MIAMI

Little Havana, Miami.
(Click on photos to enlarge.)

Two more days in Florida. I am trying to suck up as much glory as I can from the sun, the surf, and the green grass. Then, maybe, I can store it like a solar cell and draw on it when the snow flies back in the great white north, otherwise known as Pennsylvania.

On Friday, my friend Mary Ellen, an art director in the Miami area, took me to her old stomping grounds in the Big City. It was a gorgeous day, and I was thrilled to explore a city I'd never truly visited.

I had once set foot in Miami, but that was during part of a bicycle tour down the east coast of Florida back in 1982. Back then, I barely bicycled past the "Welcome to Miami" sign, and headed to the train station. Here, finally, was a real tour!

Mary Ellen in the restaurant known as "Versailles," in Little Havana, Miami.

All Cuban, all the time in Little Havana. Don't ask me what these dishes are called.
All I know is, Cuban coffee is delicious, and the perfect finish to a perfect meal.

Outside Versailles. It's a  famous restaurant, visited by presidents
and outspoken Bible scholars.

Inside an authentic Cuban cigar shop. In my hand is a package
of cigars I bought for Waylan, as thanks for all his hospitality.

I think this is Biscayne Bay.

Part of the Miami skyline.

A visit to the Hard Rock Cafe yields some treasures.

Along the walk at Bayside, the downtown shopping area.

Lots of cruises depart from Miami.

We strolled down South Miami Beach, where Mary Ellen
spent lots of time as a kid.

On the jetty.

Some skyline from the jetty.

He held still for me.

Driving along the South Beach clubs on Collins Avenue.

We had to hurry back so I could join Waylan and Regena, and their friends
Marc and Stacy at Saitos, a Japanese steakhouse. This was a going-away dinner for Marc,
who is moving from Waylan's branch of Crown Lift Trucks, to a branch in Texas.

Enjoying a drink outside Saitos.

Waylan does enjoy his cigars.

Regena and Stacy.

Marc Davidson.

Thank you Mary Ellen, and thank you Waylan and Regena, and Marc and Stacy, for all the fun and enjoyment I had this day. What a memorable day you all provided for me.

I did not spend a single dime of my own money all day, for no one would let me. God has been blessing me with good friends and good times here in South Florida. I have come a long way from holding a letter opener over my heart, back on the morning of October 9. June-December was one of the hardest periods of my life, emotionally and spiritually. God has granted me some times of respite since then, and this has sure been one of them. There are many storms in life, but also many ports where God gives us rest.

Because of them, and the people in them, we can go on.

© 2013 by Martin Zender