Take Me To Miami
Welcome back to the blog! It’s been a few months since my last update (Sorry about that!) but I couldn’t go without sharing my experience in Miami. I spent my January in the Sunshine State hiding away from snow and cold. After my non-stop adventures in D.C. and Belize, I needed to rest and replenish in Miami. As a born and raised New Englander, I can unequivocally say that snowbirds have the right idea. While my family group chat was blowing up with pictures of blizzards, I spent my weekend afternoons at the beach or heading to a new museum.
The Institute of Contemporary Art was my first stop. If you’re interested in learning more about art but you find yourself getting overstimulated at museums, the ICA is a good choice. The museum has 3 levels and small exhibits. It’s easy to take in the art without becoming overwhelmed or spending hours there.
When I went they were showing Tau Lewis and Sasha Gordon (some notables pictured above). Usually, the ICA is my favorite museum but I didn’t feel called to much of the art this time around. I did, however, love the contemporary artwork at the Rubell Museum. They had a Kehinde Wiley exhibit which did not disappoint. The portraits were larger than life and the colors are so vivid in person.
There were two exhibits by Yayoi Kusama, where you could step into a small mirrored room for an immersive experience. The reflections of the glass and the light played with your sense of space. I felt like a kid in front of a funhouse mirror with endless reflections staring back.
Usually, Miami is synonymous with partying, but for me this trip was focused on wellness. I spent my afternoons at Hollywood Beach soaking up the sun or visiting cafes like Mystic Coffee, and going on a daily “hot girl walk.”
My favorite moment by far was my visit to ZeyZey in Little Haiti for their Love and Lust Disco Takeover. ZeyZey is part outdoor courtyard and private indoor venue with bars where you can grab a cocktail, as well as food. Local artisans had set up small stands to sell clothing and jewelry near the entrance. There was even a tarot reader doing pre-Valentine’s love readings. At the back, they’d set up a stage with a live band. Unlike the typical Miami scene, this spot was down-to-earth and unpretentious. I felt like a local vibing along to the music under the red lights and smoke machine. It was one of those nights where you dance until your feet hurt but you don’t want to go home. If you’re looking for fun things to do in Miami, definitely check out ZeyZey for amazing live music.
I danced through 3 set changes in my own happy little world. Moments like these are why I enjoy traveling. When the energy of a city simmers around you, and you feel as if you couldn’t be anywhere else but where you are now.
Whenever, I travel, I always like to get in a little nature time, so I signed up for an Everglades adventure.
Myself and ten other folks loaded onto a noisy airboat to head into the Everglades. Unfortunately, we didn’t catch any animal sightings but if you’re looking to see alligators or pythons, I’d recommend a kayak or canoe trip instead or even a night boat where you might see more nocturnal animals.
Miami has a ton of botanical gardens and private zoos. I made a trip to Butterfly World, a live butterfly exhibit with my aunt. This is more of a kid-friendly activity but their insect museum is both the stuff of dreams and nightmares. As long as I live, I pray to never run across some of the bugs displayed inside.
After Miami, I headed straight to Atlanta, where I’ve been for the last few months. So…what’s with the long pause between updates? After a busy season, I needed some time to reflect on the purpose of my nomad trip. When I first planned this year, it was all about finding a new home and community, but lately, I’ve found myself less interested in settling down and wondering about what it might be like to live as a traveler. This experience has surprised me at every turn and it’s raised a ton of questions about what I want to do next.
For now, I’m still planning to finish my travel route but I might make a few unexpected stops along the way. I’m not quite ready for the traveling to end and I plan to take you along as I explore. Thanks for sticking with me and supporting my travels! Cheers to more adventures on the horizon.
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