Anyway…

My last real excursion involved a completely unplanned trip to Curacao. By that, I mean we booked our flight less than an hour before we were supposed to be at the airport. We barely made the flight. It was impressive timing, even by my standards. I’ve never been to the Dutch Antilles, so it was great to experience a new destination. The island was beautiful. I highly suggest visiting, especially since it’s an easy, non-stop flight from MIA. For accommodation options, see Curacao Vacation Rentals.

My coming posts will break down the trip into smaller, more detailed sections. I just wanted to quickly check-in, and let you all know I’m still alive and doing what I do. I’ll try to keep the lapse between posts at a minimum from now on.

Some photos from Key West:

The first night involved setting up camp at an easily accessible campsite. It was too late to venture further out, so camping near the park’s amenities was about the only option. Besides the mosquitos, the camping area was perfectly decent. There weren’t too many other people, and it was simple to pack up camp for the next day’s adventures. Plus, we had some boxed wine. Everything is better with wine.

After a night of waging war against against the Everglades’ insect air force, it was time to pick up a canoe and find something slightly more interesting. After paddling for 13 miles, we arrived at a chickee in a secluded lagoon. Since we were actually surrounded by water, the mosquitos were not all that bothersome. The South Joe River chickee was just about the perfect camping location.

While we didn’t see any other people for 2 days, the lagoon was home to some other inhabitants. We were told that the waters housed alligators, crocodiles, and sharks, but dolphins were the most prevalent.

After another night and 13-mile canoe ride, it was time to make our way back toward the city: tired, sore, not smelling the best, but already planning the next trip.

A few weeks ago, I decided to explore Little Havana. As the name gives away, Little Havana is an area of Miami with a large Cuban influence. This influence most notably shows up in the cuisine. I happen to like food, and seeing that it was lunchtime, I pulled into La Camaronera to test out the fare. The restaurant is tucked away in a strip mall and features no seats. You simply find yourself a spot at the bar, order your food, and stand to eat. While this restaurant has been featured on numerous television shows, the locals still flock here for the fresh seafood. The influx of tourists and outsiders has not scared the original crowd away, which I believe is a sign of a truly good dining establishment.

While I was there, I tried shrimp empanadas, fried lobster, and the fish sandwich. The sandwich was the standout for me. The fresh filet was hugged by an absolutely delicious white bun. You can also check out the fresh catches at the market area of the restaurant and have the chefs cook your selection to your specifications. I did not know this was an option, until a friendly regular enlightened me. By that point, I was already full, to say the least.

Following lunch, I drove a bit further into Little Havana and stopped by a small market. After checking out the produce and food selection, I picked up a coconut and headed back to the beach: a completely different world only miles away.

Anyway…

I never really saw myself as a Miami person (I still don’t), but so far, I’ve found a nice little niche on the beach. While there are some crazy folks in this city (hello, face-eating zombie), I happened to stumble into a fun group of relatively normal Miami Beach-dwellers, which is good, because I happen to enjoy owning a face. On most days.

I spent the first few months of this extended stay living on a 48-ft. boat in the Miami Beach Marina. This was perfect, because I was surrounded by mostly transient boater-types. I’m rather transient myself, so we all immediately had something to bond over. Like not having a home. However, I do own a car and girl parts, so my popularity rapidly increased. Good for me.

Living on a boat is great, except the days tend to blend together. You realize this when you wake up encrusted in a layer of salt and your phone says it’s the next month. Because of the time traveling involved in boat life, apartment life is currently consisting of work. Lots of work. More precisely, lots of letting clients know I’m, in fact, still alive. So, hey guys, I’m alive. I’m living in Miami Beach. I’m still not tan. Cool.

Just some photos: