Miami (USA)

Meeting Maisa's Godmother

Maisa and I had spent just a few hours in Miami on the trip out to England, but this time round we would have a couple of days out there. Apart from looking around the city and meeting back up with Maisa's godmother, for me especially, my time in Miami was to be used to buy just about everything I needed......and I needed a lot. Most of my clothes had now fallen apart so a new wardrobe was ultimately required but also, after having my glasses stolen in Ecuador, I also needed a new pair of specs too. Then, for purposes of work - well, and fun - I also wanted to buy a laptop. These things were somewhat cheaper in the States than both England and surprisingly, in Ecuador too. While living is very cheap in South America, electronics and imported clothes are particularly pricey.

Because of the time difference we arrived in the afternoon. Then we met up with Maisa's godmother and her daughter who both welcomed us with food and drinks. They were Ecuadorian but had moved over to the States a few years ago. The apartment they owned was very small but a friend of theirs was away so we were invited to stay in her place. I think Maisa found it a bit of a shock. Although there are some beautiful apartments in Miami, blocks and towers of places, this was rustic living at its best. The place had bars covering the windows and inside was the smallest lift that never seemed like it was going to work although it always somehow did. The apartment itself was just one room (with bed, kitchen and living area) and a side bathroom. I thought it was quite authentic living if nothing else. That night I was taken to a place to buy my laptop - of which I am very happy with.

On our main day in Miami, we all headed off to Dolphins Mall. The place is huge. In a day, I don't think we covered the entire place which just appeared to go on and on. I bought everything I needed and more that day. We also passed through the pretty Coral Gables and spent the rest of the time wondering around various parts of the city on the train with Maisa's designated family. I wanted to see more of Miami, or at least more in more detail, but I had been to this part of the world a few times before, where I played the tourist part to perfection - so I had seen a lot in this part of the country already. For that reason, I was happy to just do our shopping and very little of anything else. Although it was winter, Miami was still sweltering hot and despite the fact that Maisa was loving it, I was trying not to sweat away my entire bodily fluids the entire time we were there.

After just a couple of days, we departed Miami for the four hour flight back to South America.......and just like we had never been away - we were back in Ecuador!!!