After being back in Michigan it is time for a bit of a wrap up of our fabulous trip to the Keys and South Beach. As always, the time went much too fast. Our weather was warm but not as sunny for the second half of our trip, especially compared to last year. Several cloudy days and a fair amount of wind.
On Wednesday, Christmas eve we went to the newly remodeled Fontainebleau. They claim to have spent 1 billion on the renovations which is hard to fathom until actually seeing the resort. The outdoor spaces are beyond words with numerous infinity edge pools, gazeboes on "islands", incredible cabanas and outdoor bars.
We had a lovely dinner at the restaurant Vida after cocktails at the "blue bar" with the it's illuminated blue floor and George Jetson chairs. Food was good but the restaurant was very loud. Unfortunately, they would not allow the under 21 part of our gang into the bar so they wandered the grounds. Seemed rather ridiculous considering it was early evening, the bar is part of the lobby, they were not busy, and parents were along. A little too much "attitude" with the employees at Fountainebleau will probably make this my only visit. Loews is just a lot more friendly and with excellent customer service.
Christmas day we had our gift exchange and had lunch poolside at Loews. A bit of swimming and enjoying the afternoon followed. Hum, to think we could be up north freezing. I'm just not sure why we didn't start doing the winter getaways to somewhere warm years ago. Christmas evening was back to the Ritz Carlton South Beach as we had done last year. We started out with a table outside overlooking the pool. However, with the music being loud making it hard to converse, and with the whole resort going smoke free a few weeks prior (hence could smoke outside either), we moved to an inside table. They had all kinds of wonderful and exotic foods available with the Christmas buffet. From caviar to duck, lobster, lamb, sushi, it was endless decadence. I think I ended up with about 8 different kinds of seafood alone that night.
Unfortunately, at the Ritz and most everywhere we went the signs of a changed economy were only too obvious. Last year, the Ritz was full for the Christmas dinner. This year it was over half empty. People either can't afford living large right now or many that can are choosing not to. Although it isn't a tragedy people to not have the extravagant meals, great lodging and other luxuries, I'm sure there are many employees of these resorts that are either laid off or have reduced hours and incomes because of the lack of business. Times they are a changing.
Friday was a relaxed day. After taking Barb's mom to the airport, we had another great lunch poolside along with several great rum runners. The afternoon was a blur but I'm sure it was enjoyable at the pool and beach. For the evening we ended up down on Lincoln which is several city blocks that are closed off into an outdoor mall with lots of restaurants, galleries and shops. We had a german dinner and beers at the Hauf Brau Haus sitting outside of course. Lots of good people watching, street artists and musicians too.
We had a short swim Saturday morning before packing it up and heading back to the airport. Returning the rental car was less then a joy at Alamo. It was a complete circus with probably over 100 customer in their little building and no direction from the staff. It really felt like we were in a third world country. Enterprise or Hertz from now on.
With being back for almost a week, I'm already plotting out my ideas for next year and getting out of the cold. In many ways, driving down seems to be less stressful along with staying much longer in the Keys for a bit more fishing and R&R.
I've got to stop wishing, gotta go fishing... J. Buffett
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