If you haven’t been to Miami, you’ve probably seen it in the movies or on television:  Miami Vice, CSI:  Miami, Top Chef (3rd season), There’s Something About Mary, Wild Things, Marley & Me, The Birdcage, and several James Bond movies.

Or you may be familiar with the music of Miami:  Gloria Estefan lives here, plus there’s the Cuban beat, merengue, calypso, reggae, and the sound of steel drum bands.

Or, you may know if from its sports teams, the Heat, the Marlins, the Dolphins, the Panthers, and the many, many college teams that dot the area.

For vacations, there’s warm weather, beaches, shopping, restaurants galore, music, culture (a new Performing Arts Center), water sports, flora and fauna unseen in other parts of the US, and people who welcome travelers with a big smile and a warm welcome to a city of many flavors.  It’s also a very family friendly city.

Photo credit:  personal collection

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There’s sun!  And coming from Seattle, there’s a lot to like about the sun!

I spent much of today out on the water of Key Biscayne, enjoying a little sun and getting into a little different state of mind.

I spent time aboard one of the boats from Island Queen Cruises, enjoying a nice lunch buffet, cocktails, and great company.  They have sightseeing cruises starting at $25/person, with an internet discount available.   and it’s wonderful way to enjoy time on the water, enjoy a great view of the city, and catch a glimpse of the lifestyles of the rich and famous.

We cruised what’s known as Millionaire’s Row on Star Island, an assortment of fabulous mansions owned by celebrities and other prominent people.  Some of the residents included Rosie O’Donnell, Donald Pliner (of gorgeous shoe and boot fame), Julio Iglesias, Gloria and Emilio Estefan, and Sean Combs.  No star sightings, nor invitations for cocktails or dinner.

Shaquille O’Neal’s has a place there that is up for sale, complete with a 75 foot salt water lap pool.  Price tag on the mansion is reported to be a cool 23 million.

Photo credits:  all from personal collection

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This Halloween event features age appropriate activities for the entire family, including:

• Trick-or-treating with costumes and candy
• Field of Screams featuring rides, slides and a skeleton walk
• The Frightening Manor – a kid-friendly haunted house
• Trail of Terror Haunted House
• Fall Harvest Festival with pumpkin carving contest, games, and activities
• Grand finale fireworks

The Bash is open October 24-26th, 31st, from 5 – 10 pm.  Daytime guest are invited to stay for the night time fun at no additional charge.  Special admission for the Bash (entry after 5 pm) is $24.95 for adults and $21.95 for kids ages 3 – 12, plus tax. 

A portion of the proceeds from this event will benefit The Children’s Trust, a Miami foundation.  Be sure to check out the special Children’s Trust Miami Heart Gallery at the Seaquarium, an exhibit featuring over 70 children in the foster care system who are available for adoption.

The Miami Seaquarium is located at 4400 Rickenbacker Causeway in Miami, Florida.

