Mr. October...........

Well, I finally made it back down to Miami in October. Stayed at the Marriott South Beach for two nights. Then, moved across the street to a nice condo for 7 nights. Very nice to be near all of my favorite spots such as "The Room", Ted's Hideaway, Joe's Stone Crab, Playwright's and Big Pink for that late night/early morning burger. The weather was perfect. Not a drop of rain all week.


My general schedule went like this:

Spent most mornings walking on the beach. Usually up to the Eden Roc Hotel. That's a nice LONG walk from the Marriott South Beach area. It felt nice to be out doing something healthy.

After a long walk, time to head back to the condo for a shower and some quality R and R before heading out to get a bite to eat somewhere for lunch.

After lunch, another period of R and R before summoning the energy to head over to the beach to catch some rays, read my book and admire the scenery. I must say that the scenery in South Beach has never been better in my opinion.

After a few hours on the beach, it was time to return to the condo for a shower and a nap. Nothing better than hitting that airconditioned bedroom for some quality Z's after being out in the heat all day.

Time for a cold beer and a cigar on the Patio:) One of my favorite parts of the day. Usually prior to heading out for the evening, we'd break out some cold Coronas and some fine tobacco and hang out on the patio. What a way to spend the early evening hours.

Ok, now, time to clean up and get ready to head out!! Where to go??? Hmmm well, the choices are many. The usual haunts are a sure bet. This time, we tried a few other places. The names of which escape me now. However, many times, we would end up back at our regular favorites. Playwrights has become the "go to" bar. When all else fails, just go there and you are sure to have a good time. It really picks up the pace in the late evening/early morning hours.

Watched the MLB Playoffs in Ted's Hideaway and saw the Detroit Tigers move on to the world series. That was so cool to be sitting at Ted's in the afternoon on a sunny day with a cold beer in my hand. The doors open to the street and the fresh air and sunshine coming in the bar. Man, nothing better than being on vacation and sitting in a bar at 2 or 3 in the afternoon having a cold one and watching the baseball playoffs. Perfect........

Well, more to come in the future...... At this point, I can say that it was another great time hanging out in Miami Beach. Looking forward to my next vacation. Wherever that is, I am sure it will be nice and warm and there will be a beach next door.

Ted's Hideaway - One Of My Favorites

One of my favorite bars in Miami Beach is called Ted's Hideaway. It's located at 124 2nd Street.

The thing I like about Ted's is that it is such a laid back place. There's nothing special as far as the decor is concerned...... Some beer signs on the wall, several t.v.'s placed around the bar so that you can watch the game of the moment.

I think that's what makes Ted's something special. It's a place where you can go to really unwind, socialize with friends, drink some beer, smoke some cigarettes and just be. It's a real escape from the stresses of everyday life. It's similar to having a backyard barbecue with your 30 or 40 close and not so close friends. Everyone just hanging out and relaxing as if they were in their back yard. Shorts, t-shirts, flip flops and deck shoes are the norm here. No requirement to worry about what you are wearing as nobody really cares. They're here to escape from those types of worries.

When Friday rolls around and it's beautiful outside, I always wish I was able to take the afternoon off and go to Ted's with some good friends.

I have to mention the girls working behind the bar as well. Very easy on the eyes. They provide great service as well. You rarely ever have to wait for someone to ask you if you're ready for another beer.

So, if I have my way, I will be paying a visit to Ted's here in the next month or so.

I can't wait to have a seat at the bar, say hi to the girls, sit back with an ice cold beer and just let the stresses of the world disappear.

See you soon Ted's...........

Old Post Cards

I was in an antique store the other day and I ran across a huge collection of old postcards from years past. Many of them were from people who were vacationing in various beachside locales in Florida back in the 40's and 50's.

