This past Thanksgiving, I signed up for an airline credit card (Delta Amex - more on this in an upcoming post!) and after a few laborious hours of internet searching bought a one-way ticket to Port-au-Prince, Haiti (more on this in an upcoming post as well!).
I finagled my flight to have a 50-hour weekend layover in Miami, which is possibly the best city in America to spend a weekend in. I lived in Miami for 2 years before moving to New Orleans, so I was able to stay with friends and not pay for lodging or transportation which, in a city as potentially expensive as Miami, was a huge help to my budget.
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| The view from my friend's apartment in Little Havana. Marlins Stadium with downtown in the background. |
My first day in Miami was disappointingly stormy. Instead of beach time, my friend and I headed into the neighborhood of Doral for arepas. We tried a new restaurant that puts an American twist on arepas, stuffing the corn pockets with combinations like chicken salad and avocado instead of the traditional white cheese.
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| Mmmm arepas and plantains! |
That night, I met up with some friends and we went to a party in Brickell, the trendy downtown area of Miami. A common misconception of Miami is that the city itself is on the beach -- it's not, Downtown Miami sits on the Bay of Biscayne, but there's no beach. You have to cross over the causeway (fancy word for bridge) to get to South Beach or North Beach which makes it inconvenient to not have a car in this city.
Going out in Miami is an expensive and very late activity. Drinks cost around $10 each and the best dance spots don't get busy until around 1 am. Clubs typically charge a cover, which can sometimes be avoided by going with a large group of ladies (sorry, guys!) or through a promoter. There's often deals that can get you a party bus, open bar, and entrance to a club for around $40 per person - which is MUCH cheaper than normal. Club promoters will often walk South Beach and, although their interactions may seem sketchy, are worth talking to if you're planning a night out.
The next day, the weather cleared up and we were able to hit the beach for a few hours! We went to South Beach and ate lunch at my favorite SoBe restaurant, La Sandwicherie. I ordered the prosciutto and brie sandwich with extra cornichons and extra dressing. They make their own dressing and it is amazing! I wish I'd checked a bag so I could've bought a bottle to bring home!
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| Friends! And South Beach |
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| Downtown Miami from the causeway |
That night, I went out in Wynwood, a neighborhood that has changed considerably since I lived in Miami. Wynwood is most known for the "Wynwood Walls" urban art exhibit and as the location of Miami's monthly Art Walk. The area is full of murals, art galleries, and a growing bar scene.
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| Before he went to Ohio.. |
The next morning, I packed my bags, said "adios" to the 305, and headed to Fort Lauderdale Airport for my flight to Haiti!
