That
trip was long time scheduled; and it finally worked out – visiting Tobi in
Florida. At the airport in Frankfurt I’ve won a special security check. Their
system is choosing some ticket numbers randomly, this time, it was me, and a
guy from Chile I had a chat with while being checked. The flight itself was on
time and 2 meals, 2 movies and a little sleep later I arrived in Miami. The
usual standard procedure entering the US takes longer (1 ½ hours) than my
special treatment back in Frankfurt, a thing I didn’t try to understand. But
here I was, Miami!!!
Tobi
was picking me up from the airport and we headed back to Fort Lauderdale, having
a few beers at the beach while feeling the warm breeze coming from the ocean –
something you can get used to. On the way back home we stopped by at Five Guys,
a burger fast food thing I heard so much about. I had to give it a try. From
the nowadays perspective, those burgers are alright, but far from best ;)
The
next morning I slept long, way too long. I started to feel the jetlag. Tobi
picked me up for lunch. We went to Tap42 with his colleagues where I was told
to try, guess what, the burger. Alright then, 2nd burger, bring it
up. It was a good one, juicy, which excellent French Fries.
Then
I picked up my car and spent the afternoon in Miami Beach, walked through the
Lincoln Road Mall and strolled along the Art Deco District with its colourful
hotels, bars, clubs and pubs. Good spot for chilling out.
The
next morning, I slept longer once again, before risking to get stuck in that
heavy traffic when going to Miami downtown. I rented one of those city bikes to
get from A to B a bit faster. Unfortunately, the route I took wasn’t that
spectacular. I passed little Havana before returning the bike at the station
where I got it from.
I
spent the afternoon in the Sawgrass Mills Mall – an area so big you really have
to figure out where to go before entering. And of course, every single shop is selling
on sale.
On
Thursday, I passed Miami to go further south. I first stopped at a nature
reserve north of the Florida Keys. It was offering a 3 mile return walking tour
through the bushes and mangroves. Lizards, butterflies and birds everywhere – luckily
no alligators. At least I didn’t see any.
Numerous
miles and bridges later I stopped at Duck Key where some of the moneyed people
are parking their boats and sports cars. Pretty cool place. On the way back I
had a dolphin fish steak at the highly recommended Hungy Tarpon Restaurant.
Friday
was Tobi’s first day off, and it had to be used. After a perfect self-made
sandwich breakfast (toasted bread with scrambled eggs, mushrooms and tomatoes)
we headed east to Highway 41 which crosses Florida horizontally. An artificial
water channel was running aside the street and a few alligators could be
spotted while driving along. And rarely, baby alligators on the street – dead!
I guess Americans don’t break for anything stepping on highways.
We
picked a water airboat travel agent a bit further away from the main touristic
ones. Wasn’t the best choice ever. The guide wasn’t the smartest, and had no
interest in serving a mind blowing tour. No stats and figures. But at least
some alligators could be sighted – baby and mother alligator. Impressive
indeed, especially those stories about ‘em.
We
went straight home after the tour, preparing for the food festival where had my
third burger from a food truck called “hot stove”. I got used to burger
already, and they were getting better and better. So there has come the perfect
time for hanging out while having a marshmallow bonfire at the beach house.
The last
day had come and Dawn organised a boat cruise through the channels including
some snorkelling in the ocean. For lunch, guess what, I had another and final 4th
burger at Charm City – a burger hard to beat. As well as the fancy beers we had
in the evening at Funky Buddha. Crazy people; they added everything they can
find: chilli, ginger, coffee, …