I must have spent an hour or so sifting through them, reading the greetings from so many years ago. I love to read these old post cards and about the travels of these unknown people. Brothers, sisters, husbands and wives, friends, families on vacation. No matter how many years go by and how many generations come and go, we all feel this connection to adventure, escapism, new places, the beach, good weather in winter. Some things never change.

It kind of makes me a little sad to read these hand written post cards that are forty or fifty years old. Tales of trips to Miami Beach, Key Biscayne, Pompano Beach, Bal Harbour, Naples, Flagler Beach etc......warm weather, palm trees, sunburns, swimming in the ocean, eating in good restaurants, fishing trips, honeymooners, girlfriends, boyfriends, youth...... Timeless.... things that fifty years from now, people will be enjoying just as we do today, just as they did fifty years ago.

It's amazing how you can relate to the words of young woman writing to her sister back in Chicago back in 1952. The way she describes the beauty of the beach, the palm trees, the restaurants that they have visited, the hotel and the excitement of being someplace new are relevant and stir the same emotions inside of you even today.

I will keep on traveling and keep on writing about the things and places that I see and visit. Someday, it will be interesting to look back on so many great experiences.

Get Your Suit Case Out..... We're Going On A Trip!!!!

I was chatting with a friend and fellow traveler of mine the other day after a grueling day in the trenches at work. The subject of our usual haunts down in Miami Beach came up as usual..... Ted's, The Room, Playwrights, going to the beach, eating lunch by the sea with a cold beer, smoking cigars on the balcony overlooking the ocean....

Immediately, it was decided that another excursion to the beaches and bars of our favorite vacation spot was a necessity.

Wow!!! What a change in attitude comes over you when suddenly you have a vacation lined up and you have something to look forward to!

The countdown clock has again been started! 58 days until I again set foot at the airport in Miami...... I can already feel the humidity as I step outside from the baggage claim area to the curb to catch a cab to Miami Beach. I can see the palm trees blowing in the breeze and feel the stress evaporate as the reality of being on vacation sets in.

Every part of a vacation, from beginning to end is a great experience. However, if you break down your vacation into little segments, I think that the moment when you walk into your nice, cool, comfortable hotel room and put your bags down has to be one of the best. Open up that sliding glass door to your patio and hear the ocean for the first time. Ahhhh...... Now, you really feel like you have arrived. This is what you have been waiting so long to be doing.

Get those khakis and Bass Weejuns off by god! It's time to relax!

If I Were On Vacation Now...............

If I were on vacation now, what would I be doing?

Well, it's 9:22pm. If I were on vacation right now, I think I would be sitting on the balcony of my hotel room, sipping a glass of wine or a very dry martini and smoking a fine cigar!!

Closing my eyes, I can imagine the sound of the waves gently coming on shore, the palm trees above me whispering in the air and the scent of the sea.

Hmmm.... What will I do for dinner tonight? A big juicy New York Strip with a baked potato? Fresh lobster with melted butter? Shrimp with plenty of cocktail sauce? How about a big fillet of grouper with lemon and butter sauce? An ice cold beer perhaps? Yes!! Definitely!!

Food is one of the things I try to indulge in when I'm on vacation. I love the seafood that is available when you visit great cities on the ocean. I am also a huge fan of good beef. When I'm in South America, I can't resist the beef. To me, it is incomparable and certainly a reason to travel!

After dinner, I'm off to a coffee shop for a cafezinho or maybe to a nice casual bar for an after dinner drink and a cigar.

Good God Man! Where is my plane ticket???!!!

Palm Trees, Surf, Sand And A Good Bar

Lately, as my workload increases, the thought has crossed my mind of what I would rather be doing instead of putting in a 10 hour day on the job.

The first thing that comes to mind is the fact that I would rather be doing anything other than going to work and dealing with all of the problems and challenges!

But, mainly, I always tend to wish that I was at a seaside bar that serves great seafood and has a casual fun atmosphere.

One such place that I recall from my first trip to Florida was located in Daytona Beach. Correct me if I am wrong here. It's been 20 years since my last trip to Daytona.

