The Ultimate Destination – Part 4
Our arrival in Miami was welcomed by all. I was ready to not drive for four days after driving incessantly for two, Robyn was ready to see the U of M, and Jacob was ready for the beach.
Once we arrived, checked in, unpacked the car and got it parked, we each had our own plan. I wanted to unwind with a cocktail, Robyn wanted to see the Versace Mansion, and Jacob just wanted to go to the beach.
I told the kids we would change clothes for a stroll along Ocean Drive to familiarize ourselves with the area as we would be posted there for four days. The boy child was in disagreeance, he wanted to head to the beach immediately. It was still light out but sunset would be approaching. I said ok, but take your phone and check it & in often. He informed me his iphone was dead as he had been on it the entire time from Tallahassee.
I was going to argue, make some speech about responsibility yada yada yada. I stopped myself took a deep breathe and said ok. I then gave my 11 year old implicit instructions on what to do—head straight to the segment of ocean directly across from our hotel, do not stray from that area, do not leave the beach until we come for him unless it is to sit in the hotel lobby at which point he is to have the front desk call me.
He agreed, unpacked his trunks, changed and jetted for the beach. Robyn looked in astonishment as he trotted off. We changed clothes and started our stroll as to be done in an hour to pick him up. We headed in the direction of the Versace Mansion since it was only three blocks down from us. The nightlife was starting to pick up as the streets were getting more populated.
We made it to the mansion which we learned had become a restaurant, Gianni’s (appropriately named). It had a crowd gathered outside, most to gaze not to eat. We glanced at the menu and decided to have lunch there one day (when Jacob was with us). The hostess was allowing pictures on the steps where the iconic designer was slain and died. She also allowed us to take photos near the entrance fountain just atop the steps.
We strolled some more, saw the shops where much of the Birdcage was filmed. Our hotel was a major shooting location for Scarface. We ventured into Gloria Estafan’s cafe for some beverages before heading back to get Jacob as a little hunger was started to set in.
As we made it back to our hotel vicinity, past the volleyball pit and work out area, we headed to the beach to search for our independent young lad. It was dark at this point and no way of spotting him but the beach wasn’t that populated. Robyn called out for him and by the third time he responded “over here.” He was in one piece and safe.
He had spent the entire time in the warm waters of South Beach and was finally happy to be on Spring Break. All hungry at this point, we decided to eat at the Sugar Factory and have $22 milkshakes. We walked Ocean Drive a bit longer, catching part of an open drag performance. Approaching midnight, we decided to turn in as it had been a long day and the ocean had whipped Jacob’s butt.
The next day was a planned day of relaxation at the beach, more strolling, and sightseeing. Ahh the South Beach life is good!
On our third day, we ventured into downtown Miami for some city life, shopping, and to tour the University of Miami. Jacob lit up when he saw a customized Bugatti on the street and Robyn lit up when we hit the Hurricane’ campus. She lost herself in the orange and green.
Jacob refused to do the tour with us, he opted to wait in the student center with air conditioning and the free charging stations. Robyn and I did the areas around the student center, spoke with a counselor, and did the book store for merch.She had allotted a certain amount for merch at each college.
After about 90 minutes, we headed back to retrieve Jacob and go to the dining hall for lunch. Once there we settled upon our food choices and dined. Jacob still didn’t want to explore the campus with us. So he decided to remain in the dining hall with an endless supply of food, air conditioning, free charging, and college girls. I knew he wasn’t going anywhere no matter how long we were gone.
She had mapped out a plan to visit the library, admissions office, and science buildings. Her whole energy was different on this campus site, I wouldn’t be surprised if we found ourselves back there in two years for a revisit…I would actually bet on it.
Anyhow, the library director allowed us to enter and tour the library’s three floors. Its reading and independent study areas reminded me of the Google offices with private pods, ergonomic chairs, and vibrant colors. She bounced around like Cinderella at the ball.
We crossed campus to the science building where she was allowed to sit in a biology class. As she sat in the class I found a leisurely seat outside next to a fountain wondering why I didn’t go there? The climate there was so much better than in Tallahassee.
Though still hot, Miami lacks the humidity of its landlocked counterparts. The constant breeze was welcomed and made a trek across campus feel less like a workout. On the drive to the campus, I heard a radio announcer say ”it’s going to be chilly one today Miami with only a high of 73.” I thought to myself that must be nice.
I called Jacob to check on him. He was fine still at the dining hall. Robyn eventually sauntered out of the building with a smile. She commented on how she understood most of the stuff in the college biology lecture from her freshmen AP Biology class. I told her that was great and that her AP teacher being a finalist for the Georgia Teacher of the Year honor probably has a little to do with that coupled with her learning skills. We proceeded to walk the campus, going by the engineering department where she said Jacob would fit in. She would have spent the whole day there, we did half of it, until I told her we needed to gather her brother and move on. We headed back to the car but not without stops and photo ops.
Prior to this trip she had three places on her Miami “to do” list – Versace Mansion, U of M, and Playa Bowl. Having done two only the last was left. Playa Bowl is a healthy lifestyle vendor that offers smoothies and fruit bowls. She loves that place, we discovered it a few years ago on a visit to the Atlanta Beltline and we have been going to locations around the city ever since.
Well she discovered Miami had a couple locations a year ago and made up in her mind she would visit one when there. Lo and behold, there was one located at the south edge of the campus. just a mile from our parking deck. We went and then headed back to South Beach in the darkness where we people watched on Ocean Drive for a bit.
The next day was our last in South Beach before we hit the road headed to north Florida for a one day family visit before bringing it back home. We spent that day riding bikes, doing the big bus tour, and soaking in the atmosphere. No one was ready to leave but couldn’t stay there forever.
I was constantly sending pictures to family and friends back home. One friend replied, “stop rubbing it in” and another said “I love that you are making lasting memories with the kids!” And that readers was the whole point of the trip—to have fun, explore & educate, and make lasting memories.
Jenny had asked me why do the college tours so early with Robyn only a freshman. Well, how are your kids ever supposed to know what’s available to them if they never explore it. Yes, she’s a freshman but I guarantee you by her junior year she’ll have a good idea of where she wants to be. And seeing the possibilities now will motivate her to get there—it already has!
So yes this will be the last of our southeast tour that you will hear about, the saga ends. But look for it to resume next year, I am already thinking California maybe the Northeast on route to Maine. We’ll see!.