Looking up from the pool bar during some really moody afternoon weather
And there is no place better for a vacation than Miami Beach, one of my favorite places in the world. It’s a truly distinctive place, and I tend to feel especially happy whenever I am here. What’s so special about Miami Beach? It’s a combination of really good things — the weather, the colors, the energy.
The weather is often very moody here. It can be all sunshine and brightness one minute and then suddenly turn to a fierce tropical storm the next. But it’s all beautiful. I have lots of happy memories of leaving the beach for lunch, settling into a restaurant to dine and people watch, then suddenly seeing a wicked storm move in. No problem: have another mojito and watch the fun until the sun comes back for another round of afternoon beach time.
The weather produces some of those dramatic colors I like so much — the milky turquoise water, the deep blue sky that suddenly turns menacingly grey, the orange glow that lights up the ocean in the morning and the bay at night. But I also love the endless variety of pastels of the little art deco hotels that line Ocean Drive for miles and the ubiquitous white-on-white interiors. It all just feels so right together.
The energy is a combination of lots of things one could love or loathe. I certainly love the Latin pulse that permeates everything. I like hearing all the languages and accents of the international jet set that flocks here. I mostly enjoy the ever present trendy lounge music (when it is not too loud!). And heaven knows it’s fun to watch the constant parade of aspiring actors, models, touts, freaks, and all sort of other overly bronzed people. This places attracts many sorts of oddballs, and I hope many of them feel as happy here as I do.
The path from the hotel to the beach. I can never get enough of these blue blues and green greens.
The sand is soft and white, the sea is turquoise, and the sky can be deep blue or angry grey. And there in the water is a pretty bronzed Jim.
The hotel pool is pretty even as a sudden rain storm chases everyone away.
The morning sky here always seems moody and colorful. This is looking toward Biscayne Bay from our room.
The same view during tonight’s rainy dusk