What paradise is this?
Marathon, Florida
February 2nd, 2018
Category: Chrono
Cape Florida Lighthouse || Key Biscayne
Time flies in a blink of an eye when you have fun, but we won’t go back to the cold yet. Not before we discovered the Keys, starting with the one closest to Miami, Key Biscayne. With Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park in the south end, a lovely beach and calm seas thanks to an offshore reef that keeps waves low and rip currents weak, and a beautifully restored lighthouse open to the public, Key Biscayne looks and feels like vacation – the ideal unwinding spot. If ever we go back to Miami, this is where we will stay.
February 1st, 2018
Miami Vice
There’s no escape for first timers in Miami: a millionaire’s row sightseeing cruise is a must. Boats sail around Star, Palm and Hibiscus Islands, offering great views of the city and port, glimpses of some of the most luxurious mansions imaginable and serious name-dropping: Gloria Estefan, Julio Iglesias, Elisabeth Taylor, Will Smith, Shaquille O’Neal… hard to remember them all.
In reality, not everyone resides or has ever owned property on the island, but who can blame the tour guides for wanting to give tourists a blown up version of the story? One look at these mega-mansions and I was ready to believe every word.
Take, for example, Phillip Frost: the pharmaceutical billionaire, who owns one of the largest properties on Star Island, was matter-of-factly credited by our guide with the invention of Viagra. On another note, we also learned that the palm trees lining the grounds of his property at the waterfront were imported from South Africa at a cost of $10.000 each (there were more than 30 of them). A quick post-tour search showed one of these facts was false – guess which one.
Oh well, not all is lost, however, because … yes, Don Johnson also stayed here during the Miami Vice years. Now, what about Crockett’s Theme by Jan Hammer, in my opinion, one of the best soundtracks for a TV series, ever?
January 31st, 2018
Everglades National Park
A World Heritage Site, an International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland, a Refuge, a wonderful way to spend a day – but it was early afternoon when we arrived. The park was deceptively quiet as if taking a nap. But look closely and you might even spot an alligator disguised among leaves.
January 30th, 2018
Robert is Here
Just before entering the Everglades’ grassy waters, a stop for a deliciously refreshing smoothie at this fruit & vegetable family-owned stand – come smoothie bar – come animal farm – come backyard mechanics (at least I imagine so, for what were these tractors and small aircraft doing there, other than providing great photo-ops?). If you are anywhere near Homestead between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., any day of the week, looking for fresh fruits and veggies or a healthy pick-me-up before your next Everglades’ adventure, well then, look no further… Robert is here!
January 30th, 2018
Vizcaya Museum & Gardens
The delectable Villa Vizcaya, built amid a native forest on Biscayne Bay. Eclectic collections mostly acquired in Italy; lush gardens, home to thousands of orchids and native plants – some endangered; a mini-paradise teeming with wildlife; a stone barge acting as breakwater; a strange feeling that I walked out of reality and into a stunning dream.
January 29th, 2018
Miami Vibes || Art Deco
Because we all need a break from the harsh New York winter in January. And because, where better to escape the cold than tropical Miami with an average high of 76°F/25°C and mostly dry days? We flew there, then drove all the way down to Key West – but first things first: South Beach and the Art Deco district. A feast for the eyes of an art deco lover (and those of a fancy car/loud Latino dance music/young crowd/strong drinks aficionado). South Beach is Miami’s glamorous party district, it seems. A bit overwhelming at first, but easy to get used to, if one stayed long enough.
January 28th, 2018
Aaaand… ACTION
A Magnum-size pipe for an uber City where even a mundane act like huffin’n’puffin’ becomes a film-worthy operation.
Manhattan, New York
January 14th, 2918
Ad∼Vantage Point
January 14th, 2018
Freeman Alley
Off the Bowery at the level of Rivington Street in Lower Manhattan, there is an alley covered in graffiti. It leads to a restaurant, very popular among the young (and young at heart) New York crowd, despite (or because of) its location. I wonder how the alley will look like today, more than a year later. 
January 14th, 2018
The Humble Fabulist 