2019 Trip 3: South Florida: April 12+

Sunrise on the Beach

Miami Beach, April 13

This may be the only day in South Beach that we choose to get up early enough to see the sunrise. But it was worth it. It is funny, South Beach has a reputation as such a party place, lots of music and rowdy activities. And it was that way in the previous weeks according to the staff here.

We have found South Beach calm and relaxing as we have stayed here over the last 18 years. I can’t completely explain it, it may have to do with coming back to a friendly and comfortable hotel where the staff knows who you are. It might have to do with that we came here as an end of winter relaxation from work in our early years here. Last night as we arrived and sat along the boardwalk, on the balcony at our hotel, and sitting at an outside restaurant, we just enjoyed watching people.

People come here from all over. The use of foreign languages identifies many travelers. But we also watched grandparents with their grandchildren, as the grandchildren explain how they really do take care of their pets at home. Watching three couples with their young children traveling together as a group. Watching the foibles and idiosyncrasies as people try to park cars or maneuver around other pedestrians on the sidewalk. Watching all varieties of couples as they hold hands and enjoy each other’s company as they stroll along the beach or the boardwalk.

Morning on the beach

This morning as we watch the sunrise from along the beach, chatting with people from other locations, and observing the various shades of colors as the sun finally peeks out over the clouds, a sense of calmness deepens. Of course it may help that we are not watching or listening to national news.

Lunch at the Biltmore Coral Gables

Friday we drove up here, along the Overseas Highway. We retraced our steps from Monday and noticed again that the northern half of the journey along the Keys is not enjoyable. Instead of our peanut butter and cracker meals of the last several days, we splurged and stopped for lunch at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. We pretended we were wealthy and had a nice lunch sitting outside at their Fortuna restaurant. For dinner we returned to one of our favorites locations, the Front Porch restaurant. It is just a few doors up the street and has been on Ocean Drive for 25 years.

Sunrise at South Beach

Ed and Chris Miami Beach, FL. April 13