It was my first trip to Florida..... Spring break. My friends and I ran across a beachside bar and restaurant called the Ocean Deck just up from our hotel. I have no idea if it is still there or not. But, they had great seafood, cold beer, a casual atmosphere where you could come in off of the beach and grab a table and a pitcher of beer. Man o man!! I was in heaven!!

One thing I remember most about The Ocean Deck was that it opened up on the front and sides so that you basically had an open air restaurant. It was so cool to sit there and feel the breeze, hear the ocean waves coming on shore, hear the palm trees rustling above my head, feel the warmth of the sun and not have a care in the world. I thought I had reached Jimmy Buffett's version of Nirvana!

It was such a great experience, that I even bought one of their Ocean Deck t-shirts. I wore that shirt for years before it finally began to fall apart. It was one of my connections to a great experience in my life. My first feeling of euphoria at being on vacation and getting away from it all.

That feeling of joy and euphoria has never left me even to this day. As I look back on life, maybe I can blame the Ocean Deck for my love of escaping the mudane world of work, of traveling to new and exotic places, of kicking back and relaxing beachside with a cold pitcher of beer or a margarita.

Who knows? I probably would be this way whether I had visited there or not. But, definitely, experiencing a beachside bar and grill called The Ocean Deck in Daytona Beach, Florida gave me my first taste of what it is like to be completely carefree.

Here's to The Ocean Deck and places like her. Little do they know the effect that they have on the average young joe from the Midwest. Creating that bit of inspiration inside of us to continue to search for that ultimate place of peaceful tranquility by the beach.

Coping With Another Monday

28 Days since my return from Miami.

Tomorrow is Monday again. I'll be as busy as ever with my nose to the grindstone.

In the last 28 days, some of the things that I have thought of during these days of drudgery are of the good memories of my trip to Miami.

Going to the beach and swimming with a school of fish.

Finding "The Room". A cool, dark little bar in the quieter part of south beach. I spent a couple of nights here drinking beer and checking out the local scene. I highly recommend it.

Going to Ted's Hideaway. Another favorite bar of mine. Great laid back bar. Good looking bar tenders. Good beer. What more can I say.

The Marriott Hotel at South Beach. One of my favorite hotels. Comfortable, right on the beach, close to all of my favorite bars in town. No need for a rental car or taxi cabs.

Joe's Stone Crab Restaurant. This restaurant was a great find. A classic seafood restaurant that has been around for many years. A testament to great food and great atmosphere. Definitely makes you feel like your doing something special when you eat here.

Starbucks Coffee in front of the Marriott Hotel. So nice to sit at a small table and sip your coffee while watching Miami Beach come to life. Birds chirping, people cycling and walking...... going to the beach. This is relaxation at it's finest.

These are just some of the things that I indulged in during my last trip to Miami Beach. I highly recommend all of them.

I'm already looking for another opportunity to hop a flight back to my favorite tropical location.

Thinking about a late Friday night flight with a return flight on Sunday. If I can find a good weekend to do it, I am there!

Seven Hours To Takeoff

T-Minus 7 hours and counting......

I'm just finishing up my last bit of packing. After a 12 hour day at work, it feels great to know that tomorrow I'll be relaxing on the beach in Miami. My flight leaves in 7 hours! I'm ready to settle back in that window seat and relax.

The weather forcast is calling for sunny skies and 85 degrees every day.

Just what I have waited for. Perfect weather.

The vacation is just ahead. I just updated my email "out of the office" message. That is such a great feeling. It's like putting up some sort of force field or invisible shield that repels everything in life that you don't want to deal with.

Well, time to go to bed. I'm getting up at 3:00 AM.

Got the sunscreen, got the cigars, the Martini shaker, the Tevas, the shorts, the t-shirts, the sunglasses. I think I'm all prepared!

Hasta tarde folks!

I'm going to the beach!!

Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday................

