North to South beach

Key West to South Beach Miami is a pleasant drive. A range of Keys (small islands to anyone else in the world) bound together by a series of bridges and a single road. The I-1. The overall impression is of an area stuck in the late 1970's to early 1980's when money came flooding into town but has since long dried up. This must surely be powerboat capital of the world and given the glut of supply surely it must be one of the cheaper places to pick yourself a nice run about for a cheap dollar or two.

I-1 heading north to Miami

Then Miami. Now let me correct any misperceptions you may have (as I did) about South Beach Miami.It is not a part of Miami city proper. It is not a southern beach of Miami. And in no way does it represent true Miami. South beach is in fact a small island off the east coast of Florida linked to Miami by 3 bridges. That is where the connection and similarity stops.

South Beach is all about ''beautiful people''.

South beach is all about image.

South beach is about ostentatious displays of wealth and owning a bright yellow Lamborghini. Or a white one. Or a black one. Or a red one. Hey! Let's buy a pink one !! Seriously. I almost wept.

South beach is about art deco hotels and buildings.

South beach is about the beach itself and colourful life guard huts.

South beach is about working out on the boardwalk and trying to make it look effortless and good at the same time.

South beach is about people watching.

South beach is about having brunch at the Delano Hotel and having Susan Sarandon sit down at the next table!

South beach is expensive.

South beach is about having brunch at Jerry's 24 hour diner the following day for 1/10th the cost!

It all makes for great theatre and great fun for a couple of days.

I could never live here though.

South beach lifeguard HQ

The photographer getting photographed