3 fun days in Miami

I fell in love with Miami. In just 3 days, Miami managed to capture my heart and join the list of my favorite cities in the world, right along side Mumbai, New York and New Orleans. I had no idea Miami had so much to offer and it was much more amazing than I anticipated. I knew Miami was a fun city, but I wasn't prepared for the boldness it displayed or the cultural depth it carried. I absolutely loved the vibe of the South Beach area that was blocked for pedestrians walks, the cultural charm of Little Havana, the creative display of art and ideas in Wynwood, and the breathtaking skyline view of downtown at night. I fell in love with its flavorful Cuban food and pulsating Latino music. With its wonderful sea, soft sand and warm air. With its delightful hospitality and leisurely vibe. 


As soon as I landed in Miami, I headed to my hotel Majestic in South Beach area which is right opposite the warm and inviting pacific ocean. I was itching to get to the beach but first I had to go to this Columbian restaurant called 'La Ventana', where I made reservations for myself. Eating shrimp ceviche patacones at this artsy Columbian restaurant while listening to lovely Latino music in South Beach Miami was like a dream come true for me. I had been wanting to do this for more than 8 years, since I had first been to Miami with my husband briefly for a day during a layover and loved our lunch on a restaurant patio. I love cities where restaurants have cool patios adorned with colorful flowers, accompanied by lovely music. And I couldn't have chosen a better place to experience this. Not only was the food excellent, the decoration was lively, the music was fantastic and the service was impeccable. It was a great find and I need to bring my husband here on our next trip!



After a happy lunch, I headed to the beach. I spent a few hours reading and writing on the beach, enjoying the cool breeze while listening to the waves crashing on the shore. My heart was filled with joy and several happy thoughts flooded my mind. I was so glad to be carrying my journal with me, so I could pour my heart over and let it flow through words. All I had with me was a small purse - which contained a book to read, my journal and a pen to write, a water bottle, my ID card and credit card - a vast ocean in front of me and a heart full of love and joy. And it felt like that was all I needed. 



After spending some relaxing time by the beach, I got ready to stroll down the Ocean Drive and feel its buzz. It was Sunday night and it wasn't too crowded. It had an eclectic, yet a fun and relaxing vibe. With its illuminated patios, music and dance shows, breeze flowing from the ocean, 
it's a great place to walk in the evenings. While walking down the avenue, I saw my first drag show performed outdoors that night at 'Palace Bar', and was blown away by the boldness of the performers. Nothing says "Be You" like it. It was bold and inspirational. If only I could hold the stage like that one day, I thought to myself, I would be so proud and happy. 


Shortly after, I found myself tapping my feet away to 'Despacito' song on the street, while this beautiful lady elegantly danced on the stage. 


The next morning, I had a 'Little Havana Food & Walking Tour' booked for 11:30 am at Tower Theatre. I reached there ahead of time and while I was skeptical of the tour when booking, I really enjoyed it and felt that it was totally worth the 2.5 hours and $60 I spent on it. You can read all about it here.


While we were well-fed during the tour and I wasn't hungry, there was this bar & restaurant called "Ball & Chain" in Little Havana, which had such a lively music band and a great owner in his 60's that was dancing, that I felt compelled to join him. Throwing my shoes to the side, I danced away in the bright light of the day, to the amusement of everyone in the club as well as the passersby. I am not a good dancer and if someone showed me my dancing video, it would likely be embarrassing. I saw a few tourists pulling their phones to record and the prospect of it popping up on social media seemed real, but I just didn't care. I never have. I always danced for myself. My friend once told me she never saw anyone dance with such reckless abandon like I do. I couldn't have said it better. The music was good and there was no one waiting for me or stopping me, so I just closed my eyes and danced to its beat to my heart's content and had a great time :)


I then headed to Wynwood Walls, which is a great outdoor museum featuring graffiti and street art. It was my first introduction to the world of murals, street art and graffiti. I found their creative usage of colors, collages and characters to convey messages and tell stories to be quite interesting. It was quite inspiring to read about some of the artists and the variety of inventive ways in which they approached their artforms. I wished I could one day depict my life, love and dreams through a painted collage artwork.






I spent sometime in the Wynwood area checking out its cute boutiques before heading back to the hotel. I had an early start the next day and I wanted to get some rest before that. I bought an acai bowl and had dinner by the beach that night. It had the taste of blueberries with a more earthy flavor. I then called it a night.

I got up at 5 AM the next morning, picked up my dream rental - a sexy red Corvette Stingray - and hit the Overseas Highway around 7 am for the most awaited drive to Key West. I had a blast driving the convertible along the ocean, while feeling the wind in my hair and listening to my favorite music. It was one of the best things I did for myself. You can read all about my day trip to Key West here.

The next morning, I had a lazy and light breakfast in the colorful patio of my hotel. I loved their bright yellow umbrellas, the beautiful flower pots and the lovely views of palm trees lining the beach. 




Around 11 am, I checked out and walked over to the beach once again. I sat there and poured my thoughts into my journal, ate chocolate and read some more. I dipped my feet in the water and spent some time listening to my heart. As I dipped my feet in the water facing the vast ocean, closing my eyes and feeling the waves, it just came to me:

                                     "Let go of your anxieties, worries, fears and doubts. 

                       That is how you make space for boldness, creativity and inspiration;

                                      That is how you find yourself and learn to live fully."

I then headed to Joe's Take Away to try their famous 'Lobster Reuben'. It was really good. As I sat outside waiting for my food and staring at the crossroads in front of me, I felt so lucky to be living the life I wanted to and for having that freedom and means to do so. I felt immense gratitude for the feeling of love in my heart. I just felt so rich and abundant in that moment. I didn't know what the future held for me, but I wanted to capture that moment in my heart forever - that feeling of abundance in my life, a feeling that allured me for so long. It is mine now. I need to find ways to stretch this feeling and let it envelope my life and influence my way of living.

I barely scratched the surface of the city and there is so much more that I haven't yet explored. I don't why it took me so long to get there and now I can't wait to return.

Did you ever unexpectedly fall in love with a city like I did? If not, try Miami and let me know what you thought :)

Comments

Popular Posts