Welcome to Miami

The flight to Miami was short and very comfortable. At the Airport I took a Taxi to my hostel and I was happy to find a clean and comfortable room. The Dorm beds had a nice design, with a little locker for your personal stuff and even an own TV. This evening I didn’t do anything and looked forward to finding some proper sleep. Sadly the girl below me seem to have a night rhythm as she was on the phone until around 23:00 then take a shower and left. The next morning she was not in the room. So I took the opportunity to have the bathroom on my own, to take a long and nice shower. Then I left the hostel to visit the famous Miami Beach.

I started my trip on the opposite of the street were there was a typical American Diner. I really felt like in the movie – Pulp Fiction – as this place looked absolutly how you imagine an American Diner. Even the waiter and waitress matched totaly my expectations and I couldnt stop smiling as they come around and asked me „Good morning sweety, what can I do today for you? Coffee?“ – so I ordered an ordinary Toast with coffee, and some cheese and watched the szene in the diner while eating. All other guest ordered a hot breakfast with huge amounts of eggs, pancakes, sausages and other very heavy stuff and I watched it with surprised eyes. There was one lady who only took the order, one lady who brought the coffee and another guy who cleaned the tables. Sugar, milk, salt, pepper, majonaise, ketchup – all was on the table in little plastic boxes and gives me the impression that the states is the country where nobody has to worry about anything. I was impressed.

Google Maps told me it is just a 15 min. walk but after approximately 10 min. it was clear that it was not a distance to walk. I saw a lady in the street who looked like waiting for a bus and ask her for information. She confirmed that I can take the L bus to Miami Beach and also we had a little nice chat. I was very surprised about how friendly all the people was that I met. The bus arrived and I looked forward to my journey. A few stops later and elderly man enterd the bus, and took the seat next to me. He started a conversation and I figured out that his name was Connor and that he lives here in Miami since the 80th. I asked where to leave the bus and he suggested me to take the same exit as he will do. He offered me to walk me around and explain the area to me, and I agreed. He was a very nice person. His look was a bit dirty and his clothes was not in best condition, but he seemed to be very honest and he had huge knowledge about the area.

So I found myself walking with Connor along the famous Ocean Boulevard. A lot of the houses had the unique Art-Deco style, and nearly each building was owned by someone famous, or something interesting has happend here. So we pass the house where the movie „Scarface“ with Al Pacino was made, the Versace house, a cafe owned by Bruce Willis, and one place that was owned by Madonna. The Boulevard it self was ocupied from such a huge amount of big or expensive cars that it was kind of unreal. The traffic was very slow and it was obviously that is not about to get from one place to the other, then to show what you got. Also the people matched my expectations. You saw 80th looking like roller skater, oiled body builder, surfer boys, and ladys on high heels. 

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I enjoyed the converstation with Connor. The story of his live was for sure not a boring one, with ups and downs. He confessed to me that for a certain time he was on crack. The using was the reason why he lost his wife, as he spent all her money on drugs. As there wasnt anything anymore, he regret and found peace in god. Since then he didnt drink or use anymore and visit the church on regular bases. He showed my pictures of his family and I felt kind of sad as he confesses that he never had the opportunity to left the country. I promised him that, if I really will buy a sailboat, to come around and take him out for a sail. I invited him on a bagel and a coffee in Madonnas cafe, and after he helped my to find a place where I could bye some post cards we sayed goodbye to each other.

My next stop was to pass from the Boulevard to the beach. I was surprised that the beach was not that ugly as I expected it. It is a very long beach, that stretches as far as you can see. Along the beach side you see a lot of very big hotels but somehow this does not really destroy the look. Every 250m you see a Baywatch tower, and a lot of people was chilling in the sun. The color of the water was nice blue, and didn’t looked dirty at all. The beach was full, but not overcrowded. Of course this is not a place where you want to spent two weeks but for 2-3 days it might be nice. Surprisingly nice.

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I walked a bit around and become witness of the famous drag queen shows in the Palace Cafe. I didnt know that Miami is also famous for gay people and it was kind of funny that next to the Palace cafe a man on the corner offered free HIV tests. I found a nice little place where they sold fresh made, vegetarian wraps and smoothies. A real delight! 

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I walked back the way where Connor and I had started our trip and then found a cheep latino shop where they sold luggage. I decided to buy one, as my bag was absolutly not made for Backpacking like trips. Happy and Impressed I returned by UBER back to my hostelitself and started to repack my luggage. Clearly to much stuff! The luggage was so heavy that I directly worry about how to travel with this from now on. I decided not to worry about that now to much and instead to go out for a dinner. 

Earlier this day I have seen a restaurant near by which advertised its place with „organic“, „bio“ and so on. I ordered some champions topped with cheese and a sparkeling water. Taste was great and the place was nicly decorated. I enjoyed the food even if it was a bit pricy. Then I returned to my Hostel and enjoyed a good and long sleep. 

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In the morning I took an UBER to the Airport and again I had the chance to had a very nice chat with the female driver. The also was a single mom and obviously she needed to UBER to keep her family up and running. She explained that she is kind of an artist but lack here in Miami opportunities to present her art or find like minded people. Also she explained that from being a young girl on, she loved writing and so she was super happy as I gave her some tips where she can find online work and opportunities where to earn some money. 

Finally, at the airport, I felt a bit sad to leave Miami so soon, as I really enjoyed my time here. Goodbye Miami – Hello Panama