He was so nervous about the expense of the trip. We had more heated discussions over this trip than we have over any other we've taken, and we take a major trip about every six months, so I was completely mystified as to why there was so much heartburn associated with this one. I had a feeling that once we were underway, we would end up having a fabulous time. I was right.
Our first night in Miami, we ended up at a very cute, extremely good little French bistro. The vibe was very Bohemian as we sat out in the warm night air listening to a young man singing in French while playing his guitar. The simple salad Nicoise that I ordered was excellent, and just what I needed after an unremarkable airport lunch. Gavin's charcuterie platter was also excellent with a good assortment of cured meats and a nice country pate. The next morning, I decided to take advantage of our balcony for a little sunbath.
Since we were going to be in Miami for the Fourth of July, we booked a hotel with what we hoped to be a great view of the fireworks. Boy, did we ever get it! Our room overlooked Biscayne Bay, giving us a 180° view of the greater Miami area. We were able to watch about 5 simultaneous fireworks displays.
For the rest of our time in Miami, we stuck mostly to Cuban food. We discovered that the best mojito is served at Versailles on Calle Ocho, cafe con leche is addictive and fried yucca with garlic aioli is too sublime.Gavin took my picture while we were waiting for our food. He says that he was NOT trying to aim down my blouse, but I don't believe him.
While we were in Miami, we toured museums and gardens. The most outrageous garden we visited was Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. The guy who built it made his fortune from farm machinery as the founder of International Harvester. This is what happens when Midwesterners have more money than sense.
While we were strolling the gardens, I heard a rustling in the ferns. I thought it was rats until this little guy popped out. What a cutie!
We also toured the Art Deco District, which is in South Beach. It was crazy hot the entire time we were there. To me, it always seems a lot hotter when you have a big sign pointing out the temperature.
A lot of the art deco buildings are monochromatic. Colorful, but just one color. Here's one of my favorites that had a little more character.
We never did go out dancing. I talked to my Salsa instructor before we left, and he admonished me not to go to any Salsa clubs. He was afraid that because I only had a few hours of instruction from him, I would learn bad habits. He is serious about Salsa! After three days in Miami, we headed out to Key West. I thought I would like Miami more, boy was I wrong. Key West is awesome. There are cats and chickens everywhere!
The best part of being on vacation is drinking before lunch. Here we are in the Green Parrot cooling off after a morning of touring the Hemmingway home and the Key West lighthouse.
On Thursday, the warning of hurricane Dennis came, and all visitors were notified to evacuate the island. We decided to stay since we were leaving on Friday anyway, and we watched as Key West battened down the hatches. Plywood was going up everywhere and there were long lines at every gas station.
Because of the hurricane, the horizon was very cloudy on every night we were there. We did manage to see some pretty sunsets despite the clouds, or perhaps because of them.
Our best meal on the island was at Blue Heaven. The cafe has dirt floors and cats and chickens running around everywhere, but the food was awesome! Gavin enjoyed his pina colada.
The next morning we were up early and on the road. As we were driving, the first storms from the hurricane began to hit the island. It was only mostly scary.
Once we were back in Miami, we visited the Rubell Family Collection. This was one of the funnier pieces. Their collection is very odd, but definitely worth seeing.
