[Delphine] Parents visiting, part 1

Dear everyone, Miami writing!

My parents arrived last Friday to visit me and Florida for a little bit more than a week. And I know my parents, when they visit, there's no time to rest! Tight schedule, many places to see and spend every moment as if it was the last. This is how it has been so far!

Thursday 1st

I can't focus at work, I'm so excited!! After discussing with my HR / current boss, I understand that I'll be able to go to the airport to welcome them to my city :) A colleague drives me to the airport, but I have no way to let them know that I would come so it will be a surprise. Sadly, it turns out that I get there too late... I wait for a while and finally check my emails and notice that my Dad has sent me one about 40' earlier saying they were on their way to the car rental location.

I go to the car rental place, without knowing wich company they have rented the car from. There are at least 10 to 15 different options and a real crowd of tourists deciding which brand would suit them most. In this situation, I have no other choice than take a cab and go home, just after emailing my parents to let them know they should join me there.

By the time I get home, my dad has emailed me to tell me they were still at the rental car place... That is called bad luck...

Eventually, they join me and we go by my pool to have dinner. How not to enjoy the place and the company? Even though it has been pretty tough to meet them, I am happy.

My dad and me, by the pool...

Friday 2nd
Today I have to work while my parents take their first tour in my new city. 

Miami skyline

 

In the evening, they join me and we go a synagogue in South Beach, on 17th street and Washington avenue. We are usually not going to temple, except during Kippur and this kind of big Jewish celebrations, and going to the service is not a lot of fun for me, to be completely honest... But the rabbi is French and he talks to us in a very friendly way before starting his service in English and Hebrew. 

I have never ever seen an office of this kind. I still can't believe what I saw: the rabbi was singing with a microphone (let me remind you that during Shabbat you are not supposed to use ANY electricity) and he had with him someone playing the electric piano. They were both singing the prayers more than really praying. It sounded like a Gospel show, singing with two different voices the same prayers. For the first time in my life, I did not want to leave this place and I was actually enjoying a lot the "show". If it was closer to my home, I could go every week.

...and in front of the synagogue

 After this very nice moment, we went for dinner in an Italian restaurant on Lincoln Road, in South Beach. First time my parents were enjoying my "tough Miami life". Yes, it is full of tourists and yes, you feel on vacation everytime you put a foot there. And you know what? I like it!

Saturday 3rd

My ontime parents are supposed to pick me up at 9h30 and actually show up at 11am. At least I know where I come from! Today is a driving day and our first stop is Fort Lauderdale where my friends Tom and Victor live. We go to Las Olas, the main street in the city.

Las Olas

My mom and me in Fort Lauderdale beach

I have already been to Fort Lauderdale twice; the first time was during the day with David when he came here and the second time was by night with Charles, Tom and Victor, to...drink and party obviously.

Second stop is Boca Raton. I heard so much about this city!! Charles lived there for 6 months last year, Tom is working there from time to time, and two friends that I met about 1 month ago are living there as well. I could not wait to finally see that city! And on Charles advice, we had lunch in JB's a very nice place with the view on the sea. 

JB's

The small car my parents rented

Last stop: West Palm Beach. OMG, I knew this city was full of rich and old people, but I must admit I was not expecting it to be that rich (and old). Everything is so nice and so full of big cars (Jaguars next to Lamborghinis...).

In Palm Beach

In Palm Beach

At night, here we are: Orlando!!
You will learn a lot more very soon!
xoxo, D.