Miami is MAGIC

There are moments in life that can completely open the eyes you already thought were open. They're always so unexpected; they can completely knock you off your feet, and shake you to your core. During my visit home last week, I spent a couple of nights in Miami: my 2nd Florida home after Coral Springs. The first night I spent with one of my best girlfriends from undergrad - one of my college roommates. We got dressed up in some sexy clothes and headed out to the infamous city of South Beach. We spent the night drinking cocktails and dancing in a dimly lit nightclub with dark tones of red and black saturating the air. We spent hours listening to loud pumping music, the bass of which reverberated through our bodies. We were surrounded by warm bodies dancing and lights bouncing around the room, while scantily clad women twirled around glittering stripper poles. It was, by definition, a night fit for the "Magic City."

I can't remember what time it was when we left (probably around 4 am), but as we were driving down A1A, I cried out "the beach!" and my friend instantly decided I needed to dip my toes in the Atlantic Ocean. She searched for a spot to park and within a few minutes, we had our shoes in hand as we dashed through the sand towards the shore. The instant I felt the warm lapping waters caress my feet, I remember looking up to the dark starry sky and surrendering myself to the emotions that wanted to burst through every pore of my body.

The hot salty tears began flowing down my cheeks and I sobbed heavily. It was as if I had returned to the place I was born; as if the waters that touched my feet seeped in through my pores, filled me up, and spilled out through my eyes. My friend embraced me tightly and told me "it was ok" to cry. She never asked "why" I was crying, or asked "what's wrong?" She just knew, and she was just there for me. I needed a release. Simply put: I missed my home. I missed my friends. I missed my old life. And in a way, I was grieving. We were up until 5 am that night, even though I was scheduled to give a seminar at my grad school (RSMAS) the next morning...

The next day I successfully gave my seminar, went out to lunch with my marine affairs adviser, met up with my old boss at the lab I worked at, and finally proceeded to the best bar in Miami in my opinion: the Wetlab. I feel privelaged to be an alumni at RSMAS. It's such a tight-knit community. Everyone knows eachother. Everyone is friendly. And there is always that common thread that binds us all together: an undeniable love for the ocean and marine science. That night ended up being one of the best nights I have had in a long time (aside from the night prior): delicious drinks (the best I've ever had actually), good food (although some of the details are a bit hazy) and the best company I could ask for. I literally laughed all night, I cried (again) and got silly drunk. I'll never forget it.

There's just something about this city, even though some people hate it. I remember driving on the Rickenbacker Causeway, admiring the night skyline and all the lights twinkling and reflecting off the dark ocean. And I said "isn't this beautiful?" And in response, my lovely realist companion that evening points out how its overpopulated and polluted, thus making the beautiful skyline a nuisance (thanks for the buzz kill. you know who you are). Regardless, it will always give me chills when I'm driving in on the highway. Because I know the memories I make in Miami will simply be some of the best memories of my life. And now, I just can't wait to go back.