Miami- 72 hours

Introducing a new series: 72 hours. Three days seem to be how long we find ourselves staying in a city for. Where better to start than Miami? 

Miami. From CSI to Baywatch, its almost as famous as NYC or LA. We’ve done the first, couldn’t stomach 14 hours for the latter so settled on Miami (which is still a 9 hour flight away, I didn’t realize). It was February, we wanted sun, it was supposed to be mid 20s and Florida’s the Sunshine State after all right?

We touched down on a runway still wet from a tropical downpour, ominous clouds as dark as bruises lingering in the distance. Still, we were in America! A McDonalds high-rise filled the horizon, the cabs had TV screens which played irritating ads (politics, how not to use a taxi), the cabbie ripped us off. We got stuck in traffic on Interstate 101, and then in more traffic (which consisted of Ferraris et al) on Ocean Drive. We had arrived.

We were staying in Penguin Hotel, on famous Ocean Drive in South Beach. This turned out not to be the best choice- dingy hallways, a creaky elevator, bad service. But the location was as cinematic as we could have hoped; right amongst the lemon yellow, baby blue and mint green Art Deco buildings this street is known for. We explored the area that first evening, wandering alongside restaurants serving fish tacos as a calypso beat played. Though we were so exhausted with jet-lag, we soon surrendered to sleep.

The next day we were up at 2am watching American TV- they even make the weather and traffic news exciting with those accents! And soon we got to be part of a real Florida experience-a tornado. Extreme weather systems have a way of seeking me out; they score extra points for striking without warning in the seasons they’re least expected. Needless to say, we found ourselves fighting torrential wind and rain, sheltering under a pink Poundland umbrella, our flip-flops slipping on the flooded sidewalks as we ran back to the hotel from a nearby CVS. Part of the experience, I told myself. So far, Miami was not exactly welcoming us with open arms.

Things did get better- we found a Mall. There is nothing quite like an American Mall- we easily justified the price of our flights with our purchases. Aventura Mall became our new best friend which we visited both days. We even worked out how to take the bus there, in a bid to save on taxi fares. Friendly sales girls greeted us in Nordstrom, we wandered the quiet floors in AC’d comfort, safe from rogue tornadoes. Another highlight was breakfast- bagels and fresh o.j sitting on Ocean Drive watching passers-by. Wandering on the Board Walk was a chance to see every Miami stereotype come to life- guys pumping weights, Rastas, a girl on a skateboard with a chihuahua in her backpack. Convertibles would cruise along, each car a mini rave for its passengers who would be up on the seats jamming along to the bass. A patrol car flashed past the beach, all CSI.

We also checked out Lincoln Road, Miami’s famous shopping street, all palm tree lined pavements and trendy types sitting in outdoor cafes. My favorite activity was renting a bike and riding along the Boardwalk, past the touristy areas to discover quiet stretches of beach. Here families played in the gentle surf,  dogs attended training classes and yoga sessions were held on the lawns of expensive flats. We spotted power yachts with tinted windows in true Miami Vice fashion and enjoyed the sun on our arms and faces.

On our last day, Miami was finally being kind to us.

Practical stuff:

Getting here– Miami International airport is served by most major airlines.

Accommodation– We stayed in Penguin Hotel. I don’t recommend it unless you really are desperate to stay in an Art deco building in South Beach. Otherwise, book a resort with a pool or at least a hotel from a well-known chain (these won’t be too pricy either).

Getting around– Taxis are waaaay overpriced. The bus is an option but takes forever. Its best to rent a car if you want to seek out malls (which you must).

Things to do– By all means check out South Beach but save time for some malls! There are loads around Miami, Aventura Mall was great but there are many others. In my opinion, Miami is probably best tacked on to the end of a Florida road-trip or a cruise.

Overall– To be honest, we felt Miami was over-hyped. It’s expensive and over-run with tourists. The shopping is amazing but you need a car if you really want to keep costs down. Still, it was nice to have some winter sun (after the tornado we did have sunny weather).

A big thanks to Maya for the photos. Have you ever been somewhere which you felt was over-hyped and left you underwhelmed? Share your comments! And look out for more 72 hour guides to Amsterdam and KL soon!