MIAMI FOR THE WEEKEND

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We slept most of the flight to Miami touching down in a bad storm. The captain announced we had been lucky to allowed to land as all other flights ahd been redirected and the airport was closed to further take off and landing. The skies were very grey when we got off the plane but by the time we had cleared the sirport and sorted out a taxi the weather was showing signs of improvement and it was exceptionally muggy. We had booked a suite in a hotel with self catering facilites 2 blocks from miami beach. The room was great and we dropped off our backpacks and went in search of a supermarket. There was a distinct need for bacon but we were disappointed with what was on offer more fat than meat. So we stocked up on a few goodies deciding that it would be much more econimical and healthy to cook for ourselves. That done and a rather hot walk back to the hotel and we donned our beach attire and headed off to take our first look at Miami beach.

The sun is now beating down and the sky is clear showing no signs of the thunder storm we arrived in. Settling in a spot we basked for a couple of hours in the searing heat. Couple of swims in the clear warm ocean and another bake in the sun we soon realised that it was not sensible to stay out in this heat all day. We headed back to the hotel by mid afternoon washed and changed and decided to head for ocean drive. By the time we had waited for the bus to take us and the short 30 minute journey we were both parched. Getting off the bus and walking through the streets is suddenly dawned on me as we passed some pretty cool shops that a little shopping could be in order. After trying on a few dresses and deciding not to buy we made a pact that we would head for the shopping areas the following day and stuck to our plan of taking in ocean drive. It was not how we expected it I imagined that the streeets would overlook the beach but you cannot actually see the beach as it is hidden by sand banks and greenery. We walked over to the beach entrance and were pretty impressed by the size and cleanliness of the sand. Very nice but way too hot to sit in so we went back onto the main street to get a drink. After stopping for a beer in a non to drink friendly restaurant. We were not allowed to sit outside as we were not eating so we soon left there. Ocean Drive has restaurant after restaurant and we soon picked up on the fact that the walkway past all these places was also the catwalk. Masses of people parading up and down with their best beach clothes and more skin on show than we had seen in Rio. Full faces of makeup and heels that quite frankly I could have killed for. Welcome back to western civilisation!

We found a nice bar further down the strip and getting into the swing of things I ordered a rather large and expensive cocktail. My mohito was lovely and Tim is back in love with the Sam Adams beer we had in Florida when we brought the lads out here. The people watching was fantastic and we studied more than a few tables getting wrecked in the blistering sun. We sipped away steadily as the sun was still very hot and an hour later had the joy of seeing people start to get ill. Two people were sick albeit by the toilet entrances rather than in full view and there were alot of cases of people being full of themselves. Great to watch when your sober and in good form yourself!! We left here after a couple of hours having watched a guy breakdance and tiring of the parading many. That is apart from one very well toned guy who entered the bar with his oiled up biceps. Even Tim admitted he looked after himself well, rather nice viewing ladies I have to say. Not that Tim went without either like I said catwalk is the best way to describe the environment. As the sun was starting to set we caught the bus back to our hotel, cooked dinner and crashed out, think it must have been the heat.

As we only had two days here the following morning we got up early and caught the bus into downtown Miami. It had started to rain heavy again and we ducked into a macdonalds for a coffee and sausage mcmuffin. Seriously miss sausage now, you cannot get a decent one anywhere so that was rather good. Here we were approached by a homeless woman who we declined to give money to. She then started to get aggressive with other people and we noticed a distinct animosity from her. Completely different to people we have met in her position in poor countries. We leave with her still badgering people for cash and walk the short distance to an area called bayside. The rain has subsided and the skies are clearing again. It is as warm as yesterday as we are both feeling the energy drain out of us. We spot bubba gumps as we cross the road and then we see a bench outside with Forest Gumps suitcase and chocolates sat on it. His running shoes are on the ground pretty funny to see and we take a picture. Then we spot the harbour and the masses of boats moored up. There is some serious money here without a doubt. Most importantly though I spot the shops and feel like i´m in heaven. We spent the next couple of hours shopping. I´ve forgotten what it´s like but soon get into the swing of things. Two hours later I have 2 new dresses and a seriously high pàir of sandals. Good value and i´m well pleased. We decided to take the afternoon boat trip around the islands and are in time to get one deaprting within 10 minutes so we are soon on the water sailing through some of Miami most expensive real estate. We pass the dock and watch a container ship being loaded across the water is Fisher Island. Home to Tom Cruise, J Lo etc..etc.. the list in endless you can only access the island if you have your own boat or helicopter, it has it´s own private hospital !. Crossing through the water we sail towards Star Island and spend the next hour cruising around the shores which are home to Gloria Estefan, Julio Englesias, Elizabeth Taylor, Shakeil O´Neil the houses are stunning but I wonder how they feel about privacy. We are one of many boats doing the same thing. It was a great tour and we both enjoyed pondering on how the other half live.

Back on dry land I find myself returning to a shop from earlier and purchasing another dress as they were such good value. Changing in the shop I actually emerge looking almost like a lady for once. The heels feel great and we spot a bar by the waterfront and decided to relax there a little. They have strongbow on tap - could this day get any better??? So we while the last few hours of daylight away watching the activity on the boats and sipping our drinks. Tim takes control of the jukebox and we toast our best mates Suz and Si as we hear songs we normally associate with them. Cant help but think of you guys when I have a cider in my hand!!! As it starts to get darker we leave the bar with the intention of heading back to the bus and home for tea. We got side tracked on the way however by live music. We find an open air band playing on the waterfront and lots of people dancing and showing off. Great people watching and we stay and drink in the atmosphere for a while. It is now quite dark and we still have to pack and sort out dinner. We hotfoot it back to the hotel which seems to take an age on the bus finally we are there and it is gone 10. Mad rush round for the next hour, quickly eat and fall into bed as we are up early for our flight in the morning.

Miami was a fantastic way to splurge for a couple of days. To be out of my combats and for us both to enjoy looking and feeling semi human. Dont get me wrong I love true travelling but it is good for the soul to have times where you are not looking like you have been dragged through a hedge. The city is full of people watching activity and the weather was lovely. It is a far cry from where we have travelled recently but it did not seem ostentatious in anyway which was a surprise. Ocean Drive was a disappointment full of people wanting to get wasted whereas Bayside was more classy and relaxed. Great fun and frolics but back to reality as we fly over to Costa Rica and head for the jungle...........................

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Photos

Miami beach
Ocean Drive area

Ocean Drive
remember the lighthouse family song?

Comments

[Joff]

Hi
Alright guys, everythings looking fantastic. Not long till you,re back i guess. How is everything with you?