palms, palmettos, and pines

How nice that the landscape
still had a splash
of Southern in it!
Without those pines,
I truly would have felt
that I had left the
United States and was
traveling in another country.

Not even 150 miles from
Vero Beach, yet the
medians had completely
altered their appearance.
My odometer (sans the
"Check Engine" light
after its new battery)
even marked the occasion!
Maybe this was a variation
on Route 66?

By the time I hit Washinton Avenue,
I had decided to take my cue from
the Bobby Troup tune.
Time to make the most of this journey to Miami and environs!
This was my first time here and would most likely be my last venture this far into the blooming state.

I had gotten lucky and found
Crescent Resort on South Beach
glittering from the list of
Diamond properties in Florida.
Miami held no charms for me,
but the Art Deco district on
this Atlantic coast lured me
down for a visit.

I had arrived right at 5 PM.
Whew! Where to park?
Not on Ocean Drive.
I entrusted my steed to the valet
for the next three nights,
surrendering $75 in cash
along with my key.
Then I headed through
Lummus Park to the beach!

Would you look at that?!
Even the lifeguard shack is Art Deco!
Beautimous, ain't it?
And such a nice evening for a stroll
on the sand!
By the time I emerged from the park
back onto the strip, I was nine blocks
from the resort.

What did I see?
A bicycle in Art Deco pastels!
I wonder if it's always parked there? Wouldn't that be a hoot!
I found the News Cafe, a place recommended by the "Sweet Caroline" girls. Dinner there?
Hmmm... not tonight.
Tonight, I would dine on Cuban food!

Ahhh! Such a lovely view, yes?
That ice-sold mint lemonade tasted
just like a virgin Mojito -
and cost about the same.
But, hey, Barbara told me she
was "officially jealous"
in response to this photo,
so definitely worth it!!!

Estefan Kitchen presents the world-famous Larios on the Beach had much more in store for me!
Did I know this was affiliated with Gloria Estefan? Not until I went to the website.
So the name held no sway on me.
The ropa vieja? Oh, yes!!!
And those carmelized plaintains?
Dessert, baby!!!

I wandered back to the Crescent,
fully sated.
Leftovers? I think not.
(smile)
I took the time to cook these muffins for the next few days - easy, cheap breakfast!
Then I headed to bed.
Tomorrow, I have a date with Key West and I want to be well rested!
Buenos noches, mis amigos!