Winter Getaway - to South Beach and Beyond!

In the fall, Ron's parents sent a note that they had booked a cruise and said, hey do you guys want to come along? I think we all know how that turned out :)  So, about two weeks ago, in minus 40 (that's pretty much the same in farenheit and celcius) we headed to the airport without our coats, bound for Miami and the newest cruise ship in the world, the Celebrity Reflection.

Exciting and new!

Our travel was uneventful, with highlights including a crazy expensive lunch at the airport in TO, and not having to pick up our bags to get through customs (they have some sort of magical new system), and lots of knitting on the plane.  When I first saw the white sand beaches and palm trees, I nearly teared up I was so excited.  Our cab driver from the airport was great and he was telling us how palm trees die from the cold, and he says if one of them go, he'll be next :)

We settled in to the Essex House Hotel.  This is a pretty neat old place, with the classic South Beach art deco architecture (we saw the tour come through a few times!) and its partnered with a crazy party hotel next door called the Clevelander.  For example, the Clevelander features 80oz beer towers for happy hour.  Our bellman explained that they have one pool for swimming, and one pool for partying.  I like they way these guys think!!!

A few views from the various party balconies at the Clevelander.

We had made arrangements to take Ron's parents out for their birthday dinner (both are born in January) at the Yardbird.  It was a bit of a hike, but worth every step!  This was some incredible food.  The fried green tomatoes were the best appetizer I've ever eaten (topped with house made pimemto cheese, pork belly and tomato jam) and the whole meal was, as Ron's dad reported: delishamundo!

Everything was served family style, and everything was tasty!

We managed to walk all they way back and got to see South Beach's famous Art Deco neon lights.  After a bit of foot soothing (those sandals had been away a while!) we were off to sleep. 

So much pink neon!  Just for me!