Miami Always Waits–Busy While She Does

Last weekend I went to one of my favorite places–Miami. I grew up there on a small island, just off the coast, called Key Biscayne. I wouldn’t trade my early years there for anything on earth. Back then the island was a sleepy little place where bicycles were the main mode of transportation and everyone on the island knew everyone else. The village really did raise the children. That upbringing yielded me at least three sets of parents and tons of aunts and uncles not related by blood but definitely related by love.

When I go back the slow rustle of palm fronds and the unbelievable aquamarine water send me right back into time. Things have changed. The little bungalow houses are mostly palatial fortresses now. There are more people and there’s more traffic. And I don’t recognize any of the people. The ghosts of the past were everywhere and I took comfort in the fact that those people and those memories remain unchanged in my heart today and they will forever.

The city itself has everything. It has grown and blossomed into a cultural, charismatic, cuisine Mecca. Convenience is the number one priority as far as I can tell. Traffic flowed well the entire time I was there. With expressways in every direction to move people from one fantastic place to another quickly, I’m impressed by the planning that necessarily came after the unexpected growth geiser. You can’t throw a rock without hitting Starbucks, Thai food, seafood, Cuban food–any food–and great shopping.

People are friendly. I’ve always loved the Latin flavor there. You’re never a stranger and always greeted–first time or last–with a kiss on the cheek. I couldn’t help but notice how everyone seemed to be thoroughly enjoying their weekend. People were jogging, bicycling, shopping, leisurely dining outdoors everywhere. They don’t seem to take any of Miami’s gifts for granted. I remember that from when I lived there. People embrace the life and surroundings with refreshing enthusiasm. And if you’re a people watcher, it’s always been a great place to engage.

Another thing I love is that, no matter where you go, the water is within reach. I’d forgotten how it’s everywhere you look. Even with the tremendous growth seen in the latter part of last century, a lot has been preserved. Deering Estate has acres of lush property and a rich history. The huge old home is open for touring and, situated on the bay, it’s a great place to meditate, walk, fish, picnic, read, paint or whatever. Coral walls are everywhere in the area where I stayed. Although we recognize now that we have to preserve the coral reefs, these walls have withstood storms and time with a strength and beauty that makes me want to thank them.

Big Banyan trees and bougainvillea are everywhere and at night…no matter how many times I see those hundreds of thousands of lights…it will always be magic.

Two days there always restores me. It’s not a costly trip because I stay with my friend from childhood. There’s so much to do that costs very little or nothing–free beaches, state parks, walks and window shopping in Coconut Grove. I didn’t find eating out to be any more expensive than where I live.

It’s like being in the Caribbean with every U.S. convenience and novelty imaginable–and then some. This is definitely the time of year to go–breezy and comfortable with just enough balm to remind you you’re in the tropics. I truly would recommend it to anyone because there positively is something for everyone in Miami. Te amo mi ciudad.