Just the 4 days I have to make it through to get to Thursday!

Listened to Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville last night. Now that will get you in the mood for a tropical vacation! Visions of beachside tiki bars danced in my head. Saltwater fishing, laying on the beach, watching the palm trees sway in the breeze. I am so ready to go.

I think half the fun of going on a vacation is just "the going". When I'm on my way to the airport, I'm the happiest person in the world! This past week, while I was at work, the thought that I would be on vacation crossed my mind a few times. All I could do was smile and laugh with joy inside. I get that same feeling when I'm on my way to the airport. Wooo Hoooooooo!!!!! Finally!!!

Today, I received a comment to this blog from a technical college that thought I was unhappy with my job. They wanted to show me the light to happiness with an associates degree in one thing or another.

I had to laugh. For me, it's not "what" I'm doing to make a living that makes me happy or not. For the most part, I like my job. It's the fact that I have to get up and go to work each day that is the part that I'm not a big fan of.

It may sound a little irresponsible. But, I am happiest when I don't have any resposibilities at all. The most annoying thing in life to me is having to be somewhere every day.

Well, I have 4 more days to make it through before I forward the cell phone to the office, sling my bag over my shoulder and head for the airport.

If anything, that comment from the technical college woke me up. Now, I really have to start making some plans for the future. If I want to live this carefree lifestyle, I'm going to have to get cracking and find a way to accomplish that. Otherwise, you'll be reading comments like this for the foreseeable future.

Hasta Pronto

Light At The End Of The Tunnel

4/28/06 Five days left until I blow out of here for 4 days of sun, sand, cigars, Martinis, limes, olives, beer, seafood and things unknown in the south of Florida.

I'm sure you know that, by now, I am more than ready to pack up my suitcase with my shorts, sandals, t shirts, my portable humidor and my sunscreen and head for Miami.

The humidor is packed with 15 of my favorite hand rolled cigars. My shorts and shirts are folded and ready. Sandals placed strategically on top for easy access. My traveling medicine cabinet is stocked with suncreen, Imodium, band aids, benadryl (you never know when you might have that allergic reaction to something) and plenty of extra strength Bayer aspirin.

I like to be prepared when I'm on the road. Nothing is worse than being under the weather when you're out of town. Having to find a drug store when you're feeling terrible is something you don't want to have to do.

So, It's not that I'm expecting to be under the weather. However, in the event something happens while I'm out of town, I come prepared to handle it. It's reassuring to know that you have the ability to combat a hangover, a bad case of the gastrointestinals, a bee sting or bug bite or a cut toe with your arsenal of medical supplies. You never know when you'll "blow out your flip flop, step on a pop top or something worse and have to cruise on back home" as Buffett says. It's nice to be able to deal with it right there in the comfort of the hotel room.

So, that being said, I'm ready to head to the airport, pick up that paperback in the airport bookstore, my cup of Starbucks and head for the gate to board that silver bird headed for south.

Finally! It's just around the corner!

So Close. Yet, So Far Away

11 days and counting to Miami. I AM READY!!

Things are really heating up at work. I am more than ready to jump ship and head for the tranquil side of life.

How many times have I thought to myself "How wonderful would it be to chuck it all and buy a boat and sail off into the sunset?" Down to the tropics....... as they say.

Well, I suppose the best thing to do would be to "just do it". Buy the boat, stock it with things that will provide me with a comfortable life aboard. Say "adios" to my boss and cast off the main bow line!

However, my thoughts also turn to a more stationary yet tranquil existence. Thoughts of moving to northeast Brazil creep into my head...... The beaches, the year 'round warmth, the culture, the idyllic lifestyle that one might be able to create in a place such as this. This has a lot of appeal to me.

