(English translation by Ishan Bhavsar)
The city of Miami is a globally-known glamorous tourist attraction. Come, let’s take a tour to Miami, the city appeared and applauded in a number of Hollywood movies, including Bond movies.
‘Welcome to Miami beach…’How can a Bond-lover ever forget this scene for the film Goldfinger? James Bond (performed by Sir Sean Conery) has lodged in the Fountainblue Hotel on the South beach. Auric Goldfinger, the villain is also in the same hotel. With the help of a girl who is giving Goldfinger instructions from the balcony of his room, Auric is cheating rest of the players in gin rummy.
That’s Miami! A world famous tourist attraction. It’s a popular location for the filming and setting sofa, number of Hollywood films, including Bond movies.The city of Miami is a hometown of celebrities like Shakira, Eva Mendes, Dwayne Johnson, Sofía Vergara. Sun-kissed beach, glitter and glamour, gigantic cruise ships parked in the jetty, Cuban- Spanish and American food – you’ll find all of these attractions at one place, that’s Miami.
It was my maiden trip to USA in September, 2017 and Miami was my host city. We were invited to attend an event organized by famous Gujarati doctor, businessmen, philanthropist Drs. Kiran and Pallavi Patel Family Foundation. The Foundation was going to announce transformational gift of 200 million USD (about 1300 crore INR) to ‘Nova South Eastern University’ of Florida, USA.
It was time to visit the glamorous south beach of Miami. The south beach is very popular for locals as well as outsiders. Miami is a major port city of Florida. It’s also the busiest cruise port, home to dozens of ships representing all of the major cruise lines.Most Caribbean cruises depart from Miami. The bus we took reached south beach of Miami and we spotted the giant ships docked across the water. The ships with its towering superstructures look more like apartment blocks than ships!
We passed through the cruise port, and reached to the south beach. Like school kids on a picnic, we almost jumped off the bus. Oh! What I spotted first was a small roadside shop – a shop of some imitation jewellery and henna (mehndi). Ina multicultural city like Miami, this sight made me feel at once in India!
The Atlantic ocean was calm and water looked crystal clear. It’s hard to belive that this was the place that witnessed Irma and Harvey – the two massive hurricanes that recently hit the South Florida. One could see the tree debris – mounds of mangled trees, trunks, stumps and limbs – lined the seacoast. They reminded us that the hurricanes are just a few yards away.
To our surprise, the Atlantic water was tepid. Many tourists were having sunbath or swimming in the warm ocean. The beach was spotlessly clean. And yes, Miami is among America’s cleanest cities. The beach is famous for the sea birds too. The sea birds were feeding on the beach, quite fearlessly.
The shops and hotels are near the beach. Miami is known for Cuban and Spanish cuisine. Of course, Amrican cusine is available too. Despite the well-known hostility between the U.S. and Cuba, the U.S.-Cuban relations have improved in recent years. Cuba is only 150 kms. from Miami. The beach is famous for the sea birds too. The sea birds were feeding on the beach, quite fearlessly.
The shops and hotels are near the beach. Miami is known for Cuban and Spanish cuisine. Of course, Amrican cusine is available too. Despite the well-known hostility between the U.S. and Cuba, the U.S.-Cuban relations have improved in recent years. Cuba is only 150 kms. from Miami.
The sales girls/ boys on the beachfront shops seemed ready to attract tourists. We found something of our interest. It’s coconut water! A young man was selling coconut water and other drinks. I relished coconut water, rest of friends went for sugarcane juice.
And the sun was about to deep in the Atlantic ocean. The light rays from the ships at the sea looked like earthen lamp-lights. It’s time to say goodbye to the Miami beach and proceed to the Wynwood Walls.
The Wynwood Walls features huge, colorful street murals by artists from around the globe. A unique way to convert a boring-looking wall into an ever-interesting artistic creation!
Cleanliness is what is immediately noticeable in Miami. Miami is among America’s most cleanest cities. The skyscrapers of Miami surpasses even New York. Miami boasts of the skyline of more than 300 modern high-rise buildings. According to a survey, Miami is one of the richest cities of America.
In fact, the list of Miami attractions is almost endless. But alas, we had to follow the schedule. And other places on the list, too. We waved our hand at the sea and bade goodbye to Miami. Yes, the sea. That’s the greatest attraction in Miami…
Tips for Miami trip
- Miami international airport is well connected with world.
- English is widely used language here.
- Many Indian restaurant are available in Miami.
- 3 to 5 star hotels for stay, as per your budget.
- Try Cuban cuisine if you are fond of verity of foods.
- Bus and metro are easily available. One can take also uber as it is easiest way to get transported.
- Advisable to get ‘go Miami card’ for visit more than one sight In Miami. It’s give you entry on around 25 places of Miami and options available from 1 to 5 days. For card check online.
- Flight + hotel + something package deal is cheaper.
- Indian electric plugs are not suitable for USA sockets, kindly check before visit, advisable to have adapter.
- It’s always good to be careful, Miami is also known for little bit notorious activity.
- For more information please visit https://miamitouristguide.com/
