Have just spent two great days in Miami en-route to Fort Lauderdale where tomorrow, we’ll board the Royal Caribbean ship Oasis of the Seas for an 8 day cruise in the Western Caribbean. As the  flight landed in Miami from London, it made sense to spend a few nights there, as we hadn’t been before.  I’d  heard mixed reports about Miami the general concensus being ‘You’ll love it or hate  it’, so I’m delighted to report that I loved it.  We stayed in the Gale South Beach hotel on Collins Avenue. I live 5 minutes from a Collins Avenue in Dublin so felt very at home. Except for the sunshine, the warm sea water of the Atlantic ocean, the blue skies and high temperatures which were in the mid 30s.  As time was limited we took the hop on hop off Big Bus tour, which cost $45 each.

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For this we could avail of 3 loops which covered Miami beach, famous for its Art Deco buildings, the city and the Wynwood art district and the historic overtown. The guides were excellent, very knowledgable and good craic. We took the Green Loop which took us to an area called ‘Little Havana’, the area of the city which is home to many Cuban immigrant residents and full of excellent restaurants and bars. We had a little dance to live music in the Ball & Chain but beware, it was expensive at 17$ for 2 Coronas! We had lunch at El Cristo which was excellent and indulged in the best Sangria I’ve tasted anywhere.

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Here’s my Top Tips for a whistle-stop tour of Miami

  1. Go to Miami Beach to see the Art Deco Hotels.
  2. Swim in the ocean, it’s like a warm bath.
  3. Visit Little Havana for excellent Cuban food and drinks.
  4. Take the bus tour, it’s well worth the dollars.
  5. Use Uber (download the app) it’s cheaper than cabs and very efficient.
  6. Shop till you drop on Lincoln Avenue.
  7. Use insect repellent, the Zika virus is carried by mosquitos.
  8. Visit Rosetta Italian Bakery on Collins Avenue  for excellent pastries, breads and coffee.
  9. Wear sunscreen.
  10. Enjoy.