I'm not sure how I became this person who is always thinking "How do I get out of here?" or "Where is the next adventure." But, I have always been one to do my own thing. I have never been one who follows the crowd too closely. Although, at the same time, I've tried to live a life that my folks and peers would be proud of. (good job/financial stability/good reputation/friends etc.) However, I have always loved the thought of a relatively stress free lifestyle. Someplace where the daily grind is going to the beach, having lunch in a little seaside cafe beneath the shade of a palm tree, talking with friends, laughing..... Enjoying the good people around me and the simple pleasures that life has to offer.

When Jimmy Buffett wrote "Changes In Latitudes, Changes In Attidudes" he was somewhat correct. I think it's more the other way around however. Most people have the correct attitude. Yet, they are stuck in a latitude or a lifestyle that doesn't allow them to exist as they would like to.

Well, enough of this. I need to get down to business and start planning on how I'm going to exit the rat race and get myself "Down To The Tropics" on a permanent basis.

The Countdown Continues

Well, I'm down to T minus 24 days and counting. Nothing to do now but endure the days until departure. Work, go to the gym, try to stay busy so that the time flies past quickly. It never goes fast enough though.

My flight leaves for Miami at 6:30am on May 4th. That is one time when I will not care about getting up early! In fact, I love those early flights out.

It's great to arrive at the Marriott South Beach just in time to go down to the beach and get a few hours of sun before coming back to the room for a cold drink and a nap before dinner.

The airport is usually pretty calm at that hour too. Perfect for grabbing a cup of Starbucks and heading to the gate with a magazine or a paperback from the gift shop and your travel bag. Man oh man, I cannot wait!!!!

I always feel sorry for the folks at the gate next door who are departing for some other cold destination in the northern hemisphere. They look over at you and you can read their minds.... they're thinking something like...."Damn, I wish I was going to Miami today!" Instead of flying to some dismal grey town up north.

Meanwhile, you're over at the other gate humming the tune to Jimmy Buffett's "Cheeseburger In Paradise" and thinking to yourself how damned glad you are to have your cell phone calls forwarded to the office and how in 3 hours you'll be going over the causeway towards Miami Beach. Checking out the cruise ships as you go by and thinking about what restaurant you'll go to. What bars you'll kick back in with a cold beer or a martini. Which cigar you want to enjoy on the balcony overlooking the ocean when you get to the hotel.

Well, until the big day arrives, all we can do is keep on keepin' on and eventually that date of departure will arrive. The next thing I know, it'll be May 3rd and I'll be celebrating wrapping up the last few hours of work and making plans for a good pre vacation dinner somewhere.

It can't come fast enough !! I am ready for some good seafood and an icey martini.

Afternoon Balcony Cigar

I took this foto as I was smoking a fine Montesino Maduro Super Belicoso on the balcony of my hotel room at the South Beach Marriott in Miami Beach.

There just isn't anything more heavenly than being on vacation, sitting on a nice balcony near the beach and having a great cigar with an ice cold beverage.

I like to bring out a good W.E.B. Griffin book, mix up an ice cold martini and pull up a comfortable lounge chair. After lighting my cigar, I sink into my lounge chair and relax in the world of Pickering, McCoy and all of the other characters sprinkled throughout WWII in his novels. Savoring my cigar and my martini of almost pure Tangueray whilst reading my book is quite an enjoyable experience!

I sit reclined, hearing the waves washing ashore, the sea gulls crying, the people laughing and having a good time down on the beach......

I just can't wait to get in the taxi at the airport. I love that ride over to Miami Beach. Checking out the skyline of Miami, the blue waters of the intercoastal and all of the cruise ships and other interesting boats...Then, plunging headlong into the south beach neighborhoods and their people, restaurants, bars, music............

31 more days!!! until my arrival in the Capital of the Caribbean!!!

April 2, 2006

Still here in the chilly north country...... Although there is a hint of of spring in the air, it still doesn't compare to being down south. I looked up the weather for Miami Beach last night after returning home from watching the basketball games and drinking Coronas with Limes all afternoon. 70 degrees at 11:00pm last night! 80 and sunny again today! How I would love to be walking the beach this morning. Or sitting at a table in a nice little restaurant having breakfast.... leisurely, without a worry in the world, breeze coming in off of the ocean. Or maybe spending the morning at a good coffee shop sipping a colombian or italian roast and watching the people come and go while reading the Miami Herald.

