Miami Airport Hilton

Because I had to arrive the day prior to boarding (for some work related stuff) we left our house at 6 am and headed to Miami.  Yes, driving of course.  I hate to fly!

My first observation was...Miami is a LONG way from my house!  LOL!  Next, while we have gone on the toll roads in Florida, this is the first time we traveled so far on the toll roads.  It is more expensive than we thought it would be, and once you get to Miami, there is practically no way to get anywhere in the Airport area without going on at least one.  I can't wait to get the bill from Florida...they had tag readers and will send you the bill...next time I know to get a SunPass.  SunPass tolls are half the rate for tag read tolls!

My next observation...they have Earl of Sandwich in the Toll Plazas!  YES!  Now if they would just start carrying something gluten free....

We finally arrived in Miami around 4, getting into the airport area around 4:15 ish.  By 4:30 we were all checked into the hotel.  

Hotel was nice, clean, and staff was friendly.  All in all it was a great place to stay.  We had a room with an airport view.  Now, I know some would think that was an ugly view, but not I!  I am one of those strange people who love to watch airplanes land and take off.  Since we had a great view of the international take off runway (I'm sure there is a more formal name for it!) I could have sat HOURS watching them!

Miami Airport Hilton view 1

Miami Airport Hilton view of beds

Miami Airport Hilton -important view of coffee!!

I was momentarily concerned about the noise interfering with sleep, but there was no need.

Miami Airport Hilton - view from room.

I know, I know.  I am fascinated with watching airplanes arrive and take off, but hate to fly! What can I say, I'm strange!

The second day we were there (after my work requirements were met) we went sightseeing.  I took a ton of great pictures of South Beach.  I LOVE the architecture of the area. Unfortunately, I am a horrible photographer, and it had been raining all afternoon.  Since we didn't get out of the car all my pictures were taken through the windshield...seems my camera preferred to focus on the rain drops rather than the buildings...but I do have one that is semi ok...

Random picture of South Beach.

 That night we found a restaurant close by our hotel. Great Cuban restaurant on 7th street.  Casa Juan.  I thought that sandwich was enough to feed an army!  Now I have to admit, it is the first Cuban restaurant I have ever visited.  So I really have nothing to compare it to.  But I can honestly tell you, if we ever go back to Miami we WILL be visiting it again!  Yummy!

Next morning, we pack up to head to our cruise...yay!  We decided to take the tunnel.  I mean seriously...this girl who hates closed in spaces and hates the idea of being under water...loved the tunnel!  It was pretty cool going through it.

Tunnel...

Inside the tunnel.

So, come back next week and see about our boarding.  How does it compare with Carnival or Disney?  What surprises do we have in store for us?