Wednesday, January 23, 2019. I woke up in a busy Walmart parking lot in Doral. Right across from the Hooters JV and I went to that time we hit up Miami.
Just for laughs, I opened my hotels.com app to see how many hotels (that I could not afford) were on Miami Beach. To my surprise, I found The Generator.
A boutique hostel on Collins and 32nd for dirt cheap. I booked one night, because at $31, I was not sure what to expect.
As the kids say nowadays, I was “Shook!” This place was F#@%ing BADASS!! I immediately pulled out my phone and reserved another night – before I even saw my room. The clientele was as you’d expect. European and South American travelers, hippie-chicks walking around with no bra’s talkin’ ’bout free love and shit! The younger guests were friendly, intent to do nothing but languish in the common areas. The older guests were cordial but kept to themselves. The vibe was relaxed.
The suites are booked four to a room. And no, it is not co-op. Each room has its own restroom and shower. You also get a footlocker for your personal belongings. I would eventually meet two of my three roommates while staying there. For now, the room was empty. Everyone was out. I dropped my bag off and hit the beach.
It is impossible to mistake Miami for any other city in the world. From the interesting art-deco buildings that can be found everywhere, to the beautiful beaches, with their multi-colored lifeguard stands. Latin music and Cuban cuisine. Bars and night clubs. High priced shops and expensive cigars.
……..And incredible women everywhere!! It’s like the foreign countries of the world got together one day and said, “Let’s send all of our most beautiful and tanned walking works of art to Miami”. My head was on a constant swivel.So I walked up the beach and back down Collins. Taking pictures and admiring the scenery along the way. Mid-afternoon I returned to the hostel. I went up to my room to change and grab lunch. It was then that I met my two roommates. Juan, from Buenos Aires and Matt from BAHHHSTON!! (That’s Boston). Juan was late 20’s or early 30’s and could have easily pulled wool in Miami if he wasn’t focused so much on his work. Matt sounded like he was talking through a bull-horn whenever he spoke. Both were cool. We would hang out tomorrow night.
I jumped a trolley down to South Beach around 5. I was just planning to walk Ocean Dr for a couple hours then catch another trolley back. But that didn’t happen.
It grew dark quickly. I grabbed a slice of pizza on 3rd and Collins then crossed over to Ocean.
I walked the sidewalks and took more pictures. This time of all the neon around me. 
I stopped in to Wet Willy’s for a to-go daiquiri but was told by security I couldn’t leave the premises with it. So I bellied up to the bar. There was a small group talking at the other end and I overheard one of them say “Texas”. Jokingly, I raised my index finger and said, “I’m from Texas, choose your next words carefully”. The ladies turned and said, with excitement, “you’re from Texas? What part?” I said, “Katy”. They laughed and said they were from SW Houston. We ended up laughing, and drinking and talking for some time. They were newlyweds and it was my pleasure meeting them. Miss Marie, if you’re reading this, I hope y’all made it back to Houston safe and sound.
With a very nice buzz, I stumbled back out onto the street. I considered getting myself a cigar from the cute cigar girl but decided a picture was free and would last longer.
Now it was too late to catch a trolley so I would have to walk back to the room. Why not? It’s only a couple blocks, right? (It was 26 blocks)
I got back to the Generator around 1 am. Completely sober now but beat! I climbed into my bed at the top of the bunk and fell asleep before I knew it.
johnparrishtravels 