Miami, Florida, March 31st - April 20th, 1996 |
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My first journey to the USA was, at the same time, the last journey I did with my parents, for we
have different ideas about what to do on vacation. I did this last journey with my parents, because
they don't speak any English and needed me as their interpreter.
A small selection of famous persons who were born in Miami:
The Name 'Miami' originates from the Native American word 'Mayaimi,' which means 'huge water,' and
which hint at the Miami River or at the nearby Atlantic.
Miami was named as a town on July 18th, 1876, when it had 300 inhabitants. The town grew during the
building boom in the 1920s; at that time, many people moved to Miami, for gambling was allowed and
the Prohibition was ignored. During this period, the skyline of the 'Magic City,' as Miami is also
called, was developed. The building boom lasted until 1927, when a hurricane, which is tyical of
the region, ended the boom. The beginning of the Great Depression in 1929 prevented the boom from
recurring.
Due to its strategically advantageous loation, many barracks were built around Miami during
World War II. Many people moved to Miami because of the increased need of labo(u)r force. Therefore,
the town could grow to up to 500'000 inhabitants until 1950. Today, Miami has about 410'000
inhabitants, without taking the surrounding counties into account.
In the 1980s, Miami was notorious for being a drug-trafficking spot. At the same time, Miami also
became well-known by the popular TV-series 'Miami Vice.'