Photo credit:  flickr

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1. Wear metal studded pants.  You can’t take them off and put them through the metal detector, so they’re going to have to wand you.  What were you thinking?
2. Leave liquids in your carry on bags.  Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you should know about the security directive limiting liquids and gels in carry on items.  Even if you’ve missed it, there are explanatory signs located before you get into the security line.  It’s way too late when you see the screeners pulling your bags off the conveyor belt.
3. Talk non-stop on your cell phone.  I love talking on the phone as much as the next person (maybe even more), but it really holds things up when you are trying to put your bags on the conveyor belt, take off your jacket and shoes, take your laptop out of its bag and place it in a separate bin, and take out your packet of liquid/gels, and do ALL those things with ONE HAND because you can’t hang up the phone long enough to get through the security check point.
4. Complain about crew members and airport employees going to the front of the line.  For a while, airports had dedicated security lines for crew members and airport workers.  Because these lines were frequently under used during much of the day, most airports have adopted a policy that all lines will be open to everyone, and instituted a policy to move employees to the front of the line.  Becoming aggressive about it is practically guaranteeing that your bags are going to be searched.  If you’re that hostile and aggressive to a crew member on the ground, it raises a question about what your behavior will be like in the air.  You may not think it’s fair, but you’re going to have to learn to deal with it.
5. Keep your pocket watch, cell phone, rolls of quarters, and bike chain in your pocket.  That doorway that you have to walk through is a metal detector.  All that stuff in your pocket is NOT going to make it through.  The people in line behind you are going to be groaning as you take one item after another out of your pocket.  Instead, take these things out of your pocket BEFORE you reach the metal detector, place it in a bin to go on the conveyor belt, and walk metal-free through the doorway.
6. Argue with the TSA agent.  I know this one is hard, and sometimes it does seem like they are dumber than dirt.  You may even be right.  But they are the ones who have control (situational power), and your life will go much smoother if you just play nice.
7. Make jokes about security or talk about security breaches.  TSA will take them seriously, and you’ll likely find yourself detained by a bunch of people with guns.  “Hi, Jack” has never been funny; it’s just stupid.
8. Act aggressively.  Menacing and intimidating behavior may be an assault.  Pushing and shoving may be battery.  You can find yourself arrested before you even make it through security, so think about whether you really need to take that route.
9. Get drunk and disorderly.  Well, actually, even if you’re just drunk and not disorderly, you’re likely not going to make it through security.  Federal law prohibits airlines from boarding and transporting anyone who appears to be drunk.  If you can’t make it through security without a problem, chances are you won’t be able to board your flight.  Security will detain you right there at the check point rather than risk a problem in the boarding area.
10. Put your baby in a bin on the conveyor belt to go through x-ray screening.  If I have to explain why this one is wrong, you probably aren’t ready for kids.

While I hope you get a chuckle out of this list, let me assure you that these behaviors are real.  I have seen all these examples occur.  Frequently.  When I go to work for my next trip, I know that one or more of these examples will occur.

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Today is Admission Day for Florida, our 27th state, admitted to the Union on March 3rd, 1845.

Florida is located in the southeastern part of the country, with the Atlantic Ocean flanking one side, and the Gulf of Mexico the other.  Ponce de Leon named it, and many believe that it was in Florida that he claimed to have found his fountain of youth.

Before the formal declaration of Civil War, Florida seceded from the Union, and became a founding member of the Confederate States of America.  Full representation was restored in 1868.

For much of its existence, Florida was the least populated southern state.  By the mid-20th century, however, many residents were leaving the frigid weather of the northeastern US, looking for the temperate climes found in Florida.  Today, Florida is the second most populated of the southern states (behind Texas), and is the fourth most populated state in the country ““ quite a turnaround.

The capital city is Tallahassee, the largest city is Jacksonville, and the largest metropolitan area is Miami.  Other large cities include:  Tampa, St. Petersburg, Hialeah, Orlando, and Ft. Lauderdale.

Tourism is the largest industry in the “Sunshine State,” as Florida is known, in large part due to its warm, tropical weather and hundred of miles of beaches.  There are scores of amusement parks, and supporting businesses, including Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and others.

For such a sunny state, however, Florida has its share of extreme and severe weather.  Central Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, the state has the highest average precipitation of any state in the country, and tornadoes and hurricanes have become an all to frequent occurrence.  On a brighter note, however, snow if very, very rare.

Trailing tourism in the state economy is agriculture, mainly citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, tangerines), but also sugarcane and celery.  Other Florida industries include phosphate mining, and the aerospace industry.  Cape Canaveral and Kennedy Space Center (photo of launch pad at right) are both located in Florida.

While rich in many things, Florida has its share of poverty, too.  The 2002 Census revealed that Miami was the poorest city in the United States.  By the time of the 2004 Census, they had moved up a little, to the third poorest city.

I’ve been to Florida many, many times, primarily visiting the Miami and Orlando area.  In fact, I’ll be in Florida again this month, and am looking forward to the respite from the unseasonably cold Seattle weather.  Here are a couple of my favorite things to do when I’m in Florida:

• Tours of Kennedy Space Center
• Looking at memorabilia at the Astronaut Hall of Fame
• Shopping at Ron Jon’s Surf Shop
• Wading in the Atlantic Ocean and frolicking on the sand in Cocoa Beach (anyone else out there remember Cocoa Beach from the television show “I Dream of Jeanie?”)
• People watch along Ocean Drive in South Beach

Of course, there are still lots of things left on my list of things that I’d like to do or see:

• Take an airboat ride in the Everglades
• Spend some relaxing time in the Florida Keys
• Visit the Salvador Dali Museum in St. Petersurg

What are your favorite things to do in Florida?

