The Hidden Miami

Opened the hotel black-out shades to an overcast grey morning.  Looks like I won't be hanging out at the pool today.  We got ourselves together and headed out for a leisurely stroll to the Coco Walk - passing a parade of various colored peacocks along the way. These are kind of like the painted cows we had in Boston a while back.  Decided to take Roman up on his suggestion of the Green St. Cafe (which is not on Green St. - go figure) for breakfast.  Sat outside and watched the beautiful people and their beautiful cars go by.  Had a nice breakfast and headed down to the waterfront for a walk along the marina before going back to the hotel.  As we approached our hotel, I noticed for the first time that it was located on Darwin St.  If that isn't Karma, I don't know what is!

All checked out by noon and Roman came to pick us up and take us back to his lovely home in Coral Gables. We were glad to be out of the hotel.  Not that there was anything wrong with it.  But it was just a hotel room, although I have to say that the bed was great! We are just not hotel folk. Back at Roman's, there was some discussion of where to go and what to do. After considering our options, we decided to get back on the bikes and ride from his house to Fairchild Tropical Botanical Gardens.  Roman showed us the way there then turned around and left us on our own to explore.  WOW what a beautiful place.  Flora, fauna, and sculptures galore.  Be sure to check out the photo album.  We had lunch at the small Cafe by the lake and then toured the grounds.

After having our fill of the gardens, we headed out to another path Roman told us about called the Hammocks.  Here you bike through a canopy of mangroves out to the beach and a small lagoon.  Met a very nice Montreal couple who were also biking (a bit more seriously than we were).  We chatted for a while -mostly bike talk.  Montreal is so bike friendly, and we have to say that they are not very bike friendly around here.  No regard for anything or anyone on the road.  And everyone seems to be on the phone everywhere you go.  These are some very busy folk.  We parted ways and headed back to the house.  We had a great time and now it was time to shower and go to dinner.

Roman suggested a place in Coral Gables called Tarpon Bend.  This place was totally nuts. It was mostly 20 somethings out on a Friday night.  You couldn't hear yourself think.  We nixed that idea and looked around for something more suitable for dining and conversation.  Ended up at a lovely little spot called the European Cafe.  Good food and good conversation.  Got back to the house at around 10:30 and finally met Elissa, Roman's wife.  More good conversation.  We are now well fed, tired, and tucked into our new room.  We are very thankful to Roman for showing us this Hidden Miami.

Next time... Sunning on South Beach?