Traveling around US is so different from Mexico. Some things are alot easier, and some things alot harder. Language is definitely easier, but I kinda miss having to speak and practice Spanish. Surprisingly quite a handful of the population speaks Spanish though, so there are still some exposure. Services and getting information is alot better and easier too. Everything is organised and made available to tourists unlike that in Mexico.

But on the other hand, the public transport system sucks and the tourist attractions are all spread out. Getting around is really costly and time consuming. Everyone here gets around by car. If you don't have a car, the next best option is uber. But I'm on a budget, so the cheapest method is by bus. The bus is supposed to arrive every 20-30mins, but they are never no time, and costs USD$2.25 each ride. That is more than SGD$3 :( This feels really expensive compared to the $0.75 pesos I've been paying in Mexico. And one can never predict when the bus will come. The first time I waited almost an hour for the bus. Public transport system here sucks. Period.

Safety is another concern too. I can't believe I actually feel more threatened here than in Mexico. Especially in Miami. The locals are right when they say there are some crazy people around. I've seen more than one already and heard more than enough about drugs here in Miami. I was stuck waiting for a transfer bus at a rather empty street of downtown Miami on my first night, for more than 30 mins. There were 2 other passengers at the stop but they gave up waiting after 30 mins. Alone at the bus stop, I decided to call an Uber instead. I've never felt this unsafe in Mexico. Ever. Not even when I had to sleep at the bus station in Tulum.

Regardless, I'm still enjoying myself here in the US, especially all the art and culture in Miami. That's really my biggest takeaway in these few days here in Miami. My favourite has definitely been the Second Saturday in the Wynwood district. I went there on my first night there and it was amazing. The graffiti art, galleries, food trucks, products, and atmosphere. I really enjoyed browsing through the products on sale and how every item is carefully crafted and presented.

The next day, I visited the beach and walked through the Art Deco District in the morning. I followed this route and I didn't find it that awesome to be honest. Perhaps, I really do have to take the guided tour to fully appreciate the neighbourhood. Regardless, I had so much fun browsing through the little gadgets and trinkets at Art Deco Centre souvenir shop.




Later in the day I decided to go to the temporary exhibit at the public library, that was making up for the closure of the BASS art museum. It was disappointedly small and, worse, I got 2 blisters from that walk. I had to walk all the way back to get blister plaster and change to my slippers. But I had the opportunity to pass by a  pretty great diner, where I had lunch (virgin diner experience!).

The afternoon was then spent in the downtown Miami. I visited the Perez Art Museum, just to see the souvenir shop and the exterior architecture. I didn't wanted to pay USD$16 to enter when there are lots more free art museum around town. The souvenir shop itself was enough to make the trip worth it though. I went to 2 more free museums and one of which is an art studio/gallery. Definitely had a great time looking through the art works of more than 40 artists and peeking into their studios.








I ended the day with a quick look around target, expecting crazy low prices, but only to find that taobao remains as my cheapest source.

Throughout, I took 4 buses and lots of metrorail. So glad the metro rail is free, cos it made traveling so much easier and cheaper. I also planned to go to little havana initially, but the bus took too long to come.

The third day, I went on a day trip to Key West. I've booked my transport there and back, via this website prior to arriving. It picked me up at my hostel and the journey each way is about 3.5hours.


There, a typical tourist could snorkel, parasail, see on the glass bottom boat to see the corals. But I'm on budget and I've already snorkelled and seen corals in Mexico, so I chose to just walk around town visited the stores and art galleries. There are museums too, like the Ernest Hemingway Museum, Mel fisher Museum, and the Butterfly conservatory. I got to try the famous Key Lime Pie at Blue Heaven as well. It costs a whopping USD$9.50 and it didn't turn out that great.





Key west was probably the most tiring day in Miami. I literally walked from Mel Fisher's all the way to the southern most point, and walked back. It was exhausting. I would recommend the bike rental if anyone decides to head there. But the warmth and the quaint and welcoming atmosphere of the town was worth it. Definitely not an overly touristy place.