The Warmth Of Miami

The Warmth Of Miami

We enjoyed another wonderful day in Miami.

Jennifer and Gui ran this morning and then met us for breakfast. While it was cool this morning we all enjoyed another nice walk. This time we walked over to Key Biscayne which included walking over two bridges. We were impressed that there was a nice pedestrian path on both bridges along with bicycle lanes. Between our walk this morning and our walk in the evening, we put in another 12 miles. Since Jennifer and Gui ran five miles they put in 17 miles.

We have found a good deal of warmth in this city that goes way beyond the actual weather conditions.

We have met so many friendly people during our stay, including many individuals in the hospitality services industry and we appreciate the warm hospitality that we have been shown since first arriving here on December 30. We have observed many improvements in this city since our last visit here in 2007 and to us the future of this city looks very bright as they work through the glut of office, condominium and other retail space issues. In time, all of that will sort itself out.

Keith has also met a number of Texas Longhorn fans while wearing a University of Texas hat on most of our long walks around the city. They have shown their spirit by giving us the Hook ‘em Texas Longhorn hand signal.

We were looking at a calendar of events for January and Miami sure has their fare share of events this month. Certainly, there are many sporting events including several Miami Heat Basketball games at the American Airlines Arena, the 76^th Federal Express Orange Bowl Game,, and even the National League Pro Bowl on January 31 which is essentially the all star equivalent game of professional football which was landed by this city after 30 years in Honolulu.

In addition to sports, there are many other performing arts and other entertainment in Miami this month including the Miami International Art Fair, performances by various entertainers including Lady Gaga and Tony Bennett, the Ringling Circus along with the opera, and the ballet. This all adds to the vibrancy of the city.

After we walked this morning we enjoyed a nice lunch at a French Café that we had located the other day.

The highlight of the afternoon was the arrival of our son Eric and fiancé Kara at around 4:00 PM. After they checked in we toasted their recent engagement. Later, the six of us went to dinner at the Italian restaurant where we had dined just a couple of days ago with Jennifer and Gui. While the meal and the atmosphere was great the best part of the meal was having everyone together and enjoying a wonderful conversation.

Getting back to warmth, we wanted to note that the added warmth that we also enjoyed while in Miami comes from having Eric, Kara, Jennifer and Gui with us while in Miami and for the next seven days on the Crystal Serenity.

So, tomorrow we say goodbye to Miami as we begin our journey on board the Crystal Serenity.

OUR THOUGHT FOR THE DAY…..

“Love, like sunshine,warms every moment….brightens every day.”

Keith and Anne Marie