Gran Adventura de South America 2023 (Miami)

 

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Oh yeah - we added a stop in Miami to our Gran advetura!

Feb 26: This day started early. Very early! Uber picked us up at 1am. Flight to Panama scheduled for 3:50, actually loaded an hour prior to departure  and actually departed  the gate 15 minutes ahead of schedule.

We arrived early into Panama, our connection city. We had almost a four hour layover. The Panama airport is incredibly bright. Really bright. But there was only one restaurant where we could find a cup of coffee. Our flight to Miami left around 10 and delivered us to Miami around 1pm. we picked up ur rental car and found our hotel by 2:30. Marriott Courtyard Coconut Grove. We went to a short walk to wake up and discovered a place called Montys that served an awesome Bahama Breeze drink - it was so good we had two with some truffle fries. 

Miami, officially the city of miami, is a coastal metropolis and the county seat of miami-dade county in south florida. with a population of 442,241 as of the 2020 census, it is the second-most populous city in florida and 11th-most populous city in the southeast. the miami metropolitan area is the ninth-largest in the united states with a population of 6.138 million in 2020. the city has the third largest skyline in the u.s. with over 300 high-rises, 58 of which exceed 491 ft.

Why Miami you ask? When we were booking our trip home, the best connect was through Miami. So we said to ourselves, "we should just hang out in Miami for a few days". 

We went to an awesome Mexican restaurant in downtown Miami. La Veinte Cantina. It was beautifully situated on one of the waterways that makes Miami Miami. The skyline reflecting upon the water, with passing yachts, was amazing and magical. 

Feb 27: I went for a wonderful morning walk along the waterfront. This part of Miami reminds me of a warmer version of San Diego. 

We decided to take in south beach. After finding parking, not super easy, we found a great restaurant on ocean view road called Americano. We set outside on the sidewalk and enjoy our meal and people watched. After eating we ventured out to the beach. South Beach is a great place to people watch! We found a day lounge bed and kicked back watching people - mostly scantily dressed and tiny swim attire. It was fun sitting their an talking, the perfect spot.

Until a guy approached us and asked, we had paid to rent the bed. Paid? I asked. Apparently, these spots are rented out. $150 per day.  for as far as the eye could see there were lounge chairs, umbrellas and day beds. All apparently private and available for rent. No thanks! Spring Break crowds will be arriving to South Beach in the coming weeks. And We thought the beaches were crowded today. 

Miami/SoBe is an up and coming Spring Break location. When the sun goes down on Miami Beach, the neon lights go on in South Beach and the evening heats up.

This historic Art Deco District of South Miami Beach is well known for it's chic sidewalk cafes, trendy restaurants and non stop partying. A favorite destination of those escaping New York in winter, South Beach, has always been popular with models, movie stars, and musicians.

We put on our "we belong here" attitude and walked into the W for a look around. We checked into room rates and found out a king room rents for $1100 per night. Maybe we don't belong here😁

Miami took its name from the Miami River. The river was named for a Tequesta Indian word believed to mean “big water.” The Tequesta had Miami to themselves until the Spanish claimed it in the 1500s.

We had a nice dinner at Monty's near the hotel. one more day remains. The time has gone too fast. 

Feb 28: Last full day. It is hard a month has passed. When we were flying toward Chile at the start of our vacation, Maurina asked me to help her think of a hashtag for our trip. Grand Adventure came to mind, and translating that into Spanish, Gran Adventura, seemed appropriate. It has for sure been a grand adventure. Hard to believe it is almost over. 

Today, after breakfast at the courtyard, we went on a boat tour on Biscayne Bay and the waterways of Miami. The focus was on seeing the homes of the rich and famous who have built mansions here. The magnificent homes of famous actors, entertainers and sports stars line the shore. It was interesting and our bilingual tour guide "Pirate" made it fun. But for me, it was just relaxing being out on the water and enjoying the wonderful Miami weather. I think Maurina would agree. After the boat tour we went to Hard Rock for lunch on the deck overlooking the harbor. 

Then we headed toward our final hotel of our trip, La Quinta, in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale is only 20 miles north of Miami. 

 Built in 1838 and first incorporated in 1911, Fort Lauderdale is named after a series of forts built by the United States during the Second Seminole War. The forts took their name from Major William Lauderdale (1782–1838), younger brother of Lieutenant Colonel James Lauderdale. Development of the city did not begin until 50 years after the forts were abandoned at the end of the conflict. 

Known as the “Venice of America", Fort Lauderdale has 165-miles of inland waterways across the city.

Fitting final photo on the last night

Fort Lauderdale is much more laid back compared to Miami Beach. We went to the beach area for dinner at an awesome place called "The Taco Joint". We were able to get an outdoor table which set right on the board walk. About 20 feet or so from the beach and the surf beyond. What a great place to people watch and the food was outstanding (and affordable compared to Miami beach). I enjoyed amazing lobster tacos. The 32oz Margs really het the spot. 

If I were to return to south Florida for a beach vacation, I would definitely choose to stay in the Lauderdale area vs Miami (or Coconut Grove where we stayed). Hotels are more affordable, and the beach is equally amazing. Food seems to be less expensive. At least "the Taco Joint" did not add in the 20% mandatory service fee that the Miami restaurants include. I found the service charge to be frustrating - especially when they would suggest a tip on top of the service charge. I never gave them a tip. 

March 1: Homeward bound. We flew out of Fort Lauderdale on an early flight. We had arranged first class tickets using our frequent flyer miles - making a great final leg of our Grand Adventure. We arrived back to Lopez around 6:30pm to an amazing greeting from Rocky and Apollo. We were tired and a few pounds heavier, but so thankful we had the opportunity to explore new cultures and see amazing natural wonders, all while enjoying warm weather for an entire month. 

I will be reflecting on the trip for some time. So, watch for future blogs as I ponder things experienced from our Gran Adventura de South America 2023. There was a lot to take in - from sitting in thermal hot springs in middle of the Andes Mountains, sipping wine in an Argentina Vinyard, being up close and drenched by the largest waterfall in the world at Iguazu Falls, exploring the amazing wonder of the Amazon (which included swimming with pink dolphins), and the fellow sojourners we met along the way. Of course, the highlight of the entire trip was being present to celebrate Jordan and Eliana on their wedding day. That was the impetus to the trip to begin with. We are thankful for each step and every experience. 

We are glad to be home. Tired, but incredibly thankful.