London to Miami, Florida

**sabali** · 12-23-2011, 07:42 AM

Hello so on the 1st of January i will fly into Miami swapping the damp freeze of London for the warm air of Miami. (no I don't have crooked teeth)

I will be here for 3 months on my own but pretty sure some friends will come out.

I plan to checkout alot of outdoor/wildlife places and also south beach (been to Florida about 9 times and never done this) and also the Bahamas and probably going to fly to Puerto Rico so i can visit bio-bay.

About me I'm 23 , tall , confident , funny and outgoing . I enjoy meeting new people and I love going on a adventure .

So that's that I guess you can always ask me a question or give me some local tips or knowledge .

**Maria de los Angeles** · 12-23-2011, 08:21 AM

Welcome to the forums, sabali! I'm really into outdoor/wildlife stuff so feel free to ask me any questions. January through March is a really good time to visit the Everglades and explore trails back there because the water levels go down.

I've been to bio-bay in Vieques ... is that the one you are referring to?

There is also a new ferry to the Bahamas that goes out of Fort Lauderdale.

**Gus** · 12-23-2011, 08:28 AM

Hi, sabali. Thanks for introducing yourself.

I hope you have lots of fun and find some exciting adventures.

**sabali** · 12-23-2011, 08:29 AM

Hi Maria , yes the one in Vieques. How did you go about that ? And yes I plan to go on a cruise boat to the Bahamas for a day then maybe go back there for a week just depends on how busy and how much I like it.

Any other cool places you visited or travelled to ?

**Jess** · 12-23-2011, 01:08 PM

Take it from a fellow Brit, you will not be alone long as once your friends find out you have a free place to stay in Miami, they'll all be on the first plane out. My first year, out of 52 weeks, I had visitors 24 of them. Total nightmare. I banned all guests the following year!

**sabali** · 12-23-2011, 02:51 PM

im thinking of setting up an auction . you have dual citizenship jess ?

**Jess** · 12-24-2011, 10:06 AM

An auction for what? Yes I am a dual citizen. Before you get jealous as everyone does, two tax returns. Say no more.

**Maria de los Angeles** · 12-24-2011, 12:40 PM

Jess, two tax returns? That sucks.

I think he means he should set up an auction for his would-be guests in Miami. Highest bidder gets to visit! LOL

**Maria de los Angeles** · 12-24-2011, 01:52 PM

Sabali, I went to Vieques as part of a windjammer cruise out of Puerto Rico, which was one of the most awesome things I've ever done. The sailboat took us around there and the Virgin Islands, sailing on the Francis Drake channel. I slept on deck at night. I had the option of sleeping in my cabin but the sky and air was so beautiful. It was great!

Vieques kayaking was one of our side trips.

There is actually bioluminescence in Miami. I've been boating in some of the waterways of Miami Beach at night (and don't ask) ended up in the water swimming. But this isn't something I would recommend you do unless you are on a friend's boat cruising back there.

Other cool nature things I've done is fishing & camping in the back country of the Everglades. It is remarkable. there is a waterway trail that goes from the gulf coast to Florida Bay down south. You camp on these wooden platforms above the water and in the morning you are surrounded by nature in all its glory. I love the freshwater dolphins following the boat.

Do you like fishing?

**sabali** · 12-24-2011, 03:25 PM

yes auction for my would be guests .

how do i go about doing the same trip you did to the biobay maria ?

I've never been fishing!

**Maria de los Angeles** · 12-25-2011, 01:16 PM

Sabali, fishing in the back country is a great way to get in touch with nature. I'm not sure what your budget is for adventures like this, but if you are interested, let's talk when you get here and I'll see if I can recommend a good guide.

As for the windjammer cruise, the company that operated the original one I did ceased operation in 2007. But if you google "Caribbean windjammer cruise" you can find some. The ship I sailed on, The Legacy, is currently with this company: http://www.sailingshipadventures.com...ls&VesselID=56

**sabali** · 12-25-2011, 03:59 PM

thanks! i don't have a budget , i can do pretty much whatever. been thinking of maybe flying to las vegas for a weekend always wanted to see the grand canyon.

**sabali** · 12-25-2011, 05:29 PM

found a venetian pool in coral gables looks nice!

**Maria de los Angeles** · 12-27-2011, 11:32 AM

Venetian Pool is definitely a must-see and near where you are staying. The water is cold though!

You should also take the Miami tour offered by Miami Tour Company. This will give you a basic introduction to some of Miami's most interesting areas. You can do the Miami tour and the Glades tour all in one day for a grand overview, which will be helpful when you later decide to explore on your own.

**Blackford Oakes** · 12-27-2011, 12:01 PM

The Venetian Pool has an age limit. Does anyone know what it is ? That has prevented me/us from going even though my daughter swims like a fish.

She turns four next month and I'd like to set her loose in those waters.

rk · 12-27-2011, 12:30 PM

Children have to be 3 years old, and 38 inches or taller. Something to do with not using chemicals in the water.

This is according to: http://gocitykids.parentsconnect.com...mi-fl-33134-us

**Maria de los Angeles** · 12-27-2011, 12:56 PM

They should also warn people about potential hypothermia. That water is WAY too cold for this Florida native. LOL

My nephew got married there. It was absolutely gorgeous. One of the prettiest spots in Miami for sure. I did a tour of the area when I was taking Dr. Paul George's Miami history class. There's a lot of history right around that section of the Gables.

**Christy** · 12-27-2011, 02:37 PM

The venetian pool is great if you just want to take a quick tour. As far as having a pool day there, I'd rather hang out at a nice pool in South Beach. The chairs are comfier and you can get better food/drinks at hotels. There's also not that much room for lounging.