I recently discovered Jimmy Buffett's Radio Margaritaville/Sirius 31 channel on his website and I am enjoying it immensely. It kind of alleviates that feeling of being so far away from where you want to be. Good tunes transporting your thoughts to the sea.......the tropics.....boats........ seafood.........palm trees........ducking into Eckerds for sunscreen and a beach towel that you couldn't fit into your suitcase ;)

32 MORE DAYS!!!!!! :)

49 More Days

Well, here I sit in the freezing north. My only saving grace at this point is that in 49 more days, I'll be boarding a flight for Miami at 6:30am and escaping for 4 days of sun, cigars, and martinis in sunny south Florida.

Can't wait to stop by the little liquor store after my arrival to pick up a bottle of Tangueray, some limes and some large olives. Nothing better than christening the new hotel room with your first icy martini of the vacation.

It's even better if you have a balcony to sit on overlooking the sea.

Sitting back, relaxing with a cigar and a martini. Taking relaxation to the ultimate level.

It's what I dream of when I think of a vacation. Cold drinks, Beaches, Cigars.......
Total exclusion from the working world that I leave when I go on a trip.

Counting down the days..........

4 Days In South Beach

Well, we made another trip to Miami and had another great time. Spent 3 nights at the Marriott South Beach. Could not have asked for a better location.

I have stayed at the Marriott before. I always enjoy it. It's comfortable, clean and staffed with friendly helpful people. One of the best things about it is that it's located right across the street from Ted's Hideaway and within walking distance to many great places.

I like paying the extra $$'s for the hotel and skipping the rental car/taxi fees. It is so much more pleasant to be able to walk to wherever I'm going.

Anyway, spent the days at the beach lounging in the sun, swimming in the ocean, eating lunch at the hotel restaurant. It's so nice to sit out on the patio and have a nice lunch with a nice breeze coming off of the ocean.

Night times were spent going to dinner, going to Ted's Hideaway and Playwrights Pub. Also, we made the nightly post bar visit to Big Pink to alleviate some of the late night munchies.

Mornings were spent downstairs at Starbucks on the patio out front of the hotel. Sipping a venti coffee of the day and reading the paper. Watching the people come and go. I like the corner table to the left of the front door as you get a nice breeze from the sea to keep you comfortable as you sip your hot joe.

Well, nothing new to report other than the regular haunts that we seem to end up in every time we go to Miami.

I'm going back in May for another long weekend. So, I'll have to do some research and do something different and fun the next time.

Had a great time as usual and can't wait to go back.

Palm Trees Are In My Future

Well, today is Saturday...... Five more days until I leave this grey, gloomy, cold environment and escape to the warm beaches of South Florida once again.

My first real sense of shelter from the world is when I arrive at the airport of my departure. Finally! I have made it to the airport and left the job and all of my worries behind.

The first thing I like to do is take out my cell phone and forward all of my calls to the office. Now that is great feeling..... to be able, with one push of the button, to transport your daily problems, concerns and workload to someone else who is not lucky enough to be out of the office that week too. Instantly, I feel the tranquility of having no responsibility flow over me.

The next stop is the airport bookstore. I like to buy a paperback before leaving so that I have something to read on the plane, the beach, or in the hotel room. It's also fun to write something on the inside cover as a little memory of this particular trip. Someday, someone will find it so interesting to know that you read W.E.B Griffin's "Counter Attack" as you were laying on the beach in Rio or Miami or some other tropical paradise.

Next stop..... Starbuck's for a cup of Italian Roast..... God I love that stuff.

Then, I make my way to my gate, scan the rows of seats to find one with some space around it and settle in with my book and my coffee.

