll end this blog now. We tried to upload pictures of us here (travel clothes, drink coupons, and all), but the computer won't allow me access. For those who have sent us comments and messages, THANKS and OBRIGADA! Keep them coming! We will miss you all and want to share these wonderful times with you! To our moms, we promise to keep safe and we love you!

Beijos,
Leroy and Melissa

---

Photos

Admirals Club
Get your tickets! Get your tickets here!

Admirals Club
One of us has had more drinks than the other...

Comments

[EHarp]

Jealous
yeah, I'm jealous, and you guys haven't even left the country yet! Hope the trip goes well!