Mini Update - Florida

Preconceptions are a funny thing. Before going to visit my friend Susan in Florida (/Miami) I had two. Florida = hot weather, lot’s of retired people in bikinis/ speedos and endless beaches. Miami = anything that comes to mind when you thing of the video clip of any song you can think of that contains the word ‘B*tch’, cocktails the size of goldfish bowls, (aesthetically) beautiful people and a Kardashian store.

Was I wrong..? Sort of! In Florida I was staying in a lovely suburb with my friend’s family. While the weather really was fantastic for the time of year (especially having come from Boston!), aside from that day to day life felt very similar to many places I’ve visited in the US but with a few more palm trees and a lot more Spanish speakers (I’m really starting to get a complex about my uni-linguality - a word I’m aware I just made up but you know what i mean.. ) Florida is huge so my opinion of it is obviously based on my limited experiences however it has some really great spots. For example we spent a couple of nights out in Wynwood which is famous for essentially being an outdoor gallery due to the blocks of walls sporting amazing street art. For the Sydney siders reading I would describe the vibe as a bit more Newtown (alternative, gritty). In saying that I have never been to a bar in Newtown where they patrons bring their ‘pet’ snake along to attract the ladies. (I have not proof of this as I was hiding behind several layers of people - snakes are not my thing! )

In terms of ‘real Miami’ we made it to South Beach for a day. It absolutely exceeded my expectations. In particular because I was completely unaware of the beautiful art deco architecture interspersed amongst the gorgeous beaches and multitude of shops! The sun was shining as we perched ourselves at an outdoor table at the exclusive Sugar Factory - apparently as famous for it’s association with the Kardashian (& friends) clan as it’s menu. We sipped on normal sized cocktails while watching many a brave soul attempted the actual goldfish sized bowls filled with brightly coloured smoking alcohol and arrangements of gummy lollies that the Sugar Factory is (also) known for. We spent the rest of the day shopping, eating sushi, checking out the small Britto gallery and soaking up the sun.

But as I’m sure you’ve come to expect, my favourite part of Florida wasn’t the glamour or the glitz but the brilliant people I met there. Susan’s family is amazing. They were beyond hospitable and so much fun to spend time with. I did my best to pay them back in cupcakes but would likely be baking forever to make up for their generosity. Her friends were also ridiculously great people. Within a couple of days I felt like I’d known them forever. Favourite moments include being encouraged to defeat my lack of coordination at their regular boxing class (as well as being filmed doing so while one of my new friends laughed and ate dumplings), salsa night, rainbow birthday cake and bowling under the name of Mrs Hemsworth (because of course I must be married to the ‘other’ famous Australian!).

Now for the regular readers I know I promised you some Texan stories, but as you know everything is bigger in Texas - including my post - so stay tuned - it will follow shortly!