Make Tracks, Solo Escape to Civilisation

For some reason (well, living with your parents at this age isn’t always the easiest of roads), I thought it would be an excellent idea to take an impromptu trip up to Miami Beach during spring break. Truthfully, I have no idea what possessed my thirty-something year old brain to do this. But there I found myself on the greyhound, trying to submerge my irrational fear of buses, for a much needed escape out of island life and to civilisation.

Despite this little island pulling on my heart strings and things just weirdly falling into place, I am just taking precautions, to see what else I might fancy. Because this is an expensive place to play house, even for a short while. Since Miami is only a short(ish) ride away, I thought why not do a little life research? And for those who followed along my British journey, know that I waited until the VERY last second to sort out my life before returning back to the States. Maybe I should do a blog post on this? 

One of the major things I miss about city life is the anonymity it provides. You become one of so many people, and everyone is in their own bubble. Here, everyone knows everybody. During the high season I would run into at least three people on my way home from work. It was a habit that took getting used to, but something I eventually grew to cherish.  

She Faced Her Fears and Rode the Bus

Let’s talk about the bus. Now, a few years ago I would not have been caught dead on the greyhound. Not that there is anything wrong with this mode of transportation, but buses are just not my thing. But in the spirit of being an adult, I swallowed my pride by passing on the $600 plane ticket for the $29.99 bus ride, in an attempt to live within my means. For a Sunday, I was surprised at how many available seats there were. I guess I was expecting everyone to be rushing home. But this definitely made it a more comfortable ride. Apart from the gentleman sitting across the aisle to me watching weird films without headphones, the ride was okay. Travelling by motor vehicle between The Keys and Miami doesn’t always go according to plan. Though I have been personally lucky enough to only have smooth experiences, I have heard a tale or two on how it can come to an impasse. And if you’re trying to plan a trip to The Keys, make sure you have some wiggle room on the other side, just in case. After about four hours, we arrived at Miami Intermodal Center, located within the airport. There you could jump on a tram to take you to the arrivals, jump in a taxi or call an Uber. Regardless, there are options which make for an easy transition. 

It’s Giving European Vibes

My first night, I booked a hotel relatively close to the airport which is not worth mentioning, and I am just going to go about life pretending like I never stayed there. The staff was incredibly nice, and there was a young woman working the front desk, who I was just amazed by her class and ability to take charge. Semi rooting for her to take over the world one day. But the storage unit I rented was right around the corner and thought I would be doing myself a favour by staying close by. (Mind you, this was a very impromptu trip, there was really no time to plan. If I had an idea, I booked it right then and there. A little too, go with the flow, if you ask me. But sometimes it’s good to step outside the comfort zone). By the evening, I was a bit famished and decided to Uber towards the local grocery store. 

Now, I wasn’t sure whether to include this bit of the story. As our political environment is emotionally charged at the moment, but ultimately I think we should share these experiences to hopefully come together as a country rather than drift further apart. Also, communication is power. I get in my Uber, and immediately learn the driver and I do not speak the same language. No biggie, at least on my part. I also should admit that I took a small portion of an edible to calm the nerves, maybe that’s why I felt famished, who knows? The destination got a little mixed up in the app, and while I was trying to point to the Publix, and let her know she could drop me off at the corner and I could walk. However, my communication got lost in translation because. Based on what happened “in the physical”, she took an illegal u-turn into the parking lot. I was mortified, and felt bad this is what she assumed from me. When I got out of the car, she turned to give a very passive-aggressive “Have a good day,” in which I did my best to communicate my many thanks for her getting me to my desired destination. Despite my intentions being, what I perceived good, it still managed to get lost.

Despite the little hiccup, it made me fall more in love with Miami. It reminded me of being in Europe, and how a short bus, train or plane ride away can get you to a different country with a totally different culture. Living here made me realise how easy it would be to learn Spanish. And how beneficial that could be to communicate with new neighbours or my bestie from Spain. This specific Publix had a majority of the signs in Spanish, EVERYONE looked happy, kids were calm. It was genuinely a beautiful experience to witness. 

Built for Dames and Daydreams

Early the following morning, I headed off to South Beach as I booked a hotel in the Art Deco district with a boutique hotel called Esme Miami Beach. As a lover of this style of architecture, I felt like a kid in a candy store. The hotel was predominately feminine shades of pink and burgundy. The lights were dimmed, so much easier on the eyes and giving them a rest for the brightness outside.Walking into the hotel was like stepping back in time. Or at least how I imagine Miami Beach during the 1930s. In another lifetime, I would have walked in wearing a beautiful day dress, with gloves and an oversized hat. Maybe even smoking a cigarette? However, I am immediately brought back to reality wearing a simple leggings and tee-shirt look, with hair giving up against the humidity. 

