Page 15 - Untitled-1.indd

EV Tips
Social Norms
As many Cubans have fled to Miami since Castro’s takeover in the 1950s, Miami is a mini-Cuba with many people still speaking only Spanish. So knowing some basic Spanish would be helpful especially when asking for directions.
Tipping is a standard practice in the US for most services. As a general rule, tip between 15 to 20 percent of your bill amount at restaurants, in taxis and for other services. If you receive luggage assistance at the airport or hotel, tip US$1 to $2 per bag. Giving a dollar or two a day for the hotel maid is also standard practice.
Safety Tips
Americans drive on the right-hand side of the road. In Miami, drivers can be very aggressive. Some take it as a personal insult if you cut them off and may react violently. If this should happen, apologise.
After dark in Miami, walk only in tourist areas. Never employ anyone who approaches you wanting to act as your informal “guide” and don’t accept rides from strangers.
Any flashy display of money or jewellery is an invitation to a robbery or mugging. Store your passports, tickets, jewellery and valuables in your hotel room safe.
Due to recent terrorist concerns, the amount and type of liquid that can be carried on an airplane is continually changing. Ask your airline about the latest guidelines.
Dressing
Pack sparingly as it’s warm and humid in Florida most of the year, though in winter, cold fronts can drop temperatures to 1oC.
Florida’s dress code tends to be informal with shorts acceptable in many stores and restaurants during the day. Sneakers are a daytime norm and sandals (worn without socks) are also popular. Coats and ties are rarely worn except in formal hotels and restaurants. Hats and polarised glasses are necessary at the beach.
For men, a sports jacket and collared shirt with slacks are perfect for restaurants. For women, a pants suit or dress is equally fitting. In the evening, jeans and T-shirts are considered low class.
Local Flavours
Because of the Cuban migration, Cuban food is a large aspect of Southeast Florida’s cuisine. Cuban cooking relies on only a few basic spices, such as garlic, cumin, oregano, and bay leaves. Meats are usually marinated in citrus juices and then roasted over low heat until they are tender and literally falling off the bone.
Stone crab claw meat is a popular Florida seafood delicacy. Frozen claws are available year-round but fresh ones are best during the annual harvest between mid-October and mid- May.
Southeast Florida’s classic dessert is key lime pie, a tangy and tart dessert that should be yellow, not green. It sometimes has a dollop of whipped cream and a slice of lime on top.
7Spotlighting Alligators
Get up close and personal with Ever- glades National Park the way few
:
at the Royal Palm Visitor Centre, 6.5km beyond
the Homestead entrance. The Anhinga Trail with
the long-necked anhinga (snake bird), alligators,
garfish and an ever-changing scenario of water
birds is the most-visited wildlife site by day, but
almost no one comes here at night. Walk the trail
with a strong flashlight and cast the light over the
water, looking for the alligator’s bright cherry-red
eye. It’s an interesting sight. For an even more
interesting (or scary) experience, turn off your
flashlight and stand still in the pitch-black swamp for
a moment!
a wealth of living coral 8
and marine life Left: Cape Florida’s historic lighthouse – built in 1825 and reconstructed in 1846 – is the oldest standing structure in Miami-Dade County
9 Miami ’s Ocean Drive
Kayak The Outback
In Florida, the outback is called backcountry, and the best place to kayak this bird-filled mangrove island wilderness is off Big Pine Key, also home to the rare and endangered Key Deer. The gentle waters on the Gulf of Mexico side make for casual paddling conditions and allow for easy wildlife viewing and nature photography. You’ll be amazed at how seemingly impenetrable mangrove islands have hidden passages lead- ing to secret tunnels and impressive amphitheatres. Imagine being inside one of these domed canopies of thick mangrove roots on a full moon night. Extremely romantic. www.fla-keys.com/lowerkeys/ecotourism.htm
Celebrate Sunsets
Sunsets happen everywhere but in Key West, it’s the most important ritual of the day as both locals and tourists congregate to watch what
everyone hopes will be a brilliantly setting orb. As everyone waits, musicians, jugglers and other street performers entertain or panhandle the audience. Drinks of every kind flow freely and camera enthusiasts seem glued to their eyepieces. When that magnificent orb finally sets, there’s only one thing to do: Applaud one of nature’s most appreciated sights.
www.fla-keys.com/keywest
o
: go spotlighting for alligators at night
o
t
t
h
he
er
rs
s
d
d
o
o
Top: Florida Keys’ clear waters provide snorkellers easy access to
www.nps.gov/archive/ever/visit/vc.htm
S
Swim With The Fishes
I
m
I
mmerse yourself in the giant fishbowl
k
k
nown as the Florida Keys, popular
w
n
with divers and snorkellers. From Key
L
argo to Key West, the clear waters offer an unparalleled view of fish- friendly waters, particularly in summer when there are no cold fronts to churn up the waves – or your stomach. Snorkellers and divers have different needs and skills, so always book your trip on a boat that caters to your interests. Shop around for a boat operator which provides services that meet your needs.
www.fla-keys.com/diving
La
RCI Resorts In Southeast Florida
10
• American Vacation Resorts at Sand Dune Shores • Palm Beach Shores Resorts and Vacation Villas • Palm Beach Resort & Beach Club
• South Shore Club
• Hollywood Beach Resort
• Hilton Grand Vacations Club at South Beach • The Savoy Hotel
• Neptune Hollywood Beach Club
• Driftwood Beach Club
• Anchorage Resort and Yacht Club
• Caloosa Cove Resort
• Golden Strand Ocean Villa Resort
• The Galleon Resort
• Reflections at Ocean Key House
ENDLESS VACATION 13
Photo: Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau