Miami, Florida, March 31st - April 20th, 1996

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.
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.'

A small selection of famous persons who were born in Miami:

  • Deborah Harry a.k.a. Blondie (1.7.1945 - ), singer
  • Sidney Poitier, (20.2.1927 - ), actor

    Clooins Avenue is the main street in South Miami Beach.
    By the way, the long, black car is not a hearse, but a 'stretch limo,' a car which is typical of the USA.
    The name of the southwesternmost street is Ocean Drive. This street is a lively place, especially between the intersections with 5th and 15th Street, where there are many bars in which live music is played frquently.
    The classier part of Miami can be found between 44th Street and Indian Creek Drive, with its boats and hotels (on the right) and its concealed mansions (to the left).
    A yacht pier near Indian Creek Drive. The boat behind me accomodates a casino, whereas other yachts can also be chartered.
    'The Great Spirit'
    The statue of a Native American was built at the intersection of Flamingo Drive and Pine Tree Drive in 1924. It commemmorated June 2nd, 1924, when the Native Americans in the USA were acknowledged as citizens of the USA.
    On the way to the beach.