Thursday, January 29, 2009

Free you say?

My Wednesday night was unusual, to say the least. But this is Miami and it’s expected. After a little research I discovered that Bayfront Park offers free yoga three times a week. Unfortunately between school and a job, the only time I can make it out is on Wednesdays at 6pm. The idea of driving to Downtown Miami during the week at rush hour was enough to make me run to the nearest bar. Thanks in large part to my best friend being in town, I sucked it up and made the drive. Since we got there a couple of hours early (I didn’t want to risk the traffic) we were able to enjoy some reading on the dock that overlooks the Port of Miami. What an amazing view. I forget sometimes how close I live to the ocean and how relaxing it can be. I was ready for Yoga. The class is offered under a pavilion and is on a first come basis. Try to get there about 30 minutes prior to ensure a good spot. There was a cool wind and the Miami sun was just setting. As we began our breathing exercises I could smell the ocean and feel my stress melt away. Breathing in the fresh ocean smell was much better than smelling the body odors of those around you in a hot smelly room. As we went from Downward Facing Dog to Lizard Pose, I looked around to see a beautiful lighted Downtown around me. I couldn’t help but smile thinking that in the middle of the hustle and bustle of Downtown Miami, there was a group of 50 people gathered around with the same goal: relaxation and tranquility. The class lasted an hour and 15 minutes and by the end I had relied on my own weight to give me a great stretch and workout. My soreness today proved that I need to go back. There was a visible change in everyone’s faces after the session. Mission accomplished: tranquility hovered under the pavilion.




My adventure in Miami did not end here though. My friend and I decided it was time to get the tattoos we had been wanting. It was 11:00 pm on a Wednesday night, where were we going to find a tattoo parlor? South Beach of course. We went to Tattoo’s by Lou and in no time I was sitting on the chair gripping for dear life as the needles stabbed at my side. We left at 2 in the morning, but the Beach was still wired and going. Deuce, the dive bar across the street was filled with eccentric locals enjoying each other’s company. We went to La Sandwicherie which is conveniently located right next to the shop. Their sandwiches are amazing! As we got home at 3 am I realized that rarely did I come home this late without being at a bar or club. I guess Miami does offer more.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

The Beginning

Miami is known for its club scene. It is very easy to go out on any given night and find a venue with an open bar and free entry. Because of this, my occasional nights of club hopping quickly turned into a downright weekend addiction. And this wonderful city I call home has done nothing but encourage me to party even more. With offers like these, how can I possibly be expected to say no? It is time, however, that I discover some of Miami’s finer qualities. Will I give up my late nights of club hopping? Only time will tell. Follow me as I discover the other side of Miami that I have heard about but have been too busy to enjoy, because honestly, who wakes up before noon on a Saturday?