Somehow, I don't get much reading done while waiting. There are always people walking by that I have to look at. Things to check for the second or third time. Like, making sure I still have my boarding pass. Or, is my wallet still in my bag? Or, did I forget my sunglasses? Or, wonder what that stock is doing today? Think I'll look it up on my Blackberry.

The days are going by fast now..... Soon, I will be in the airport doing all of these things in real life. And I can't wait.

A full report will be published upon my return...... That is, if I don't buy a sailboat and check out of my current world for another more tranquil existence.

Miami Beach--New Years 2006

December 27th to January 3rd 2005/06


Went to Miami again this past month...... Stayed at the Eden Roc Hotel. It's main claim to fame is that many of the stars of yesteryear visited the Eden Roc when they were in Miami Beach. Sinatra, Deano, Lucille Ball and many others were regulars. A great place.... still very nice and comfortable. Currently owned by Marriott yet you wouldn't know it when you visit. The Eden Roc still retains it's own personality and charm of days gone buy. Yet with all of today's modern comforts and expectations and a wonderful staff.

Found some new bars this time. My new favorite South Beach dive bar is Ted's Hideaway..........

A dark, casual spot that is in complete contrast to the normal "club" scene so prevalent around the area.

It's nice just to pull up a bar stool, order up and ice cold beer..... sit back and relax in a casual atmosphere. It's right around the corner from the Opium Garden..... so it gets the spillover crowd from there when the line gets too long.

Also went to Playwrights..... another casual "Irish Pub" type establishment with good beers on tap and plenty of sociable people.

Also visited Coconut Grove a few times..... always a nice experience.... good restaurants, good bars, beautiful women..... It has a more tranquil atmosphere compared to South Beach. So, it's nice to hang out in the grove for a change.

Spent a lot of time on the beach as well. It's always nice to relax in the sun.

Miami was over run with fans for the Orange Bowl game. So, we were surrounded with Penn State fans. Which in itself is not a bad thing. But, when you go to Miami to escape the Midwest, it kind of tough to be surrounded by the people that you have just flown 1200 miles to get away from.

I'm returning to Miami in February. Staying at the Marriott South Beach. (Coincidentally, right across the street from Ted's). Can't wait to get back to the beach, the bars, the scenery and the warm weather.....

Key Biscayne Journal

April 7th, 1997
Sunny 80's

Didn't write anything yesterday as there was not much to write and I was pretty tired.

Basically, we just spent the day going to the beach and hanging out at the condo.

Went to Coral Gables last night to go to some bars. But, after a short while, we were just too tired to stay out any longer. Returned home around Midnight. I think the combination of the sun, all of the walking on the beach and the sun really takes it out of you. I went without sunscreen yesterday and that was a mistake as I received a pretty good burn. Feeling better today though.

Today, I woke up around 9:00am and had some coffee. Steve and I went down to the beach to take one more walk and hang out one more time.

Returned to the condo and had some lunch. That KFC across the street comes in handy! Sure tastes good after a morning at the beach.

I took a twenty minute nap on the couch while Steve packed his bags and prepared to leave for the airport.

Then we left for the airport. Dropped Steve off at the airport and headed back to Key Biscayne. I'm spending one more night here in Miami/Key Biscayne by myself. Should be pretty low key as I really don't feel like eating out tonight or going out alone. Also, I'm leaving at 8:00am tomorrow and must be up early.

All in all, it was a great vacation and we both are still going to make an attempt at moving down here. I guess we both figure that there really isn't anything interesting going on in our present situation back home.

It sure would be interesting living down here as there is plenty to do, plenty to see and plenty of beautiful latinas everywhere you go.

Anyway, we'll see what happens.

Presently, I am sitting on the balcony enjoying a Partagas No. 2 cigar and enjoying a slight breeze off of the ocean.

What a way to spend the evening............

6:30pm.

