Miami Vice & Binary Code: A Musings on Little Havana

okay, so i just got back from Miami, and honestly, my brain feels like it’s been running on dial-up for a week. but in the best way. i’m still processing everything. there’s something so…loud about the place. not in a bad way, just intensely vibrant. i was vibing with the energy, it’s like a party constantly happening.

my phone was buzzing with that weird number, 1277297, for like, an hour after i arrived. i kept trying to figure out who it was, just a random string of digits. now i think it was a local number, maybe someone selling something or a delivery guy. whatever. it just added to the feeling of being dropped into a completely different world. then there's the other one, 1356426484. totally different vibe, feels… digital. like someone’s trying to translate something ancient into binary. a little unsettling, but also intriguing.

i spent most of my time wandering down Calle Ocho, that's the main street in Little Havana. it’s a sensory overload. the smell of Cuban coffee swirling with the aroma of roasting plantains. the constant chatter in Spanish, punctuated by the rhythmic clatter of dominoes. I heard that someone told me that the best Cuban sandwich in Miami is hidden down a side street, and i’m determined to find it.

Someone told me that the locals are super friendly, but also fiercely protective of their culture. Don't be a tourist stereotype, okay?

street art everywhere. brilliant, colorful murals bursting with life. i even took a quick photo of a piece that looked like a giant, abstract hummingbird.

Here's that link to the official Miami tourism website for some awesome info: https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/

and the food! oh god, the food. i had the most incredible ropa vieja - shredded beef in a flavorful sauce - at this tiny place. it was heaven.

If you're looking for a cheap eats spot, check out Yelp! https://www.yelp.com/miami

The weather? i just checked and it’s… there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. It's got that humid, warm-and-slightly-sticky vibe that just screams Miami. It's perfect for strolling along the beach, or sweating it out while playing a game of dominoes.

if you get bored, Fort Lauderdale is just a short drive away. Also, the Everglades are pretty awesome if you’re into wildlife - though i didn't see any alligators. a local warned me about the mosquitos though, so bring some repellent!

Apparently, the best way to experience Little Havana is to just let yourself get lost. Don't try to see everything; just wander and soak it all in.

i'm already planning my next trip back. this place just gets me, you know? it’s a chaotic, beautiful, and utterly unforgettable experience. basically a nice contrast to the digital world i live in. i saw a guy painting a mural near Domino Park, and it was incredible; really tapped into the street art scene! you can find more about Miami's art scene at https://www.miamiartnow.com/. I’m off to find some tacos now.