Photo credit:  Launch pad, Miami Beach

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Situated among all the frivolity, however, is the Holocaust Memorial, a dramatic tribute to the six million Jewish Victims of World War II.  The site was designed by architect and sculptor Kenneth Treister, who was charged with interpreting the events of the Holocaust into a memorial that would honor the dead, comfort the survivors, and inform the world of this dark period of history.

The Memorial opened to the public in February 1990, with a dedication by Nobel laureate, and Holocaust survivor, Elie Wiesel.

It is hard to explain how something that is so very painful, can also be so very beautiful, but that is an apt description.  Constructed with contrasting elements of Jerusalem stone and black granite, and then set in the still waters of a reflecting pool, the site is one of those places that may just be everything to everyone. 

On one of the granite wall panels is the history of the Holocaust, from 1933-1945, along with pictorial depictions of events and experiences from that time.  Other panels have become a Memorial Wall, with the names of victims inscribed in it, much like the Vietnam Memorial.  How very sad to see the names of entire families that were lost. 

By far the most dramatic presentation of the Memorial is a 42-foot high bronze arm and hand, looking like it is coming out of the earth and grasping toward the sky.  Close to 100 figures, in different family groupings, are struggling to climb up the arm, symbolizing the pain and despair of a man-made hell.  The hand at the top of the arm bears an identification number.

Although the immense tragedy and pain of the Holocaust can never be summed up in such a simple statement, I’d like to think that out of all evil shall come good, and that the Memorial provides visitors with a way out of their pain.

Location:  1933-1945 Meridian Avenue, Miami Beach (Meridian Avenue & Dade Blvd)

Hours:  9 am-9 pm Daily.

Admission:  There is no admission charge; donations gratefully accepted.

Photo credit:  flickr

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All sorts of scurrilous sorts will appear for reenactments of pirate battles on the high seas, along with the National Walk the Plank Championships.  You can also visit the schooner “Wolf” for a sunset cruise.  But beware of attacking pirates!

If you’d prefer your confrontations with pirates to be on land, you can grab a tankard of grog or browse through the Thieves Market, located in Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park.  The Park will also be the location for the “Pillage and Plunder Invasion Party.”

Aye matey, Key West is a good place for a little pirate fun!

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Since I’ve been stuck at a hotel near the major theme parks, it’s been hard to find a restaurant that is enjoyable, has good food, is fairly priced, and is not too over the top touristy,

I may have found such a place in Tu Tu Tango.

Before I go any further, Tu Tu Tango is a concept chain restaurant.  There are locations in several states and in Canada.  The restaurants are all themed around Spain’s bohemian artist culture.  It’s like being in an artist’s loft, and here is where the restaurant breaks from the standard mold of a chain.

Each restaurant features local area artists who have a small studio area set up within the restaurant.  With completed artwork hanging on the walls (it’s all for sale), and works in progress on easels, you actually feel like your gathering in someone’s studio for food, drink, and conversation.

Upbeat music plays throughout the restaurant, and you will occasionally see a musician wandering among the tables or set up playing in the corner.  It’s the uniqueness of the artists and the musicians that help move the restaurant from a predictable chain to a charming local watering hole.

The Orlando Tu Tu Tango opened in 1990.  The menu, as at all the other locations, focuses on appetizer size share plates, with food and flavors from around the world.  Prices range from $4 for a delicious black bean soup to $11 for Baby Chipotle Lobster Tails or Grilled Baby Back Lamb Chops, and are priced reasonably enough for you try a variety without exceeding your food budget.

After a couple of visits to Tu Tu Tango, I’ve developed a few reliable favorites, as well as still having a list of items to try.  Here are a couple of menu combinations that have adequately fed two women.