Thankfully, I was able to check in a bit early. Giving me a moment to drop off my things and take a moment to recollect myself for the day ahead. As I pulled out my laptop to concoct a plan of action, a little voice inside me said, just go and walk around. Despite my better judgement, I listened to that little voice. I changed, attempted to fix my hair, and ventured south on Washington. 

A few short blocks from the hotel, I found myself weaving through the buildings that inspired my final collection at university. As the emotional flashbacks of late nights, tears, fights with the sewing machines emerged, I thought I’d capture the moment with an awkward selfie. 

I continued my walk, surprised by the beauty and cleanliness of South Beach. Being a high tourist area, I was almost expecting a more grunge look, similar to LA. 

An Accidental Affair With Erotic Art

A few more blocks down the street I stumbled upon what looked like an abandoned building with a sign across the front, World’s Erotic Art Museum. For obvious reasons, I let curiosity lead the way. Later on, I learned that the Museum was founded in 2005 by the late Naomi Wilzig. It is currently the only Museum in the United States dedicated purely to erotic art and is home to over 4,000 international pieces dating from 300 BCE to the present. According to their website, each piece is distinguished by their quality, diversity and unique focus on erotic themes. There was sooo much to see, The Great Wall of Vulva is currently in exhibition there, Forbidden Fruit: The Art of Cuban Sexuality, and Marietta Pathy Allen: Breaking Boundaries were a few exhibitions on. Stay tuned for upcoming blog posts on my favourite pieces. There was also interesting information relating to the Kinsey Institute and the start of research relating to sexuality. You can actually read all about the visit, here. 

Bananas, it’s Margarita Time!

Spending a bit of time exploring erotic art can make a gal hungry. So, I left the establishment feeling a bit more cultured, to go on a hunt for food. I passed this vibey restaurant called Aztec on Collins Ave. I almost left because this is my go-to food and thought perhaps I should look into other options that I don’t usually gravitate towards but after seeing their margarita menu of unusual flavours, I was sold. It’s not very often you see a banana margarita with a chocolate rim. So obviously I had to give it a try. You can read my review of the drink here on instagram. Besides banana, there were so many unique tabloids to choose from.

A few sips of tequila and I thought it would be a good idea to get my nails done. Mainly because I walked past a salon, looked at my nails which made me think they had seen better days. If you’re in the area and in need of a quick manicure, would totally recommend Nail Pub. Within a half hour I was out of the chair and back to exploring South Beach. A very random fact about me, during my final year at the London College of Fashion, I based my entire collection on Art Deco architecture attempting to replicate the outer trim details into seams of each garment. Being able to see some of the buildings that inspired my collection was a beautiful full circle moment. 

A Little Retail Therapy

At this point, I was tired. I had walked my 10k steps, the alcohol was really taking an effect and my body was craving a siesta. An hour later, I was back out on the streets doing a little retail therapy in hopes to calm the tequila jitters from lunch drinks. This time, I left the hotel walking the other way on Washington and ran into this super cute thrift store, Royal Resale Boutique, the owner was incredibly nice, and they had so many fun things to look through (like this bellhop outfit, wish I took a photo but it was a vibe and very on brand) then I popped next door into Rose Gold Miami, there they had these amazing hand painted jean jackets and adorable accessories, I treated myself to a pink feathered fan and a huge heart necklace. Not long after, I felt fatigued again, and decided it was best to call it a day and head back to the hotel. 

An Early Evening

As much as I wanted to experience the South Beach nightlife. I decided that this thirty-something year old body needed to get its beauty slumber. Instead of short dresses and heels I opted for lingerie and an opulent robe with a book, Dare to Love). Sometimes you just gotta bypass an evening out to focus on yourself. 

My take, you ask? Miami surprised me in the best way, it was clean, colourful, cute, friendly and everyone was incredibly helpful. So much so, it made me want to learn Spanish even more. Even though South Beach is tad touristy, I could totally envision myself living in one of those pastel Tropical Deco buildings, leaning well into a stylish and slower sunnier rhythm of life. 

As for visiting, it was a great place to escape to. Even for just a slower paced evening, the hotel was calm, even during the night. Not crazy noises that prevented me from obtaining my beauty sleep. There is lots of character, art and history here and lots of things to see outside of the party culture.