My wife and I are settling into a Miami routine now that we’ve gotten rid of the rental car, bought groceries, and cleared our calendars for the rest of the week. We spent several hours on the beach yesterday and tried to brown some pizza slices in the toaster turned sideways. The smoke alarm naturally went off in the process. I also did a couple of loads of laundry just like being at home. We ended the evening with There’s Something About Mary and The Waterboy, instead of going clubbing. We were obviously tired from all the driving around Florida and glad to take a break. We promise to make today more exciting. 

One of the issues about staying in the South Beach Deco District is that our hotel has no pool. These fabulous landmarks across from the Atlantic Ocean were built in the 30s and are packed-in next to each other along Ocean Drive. There are no tennis courts and pools, just miles of beachfront outlining the island. Washington Avenue and Collins Street (A1A) run north and south behind the hotels. Key Biscayne is directly to the south, only 200 miles from Havana or The Bahamas that are just slightly southeast. We’re truly in an island paradise. 

I’ve been to the Bahamas twice, however the first time was a one-day junket from Indianapolis to Paradise Island for $99. I don’t remember the circumstances of the second visit but can recall gambling in a casino. It was long before Atlantis was built in 1998. At some point, I would like to travel to Cuba, although general tourism is still technically banned. First, however, we’ll get to The Keys once we settle in Florida. Today, my goal is more time in the sun, having avoided getting burned yesterday. I’m starting to get a little color back in my complexion that is still very pale in comparison with other beach goers. I’m afraid there’s little at this point I can do about my sagging physique!