• Start off with Roasted Pears on Pecan Crisps ($6, these are delicious and work well as dessert, too), have a bowl of black bean soup ($4), and share a Sesame Grilled Chicken Salad ($6).  Total for two people:  $20, not including beverages, tax and tip.
• Share a Duck and Mixed Green Salad ($6), then add Oriental Marinated Steak Skewers $7), and some Shrimp Spring Rolls (9).  Total dinner price:  $22.
• Share a Caesar Salad ($5), add a smoked chicken Quesadilla ($7), then add some Cajun Chicken Eggs Rolls ($8, and consistently the most popular menu choice).  Total dinner price $20.

A child’s menu is also available and features more traditional “kid food.”

Don’t feel like you joi de vivre comes at the expense of the artists.  Tu Tu Tango is proud of its “Starving Artist Program” which offers artists a place to paint, draw or sculpt in exchange for food.  The art on the wall is sold, with all proceeds going to the artists.  This seems to be a true “will work for food” arrangement.

The Orlando Tu Tu Tango is located 8625 International Drive, Orlando, Florida.  Phone:  (407) 248-2222. 

Hours of service:  11:30 am-11 pm, Sunday-Thursday, open till 1 am on Fridays and Saturdays.

All major credit cards accepted.

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Included with the price of park admission, Spooktacular includes trick-or-treating at 15 different stations throughout the park.  Kids will get to see friendly sea witches, octopuses, and mermaids, as they collect their Halloween treats.  Other options, for an additional charge,  include a Spooky Sleepover and character breakfasts.

Taking a family to SeaWorld is an expensive proposition.  If you’ve promised the kids, or yourself, a visit, though, Halloween might be a fun time to go.  There is a price break for Florida residents. 

Spooktacular runs weekends in October:  8th, 13-15th, 21-22nd, 28-29th, and on Halloween, October 31st.

San Antonio’s SeaWorld features “Howl-o-Screams” for its Halloween festivities.

Don’t miss a month of Halloween travel ideas; subscribe to the Flyaway Café newsletter by signing up in the sidebar at near right.

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I disagree with most of them, believing that they are things you need to do at least once in your life.

Read my reasoning here, compare with MSN writer Jon Douglas here, and then weigh in with your own opinion.

1. San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf:  C’mon, it’s free.  And on a sunny day, it’s a nice walk with a view of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and the Golden Gate Bridge.
2. Chicago’s Sears Tower:  OK, sure, you could go to the Hancock Tower instead, but you’ve got to see the view from one of these tall buildings.
3. Washington DC’s Spy Museum:  Maybe it’s my inner James Bond, but I had a good time here.  I went through the museum with a couple of co-workers, and we found plenty to look at, giggle about, and while away a rainy afternoon.
4. Las Vegas Mandalay Bay’s Shark Reef:  Agreed.  Over priced and over rated.
5. New York City’s Times Square:  You’ve seen it on the New Year’s Eve Countdown, television news broadcasts, and in countless movies, and you need to see it in person.  You don’t have to stay there, and I certainly wouldn’t eat there, but you do need to see it.
6. London’s Changing of the Guard:  True confession.  I’ve never been to London.
7. Seattle’s Experience Music Project:  It’s in my home town, and I’ve somehow managed to never make it there.
8. Boston’s Faneuil Hall Marketplace:  It’s a shopping mall and food court in a cool building.  Walk by it, take a look, and keep on walking.
9. Hollywood:  Checking out the Walk of Stars is free, and you can alway try to find the star of your favorite actor.  The rest of the neighborhood has little to offer.
10. Dublin’s Guiness Storehouse:  I’ve missed this one, too.
11. Orlando’s Animal Kingdom:  I tend to shy away from most things in Orlando.  Everything’s a little too plastic, too contrived, and too expensive.
12. Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa:  It’s one of those landmarks that you probably just have to see, even if there’s not much else in the area.
13. Chicago’s Navy Pier:  I’ve missed this on my numerous trips to Chicago.
14. Las Vegas’ Stratosphere Tower:  Pass on this one, not worth the time or money.  But if you’re playing in their casino, see if you can manage a comp.
15. London’s Madame Tussaud:  Never been to London.

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