We're in Miami Trick!

So if you want a little culture and some crazy friendly people, then Miami is the spot to be. Caitlin and I got in around 10:30 am on Tuesday and were ready to venture out right away.  After being picked up at the airport by a family friend of Caitlin's' we got sorted and made our way straight to Miami Beach boardwalk just scoping out the north side.  After a friendly intro of Miami by  bartender  locals we made moves to South Beach with our host, John, and friend for a dinner on the infamous Lincoln Road, a pedestrian only, shopping and eating Mecca with every style of cooking and every style of people.  After a tasty bite, we broke away from our hosts and continued just us to a street-side Hookah Bar were we met a lovely array of very interesting people.  The beautiful thing about Miami Beach is the fantastic mix of people that constantly surround you.  Caitlin and I both argreed that we would make a solid effort in our bi-lingual efforts after seeing how effortlessly people can speak both English and Spanish there.  Our Hookah experience was fun but put us to rest pretty early (that and the size of their mix drinks was unreal- one glass could tranquilize a small pony) so that was that. 

The next morning we made moves back to the boardwalk and after a quick breakfast smoothy ( half of which Caitlin watered the beach with) we strode along towards south beach.  As we got into the heart of South Beach, we were drawn into a cool local tour that bused through the city and then cruised the harbor and showed us the Mansions of Top A list Celebs like Shakira, Jlo, Ricky Martin, Antonio Banderas, Caitlins Mr. Right George Clooney and my Mr. Right Leoonardo Dicaprio.  Our day shaped up to be a pretty solid one and after bumping around town it was time to call it a day.  Although we didnt rage the club scene, our time in Miami was a solid prologue to our epic adventure.  

Alright, so I honestly did not expect to like Miami. It just never seemed to be my kind of city. However, a few short hours there definitely changed my mind. I love the Spanish-style architecture of Miami City itself, and the unexpected lifestyles-of-the-rich-and-famous aspect that we were informed of during our tour. There's a history to the area that is very different from the New England culture I'm used to. Like Katie said, we were typically addressed in Spanish first, and English second (they probably switched over out of pity after seeing my panicked expression. I understand a solid 75% or so of what I hear, but am still not fluent or confident enough to just roll with it and attempt to respond in Spanish). Our tour guide (yes, we did a tour, and it was awesome) had loads of info to explain the Spanish-style feel of Miami. Allegedly, the founding builder or whatever of the city was in love with a Spanish woman, and wanted to build her a city in tribute that felt like home. So he completes the masterpiece that is Miami, and asks her to marry him. She says something along the lines of, "Aw that's wicked sweet, but I just married someone else..."... BURN. Rough go, my man. 

One stop we made was to a church where apparently if you touch the stones of the church and think of someone, that is the person you will marry. As the driver cautioned, "Good luck, just don't think of your dog!". Also he went on a small rant along the lines of married people only thinking of their spouses or don't bother touching it blah blah blah... seemed like a touchy subject. Who did I think of when I touched the wall? I'll never tell :) 

Little Havana really caught my attention- from the older Cuban men playing chess and dominos in the park to the delicious authentic Cuban pan con bistec at the stand where they filmed a scene from Scarface- it was a great experience. We also saw THE house where they filmed a large part of the movie. Say hello to my little friend! 

We wish we could have spent a little more time in Miami- John (a good friend of my family) was an awesome host, and we really did fall in love with the city. However, the clock caught up with us and before we knew it, it was 4am on Thursday and we were hopping in a cab bound for the airport, and ultimately... BELIZE! Currently we are absolutely lovin' life on Caye Caulker, an island off the coast of Belize. Katie is deep in talk with a German and a Wisconian (Wisconsonite?) and we've got some bars to hit, so this post must reach its conclusion. More to come mañana! Buenos noches! 

Much love, 

Cait and Katie