Miami, Florida: Day 2 - A little taste of everything in Miami.

Travel Date: Friday, Dec 06 2014

After I got up in the morning, I walked outside to see the view in the daylight and it was gorgeous. They really stay in a wonderful location in downtown Miami.

AJ was working out those BIG GUNS of his at the gym, so Sarah and I headed over to pick up him.

Headed over to Coconut Grove to a restaurant called Green Street Cafe, but there was a long wait.

So we ended up walking around the shops in the nearby area, and walked into one of the stores that AJ and Sarah's friend's works at: Isabel Riera. The girls are busy doing 'shopping' - Isabel actually works there.

We might as well take a break, and relax.

After leaving the store we walk around. They run into one of the friends Josh driving his Vespa across the street and we invite him for lunch with us.

Oh that looks really really good. But unfortunately it turned out to be not my omelette but Josh's. Next time right!

The drive back is filled with traffic. Welcome to Miami.

We get home, change into beach wear and head out on the overhead tram.

This is the place where another of AJ's friends David lives. Ridiculous!! It has its own volleyball court

Two pools

A view overlooking the American Airlines Arena - where the Miami Heat play - and downtown Miami.

What's my yatch doing there?

AJ is practicing his basketball skills for volleyball.

The guys (David, Wayne and AJ) get their game together.

I decide to just relax in the shade on the other side of one of the pools. I'm already dark, and don't need any more sun. 

The sun slowly begins to set.

Time for AJ and Sarah to pack up.

But first I want to grab a few panoramic shots of the area during the sunset.

We head back to their condo.

Stop by the marketplace inside their apartment complex.

To get some Cuban coffee.

This shit is strong. Who needs five hour energy?? This has got me wired already. And SOO DELICIOUS!

We change to go towards South Beach in Miami Beach. Before we leave I head upstairs with AJ to catch a view of downtown at night. I am surprised that I actually caught all those lights through the iPhone.

We head to SoBe (South Beach) and walk around the Lincoln Road Mall, looking at the various stores and getting directions (kidding).

Decide to eat at Balans.

Cheers!

Now now AJ, its not all for you.

The pita and hummus are really good.

Was hoping the Thai Curry dish I got would be a little spicer but it was still tasty.

Time to catch a ride to Ocean Drive!

This ride has the volume up on HIGH and it is jamming!!

SELFIE!

We get out and walk around on Ocean Drive.

We enter a live entertainment venue called Mango's Tropical Cafe for nightly Latin music... and bar top dancing!

I order a $15.51 drink with 20% tip included. I'm definitely in South Beach where everything is overpriced and expensive. At least the drink was good.

Group picture.

Michael Jackson comes to the stage. I thought he died?

Later we head on home back to the crib.

Time for AJ to be goofy and eat his yogurt.

And then it is bed time.

Reflections:

Today I got a more residential feel for Miami. Brunch at Coconut Grove was great. Meeting AJs and Sarahs friends: Josh, Isabel, David and Wayne was a nice touch to meet friends of friends.

David's place is out of this world. I love the volleyball court - although I didn't play - and the pool(s)  - although I didn't swim/or dip in. The surrounding views of Miami from his place was incredible.

One of the highlights of my day was trying out the Cuban coffee. It was very strong and just delicious. I definitely need to get some more of that while I'm here.

Finally going to SoBe was interesting. I observed the superficiality of South Beach. Everyone was dressed and beautiful. Image is definitely was the name of game in this part of Miami. Dinner and company was great. I just enjoyed people watching with AJ and Sarah for the rest of the evening. The performances at Mango's was good although after a while the loud music and expensive drinks just got old.

Have to say that so far I've definitely enjoyed Miami. Thank you AJ and Sarah for showing me around for the entire day. It was great to meet new people, have dinner and drinks with you, try Cuban coffee for this first time, and experience the much talked about South Beach, Miami Beach area.

And the best part is I still have one more day left of Miami and am very much excited to see what hides behind day number 3.

Expenses: $84.39
Lunch: $16.84 (Greenstreet Outdoor Lounge)
Dinner: $42.04 (Balkans Lincoln Road)
Beverages: $15.51 (Mangos)
Cover: $10.00 (Mangos)

Miami, Florida: Day 1: Reunion with past Sigma Nu HQ staff AJ and Sarah

Travel Date: Friday, Dec 05 2014

I left Marcus home early about the time he headed out to work and began the drive to Miami. But first have to pick up some rations: donuts and coffee.

Was driving through the Florida Panther Life Refuge. Yes, I said Panthers. Look closely at the road sign.

And the Everglades Wildlife Management Area.

No sightings of alligators or crocodiles though.

I entered up in Miami, and decided to head over to a coffee shop near a mall.

Walked in and everyone was talking Spanish. I loved it. I ordered coffee in English though.

Finally after knocking off a few blogs, I received a call from AJ and headed over to his place.

AJ was an intern for a few months at Sigma Nu HQ; that is how we met. He also happens to be Sigma Nu Man of the Year (2006) and deserving so. We had reconnected into each other at the 66th Grand Chapter in Nashville, Tennessee and mentioned that was traveling and coming to Miami.

He lives with his girlfriend Sarah. The view from their apartment in downtown Miami is AMAZING!

We change and head out for dinner in the Brickell area at a restaurant called Delores BUT YOU CAN CALL ME Lolita. Not jokes; that is what it is called.

You have your very own Guest Bill of Rights that is clearly outlined as you enter.

We sit down and get some wine.

Cheers!

I got the soup.

And forgot what this was but it was delicious.

Sarah and AJ have to go watch a play or musical or something near so I decide to walk to a nearby Irish bar called Fado in Brickell. After their play we all end up hanging out at popular local bar Blackbird Ordinary and enjoy a few beverages while catching up and meeting some locals.

It was getting late and past my bed time so we leave to pick up a late night snack.

And then home.

Reflections:
Man, it is good to be in Miami, FL. As soon as I walked into the coffee shop I came alive hearing the Latin American dialects and seeing the diversity and culture. I love love love it. Reminds me a lot about Spain.

It was great to see AJ again. It doesn't feel long since we ran into each other at Grand Chapter and it was nice to meet and get to know Sarah more: beautiful woman, and wonderful personality. I met Sarah once when AJ first received his Sigma Nu Man of the Year award although it was briefly. Those two are a good pairing.

There is nothing like chatting and reminiscing about the Sigma Nu Days back at staff and the one famous basketball game where Justin and AJ got overly competitive. Great memories. I think I am going to like Miami a lot. AJ and Sarah have been great hosts so far and thank you for picking up the dinner. Food was delicious.

Cannot wait for the next day!!

Expenses: $191.80
Donuts and Coffee: $4.06 (Dunkin Donuts)
Gas: $29.10 (Mobil)
Parking: $60.00 (Valet parking for 3 nights at AJs)
Beverages: $42.00 (Fado)
Beverages: $56.64 (Blackbird Ordinary)