Key Biscayne Journal

April 5, 1997
Sunny 82 degrees


Woke up at 7:30am and had some coffee on the balcony. What a way to start your day. Watching palm trees blowing in a nice ocean breeze.

Went for a walk on the beach for about 2 miles. The water is probably around 70 to 75 degrees. Very warm.

Following our walk, we went down to tour an old house called Vizcaya. It was built in the early 1900's by an industrialist named John Deiring.

This was an awesome house located right on the ocean. Even has it's own huge carved stone docks. Anyway, it was very interesting.

Next, we drove up to Bal Harbor to see what it was like. I had heard many great things about it from my relatives who used to visit there in years past. Very nice place. The ocean was so blue there. Just like a photograph. Really unimaginable unless you actually see it yourself. Bal Harbor is a very well kept city. Apparently, former senator Bob Dole has a place in Bal Harbor. But, we did not run into him during our brief visit.

Next, we drove down to South Beach and then back to Key Biscayne for lunch. Just picked up something quick at KFC.

Went for an estimated 3 mile walk after lunch. (around 4:15pm) Upon our return, I mixed up some of the finest martinis ever concocted by man. Sipped martinis and enjoyed a great cigar on the balcony.

What a way to spend the week! Martinis, cigars and beautiful women everywhere you look.

Around 9:00pm, we called a taxi and went over to South Beach to visit some bars....

We ended up at the Breakwater Hotel drinking $5.75 Heinekens and watching two beautiful latinas dancing to the music of a guitarist named Alex Fox.

We're having a great time......

Key Biscayne Journal

April 4, 1997
Sunny 83 degrees

Woke up at 7:00 am this morning and had some coffee. Also, enjoyed a fine cigar.

We sat out on the patio and consumed large quantities of coffee. Then, we went down to the beach for a couple of hours.

Following that, we went to a place called Sundays Restaurant and Bar and had a sandwich for lunch.

Drove around Coral Gables for a couple of hours and then returned to Key Biscayne. Visited a shopping center where I bought some cigars and Steve bought some clothes.

Returned to the condo between 4 and 5pm and had some cold Heinekens and a fine AVO cigar.

Showered around 8:00 pm and took a cab back to Coral Gables to visit some bars.

I can honestly say that I have never seen such incredibly beautiful women as I have seen in the past few days. Everywhere you look there is a gorgeous woman.

Steve and I are awestruck by the sheer numbers of absolutely incredible women here.

Well, anyway, we returned home around 12:00am as we were both tired from our long day.

Going to South Beach tomorrow which should be just as incredible.

Time to hit the sack.
12:30am

P.S. We are both having sincere thoughts of moving down here.

Key Biscayne Journal

April 3, 1997
Sunny 82 degrees

Woke up around 8:00 am this morning and took a shower. Steve's mom fixed us scrambled eggs, bacon and coffee for breakfast. Then we all walked down to the beach and back to the condo before Steve's parents left for the airport.Steve and I then went to the store and bought some things that he had forgotten. We also stopped at the liquor store for some Martini ingredients.Upon arriving back at the condo, we mixed up some tasty Martinis before going down to the beach to relax.Spent almost two hours out there laying out in the sun. I put on plenty of sunscreen. So, I was not burnt. But, Steve took a pretty good beating by the sun and is now paying for it. He's as red as a lobster.Came back to the condo and watched some tennis on television and relaxed some more.Around 5:00pm, I mixed up some more Martinis and had some nachos and salsa.We then went to a restaurant up the street for a hamburger. This was probably a bad idea because we were both pretty filled up by then and didn't really enjoy it too much.Returned home and watched some of Jaws II...... Just what I needed to see before going back into the ocean tomorrow!Anyhow, we are both wiped out by our first day in Key Biscayne and it's time for me to hit the sack.Since Steve's parent left this morning, we won't have to share the same bedroom and I won't have to endure his snoring tonight. What a relief!!!!12:05am
3, 1997