The International Congress of Esthetics and Spa drew me into the beautiful shores of Miami Beach, FL, last weekend. The weather was a little muggy, but when you live in Southern California, everything feels unbearable.
When I arrived in Miami on May 15th, I remembered that I hadn't traveled to Florida in over 10 years. I was anxious to see what had changed, and what hadn't, since my last visit. One thing that I learned quickly: the weather changes very little in 10 years. It's as unpredictable as ever. It could be clear and sunny one minute, and not 5 minutes later, the clouds and rain move in. Then, just as quickly as they arrive, they're gone, leaving you scratching your head and wondering if it was all a dream.
The neon of South Beach drew me in like a moth to, well, a light. The beauty of South Beach cannot compare to Times Square in New York, but then again, you wouldn't want it to. The art deco style of the various hotels along Ocean Drive are as amazing to see during the day as the neon shines at night. Visiting not only Ocean Drive, but Collins and Washington Avenues, along with Lincoln Road, was a vacationers paradise!
Shops of all kinds can be found within the 15 block radius, leaving you both drained and shocked at the sticker price of clothes and knick-knacks you can carry back to parts unknown. Not to say that deals can't be found (or haggled), if you know where to look. My favorites were Wings (on Collins and Lincoln) and the little shop known as PayLess Shoes (sandals for $10!).
The beaches rival those found on the shores of Hawaii, if for nothing then their white sands and warm waters. I not only left a piece of the Traveler's heart behind in those warm, warm waters, but my expensive Polo glasses sank to the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean on my first day in town. Perhaps we'll meet again some day, my dear friend. Thankfully, the Traveler comes prepared, and contact lenses were the eye wear of choice for the remainder of my 5 days in Florida.
Night life in South Beach is definitely not for the faint of heart. With clubs piled up around famous locations like Casa Casuarina (Versace's Mansion on Ocean Drive), the choices are endless for parties, parties, and more parties. A stop at Mango's is a must. Soak in the local flavor and cool down with the tropical theme, while shaking your way around the two-story dance floor.
When my trip ended on May 20th, the Traveler was headed back to the cool coastal weather of Ventura, California, but I know that I'll be back in just a few days for a go at Orlando. Just 200 miles to the North of South Beach, the (East Coast) city that Disney built is waiting to be explored. In the meantime, check out my photo album, and come back in a few weeks for an intimate look at Orlando, Florida.
