Bienvenidos a Miami!
I wrote this piece in South Beach Miami, sitting on a beige stone wall that separates the sand from the tar. I’m alone and I haven’t heard my voice for over an hour. I have a pen and my notebook in my hands, but I’m completely glazed in a volleyball game that happens in front of me. There’s a dozen of volleyball networks, several players who have fun, watch or warm up. Several other dogs relax in the shade and, like me, follow the ball with their eyes. Except one, who came to keep me company while nibbling a plastic bottle. Behind me dozens of people walk, run, ride, rollerblade or skate. The sun is not too hot and a cool breeze shakes the leaves of the great palms. I’m in one of my paradises, this could be my life. If I lived here, I would be in that field with a team and life partner. While our dog played with strangers.
Miami welcomes me for the second time. It was here that I experienced a strip club for the first time, never to forget the smell of vanilla spice that got stuck in my hair. I never understood the purpose of a strip club until I came to Miami. (Thank you cousin!) But let’s move forward. This time we had another mission: Halloween!
The 9 landed in Miami and it was pouring, the ideal weather to lull us to an essential sleep. Mini-vacations like these require more vacations, as post-vacation. We woke up, grouped the group with a roll call and headed to the marina. We rented a boat, a captain, and a mate (a dog named Princess who was included in the package). We spent the day sailing, drinking, dancing, swimming and laughing. I did several rescues that day: 5 hats that flew off the edge, a jet ski, and an inflatable swan that flew. I broke two nails, smashed my head, Jerry fell on me and hit an iron beam. But I didn’t die. Hours later, as expected, we were exhausted.
I climbed to the ship’s bow, I sat on the nose of the boat and with my legs dangling in the air I watched the sunset. The pink and lilac sky looked like cotton candy, what an incredible landscape! Lost in thoughts, I gave thanks for living that moment. For being there with these amazing people that I chose, and chose me, without us needing to be in another place or surrounded by a crowd to be happy. We said goodbye to the boat and went to bed. It was 8pm, but we only woke up on Monday morning.
After a home-cooked breakfast, which Jerry and Wenny prepared, we went to explore Wynwood, the city of urban art. Hundreds of paintings give color to this city, where the streets tell stories with words and drawings scattered across the floor, walls and windows. Wynwood is alternative, artistic, engaging and entertaining. It made me smile, I like art and to see how each individual reacts and shares their souls with the world.
We all went home together, as usual.
Unfortunately, I got sick and though I disguised myself as a gumball machine I didn’t leave the house. They went dancing, I went to sleep.
Halloween always aroused curiosity, mystique and the desire to celebrate. In Portugal we don’t celebrate it like here, but my sister and I never failed trick or treat. My mother always carved a pumpkin, lit it with a candle, and positioned it in front of the house. Even though she knew the pumpkin would disappear the next morning.
Here it’s different, the costumes are thought out in detail and in advance. The scary decorations starts by the end of summer, the beach towels are trimmed and the brooms are displayed. I followed the herd and did the same. I’ve always wanted to recreate a Disney couple, but none of my previous boyfriends found that funny and so it never happened. But I learned that our happiness shouldn’t depends on the will of others, so I went on Amazon and bought a Disney costume. The chosen one was Jasmine, from Aladdin but without Aladdin. That would have been my plan if an Aladdin hadn’t fallen from the sky. A friend of long standing, fifteen years to be exact, who studied with me in Portugal was in Miami. Long story short, he also went on Amazon and bought an Aladdin costume.
No plans or expectations. It was magical! If we ever thought we would be in Miami celebrating Halloween … This friend is my male version, if I had one. Mafra belongs to the world and it’s much easier to share feelings and concerns with someone who not only understands but feels the same as me. In fact, Mafra knows what’s homesickness, how to fight and live with it. He advised me and challenged me as we flew the world on an imaginary magic carpet.
Miami is the sunshine state. It is beach, palm trees, naked bodies, dogs, avenues of restaurants and bars. It’s fun, crazy and everything you see on television. You will definitely hear more Spanish than English, because of the Cuban influence that defines it and that is found in Cuban cafes and cigar stores.
I remember being in Cuba and someone telling me that if I swim to the horizon I would get to Miami. Who would have thought I’d be in Miami, remembering Cuba?
A familiar horn echoed, I closed the writing pad and ran to Ocean Drive. It was time to go back home. I had a smile on the lips, a quiet mind, a renewed soul and a bag full of memories. Mission accomplished, thank you Miami!
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