Miami Beach- Just a Taste and Ready for More

The Unisex Steam Room at the Hotel Victor- Miami Beach Florida

Miami Beach was a bit of an accidental road trip. We had planned to attend a 4 day qigong workshop in Charlotte NC, but due to a bad back that said, “nada,” we couldn’t make it. The next scheduled stop on the qi revolution tour was in Miami, so away we went. I initially thought Miami would have been too much of a distraction. Having never been there, I wondered if its frenetic, pulsing nature against the slow and precise qigong experience would turn the trip into a Jekyll and Hyde nightmare. All went well though. The small amount of free time from the workshop allowed me to have just enough of a taste of Miami Beach to find some favorites, and consider a return trip.

Miami is a study of contrasts that I had not experienced since living near Los Angeles. It’s said that every city has a word and for Miami I must say it is “juice,” as in the electricity and sensations from it that one experiences while there. The short morning drive to the workshop each day was frightening and exhilarating. Drivers in Miami don’t cut into traffic- they slice into it. All size cars from sleek sports cars to gigantic SUV’s zoom in and out of traffic through seemingly impossible openings. Coming out of a toll both is like being in a lane at a NHRA drag race. After one experience of nearly being run off the road after paying a toll, I got the gist: While your toll personnel is getting your change, engage your clutch, pump the acceleration, and be ready for the green light. I also quickly learned to drive with eyes not only in the back of my head but for Miami, I grew several pairs all around my head as I absolutely needed to see all sides and all angles at all times. This was the first time I can recall driving forward but paying more attention to my rear view mirror. There was always a car approaching dangerously in the rear. I constantly found myself playing some form of “reverse chicken,” as I would change a lane only to be frightened out of it by the sight of a fast approaching car coming at me from the rear. And I don’t frighten easy. It was amazing. I’m doubtful that there were any brakes applied. These drivers seem to instantly assume that you will move and thus protect them from what would be horrifying accidents all around.

Once we were safely and expensively garage parked each day, we were able to walk and see small parts of the area while on breaks from the workshop. Miami Beach is quite beautiful and so are its people. Lincoln Rd, which cuts through the heart of the area, is a shopping, people watching, cafe haven. Well groomed and well behaved dogs sit with their owners cafe side, and even the dogs have a “certain” juice to them here. South Beach, a 10 block section of the city, is infamous as much for its celebrity and wealthy citizen ratios as it is for the topless sunbathing on its beaches. I experienced both. I thought it very cool to be seated next to Cincinnati Bengals receiver Chad Ochocinco as I wolfed down my lunch at David’s Cuban Cafe. Found it a bit odd when Dan Renzi of MTV’s Real World Miami walked past our sidewalk cafe table at Carnevale, and gave me a subtle and low wave when he realized by some glimpse in my eye that I recognized him. I was utterly amazed at the regularity of cars that I would by chance see maybe once every 50 years in NC. Bentleys, Ferrari’s, Lamborghini’s, and Rolls Royce Phantoms cruised through the streets and were casually parked on the sides. It was quite surreal to see a tanned and thonged young woman park her Bentley on the street, purchase a parking meter coupon, then casually walk off to the beach. At another time while sitting on the beach surrounded by several topless bathers, I marveled as a beach vender strolled between us all, offering his items to each group. I had to laugh as he walked up to a woman laid out on her back– topless and reading Malcolm Gladwell. “Water Miss?” he asked. Even though he was selling bikini tops as well, he didnt ask if she wanted one.

Yes, bodies are freely viewed in Miami Beach. It didn’t take long or much effort on my part to realize that few men or women wear underwear under their flowing designer apparel. Got used to it fairly quickly. So much so, that I barely blinked at the photo banner outside of the Hotel Victor advertising its unisex steam room. The image (above) was filled with sexy young men and women lounging naked in the steam room sipping from long stemmed glasses. Ahhh Miami.

Check out the FB side of the blog and you’ll find stories and more pics I took while in Miami including: Ochocinco’s Lamborghini parked street side, the Hotel Victor, and the outside of The Versace Mansion (which has become a members only hotel with a purported $40,000 a year fee plus $600 to $3000 a night to stay.)–which is why I took that pic from the outside.

Below links to my fav’s from the trip.

Ghirardelli
How fortunate Miami Beach is to have an actual Ghirardelli Chocolate shoppe with extraordinary sundaes, hot cocoas, and mocha blends served sidewalk cafe style.

Carnevale Restaurant
Our host looked like Fabio, (complete with flowing hair, open shirt and deep italian accent) and the food was excellent. No one eats inside in Miami. Most prefer the sidewalk setting to people watch and enjoy the fantastic weather. Food was so good we ate lunch here 3 days. Recommend the Chicken Picatta, the Chicken Caesar Salad, and the Sliced Salmon Salad. All remarkably simple fare, but with excellent preparation and flavor.

The Hotel Victor
Walk in the lobby and inhale the sensual aromatherapy. A simply intoxicating hotel. Be sure and visit the spa downstairs. Unisex steam room for the daring and or body positive folks. Our hostess said people don’t get up till 3pm in South Beach , so if you want private time, go “early.”

CJs Crab Shack
Huge portions at great prices. A gigantic grouper filet tried to masquerade as a sandwich..but I knew better.

Effusion Gallery
Miami Beach is known for its art deco architecture and art spaces. This was my favorite street level gallery.

The Big Pink
The Big Pink is the retro restaurant in town. Part 50’s diner, part, Miami mecca….it’s pretty cool.

David’s Cuban Cafe
Open 24 hrs and serving authentic Cuban food as well as items as mundane as a tuna sandwich for the less adventurous.

Casa Casuraina
The former Versace Mansion. Take a look at these images and you just might be able to justify the pricy overnight stays.

Tags: Road Trips