Miami Pics II

Continuing with my Miami picture blog, I took new pictures of the Miami Skyine during the day and at night. Please click on them individually to get a fuller view since on this page the photos get cut off. It is facinating to see how Miami changes it's look depending on the time of day and weather. Enjoy the pictures, welcome to Miami.



View of the beautiful Miami skyline on a sunny morning.


View during that same afternoon, now very cloudy.


The Magic City at night.


A closer view of the skyline.



Driving the "Blaster" while giving a tour, passing the Port of Miami.




The cargo area of the Port of Miami, the number one port in the state of Florida.

If you're interested taking a guided tour of Miami and it's beautiful islands and landmarks, visit: www.islandqueencruises.com

Welcome to Miami

I've been taking photographs of our Magic City. I put together just some of my favorite snap shots of Miami below, enjoy.



Here is a beautiful view of the Miami Downtown skyline at night.





View of Port of Miami from the Cruise Ship Channel.


Port of Miami looking South with Downtown Miami behind.



This is a view looking South West into the Miami Skyline, in front of it is Watson Island where the attraction Jungle Island is located.

Chehantmo! Miccosukee Indian Village (Welcome)

Chehantmo means Welcome in the language of the Miccosukees. Think you've seen it all in South Florida? If you haven't paid a visit to the local Miccosukee Indian Village down Tamiami Trail think again. About 40 miles from Downtown Miami, the village is one of the few places with pristine wildlife. As you pass Krome Ave. you might loose cellular signal and then you realize... you're far from the city. It's just you and a long road where an adventure awaits! Pictures and Video below


Last month I gave a special tour of the Everglades and the village to highschool students. This is one of my favorite tours I do with History Miami (previously known as Historical Museum of Southern Florida). We started our tour learning about the history of how native americans from Georgia, Alabama and South Carolina came into Florida about 300 years ago. Today we have two official tribes who originated from these: the Seminole and the Miccosukee. I really admire how these two have been so strong and have been able to hold on to their traditions to this day.



My buddy Billy, a Miccosukee himself, gave an on the edge alligator wrestling demonstration where he did many of his trademark tricks. Not only was it exciting but educational too. After meeting other tribe members at work doing arts and crafts we headed to the airboat ride. Our driver Manuel took us to a hammock, or tree island where we saw alligators in their native state and nature trails around the island. A great way to end the visit is spending time at the gift shop, they have unique souvenirs, crafts, toys and jewelry.




If you want to add more to your adventure just head next door to Shark Valley National Park which is part of the Everglades. Don't worry there are no sharks here but perhaps you will see plenty of alligators. This is a park with a 16 - mile loop. Along the cement trail on both sides will be pure Everglades. Depending on the time of year you will see different animals and abundance of plants and trees. As long as you stay away fom alligators, they will leave you alone, trust me. Alligators are very lazy and hardly move at all, they try to get sun and waste as less energy as possible. Halfway through the trail will be an observation tower where you can see all of the Everyglades in a 360 degree view. You have many options for going on the trail: bring your own bike, rent a bike or pay the tram tour which comes with a nature guide. This will be an experience you will never forget!


Below I have posted pictures and videos of different times I've gone on this adventure!
More info on Miccosukee Indian Village: http://www.miccosukeeresort.com/indian_village.htm
Also check out History Miami, events, tours and exhibits throughout the year! http://www.hmsf.org/

SURFS UP! Miami

Ok, maybe we don't have killer waves like Hawaii, but you can have fun and feel like a surfer in Miami. Paddle Boarding is the new water sport in town! Paddle boarding actually has been around in ancient Hawaii, however started becoming a popular sport by the 20th century. Enough of HIStory and on to the FUNStory.

Basically you are propelling yourself with a surf board or a paddle board and a paddle. Surf Boards can be used but ideally a paddle board is used specifically for this sport. Paddle boards are much wider and longer. Paddle boarding gets you up close to nature, in fact the CLOSEST you can to the water! I've come across wildlife like manatees, dolphins, tarpons and other sea animals; it's also a great workout too!

Recently, my friend and captain Carlos Macias took me for a paddle and ever since then I've become a paddle fan! Below are some of my pics and videos. Carlos Macias is an experienced paddler competing around the world, he also is President of SUPAmericas. He has his own boards, lifevests and more and offers tours and trips all over South Florida. Carlos will teach you everything you need to know, I was afraid to get up on the board but I did it, you'll get the hang of it too! Please visit his site below for more info, reservations. etc.

http://supamericas.com/
Carlos Macias
Ph: 305.785.6834
carlos@supamericas.com

"Captain" Carlos Macias



Video
* Note *: I realized later I didn't need the ugly life jacket that I borrowed from a nearby boat. Please note however, that Carlos has many nicer lifevests if you need :).

Get High: Parasailing Miami

Want to get naturally High?

Try PARASAILING in Miami with Aqua World at Bayfront Park. Think it's not for you? Don't get me wrong, I did have some fear, it is normal to have this feeling when you have never experienced this before!

Meet Captain Scott and his friendly crew at Aqua World Miami. They are US Coast Guard certified and friendly team. This is THE ULTIMATE ride to experience Miami at its FULLEST. Scott and his crew will instruct you on safety procedures, no previous experience needed, all sizes and ages accepted! They can even take your pics and videos for a great price.

I personally work on a tour cruise boat, so I can see how parasailing is one of a kind adventure. You get to see Miami from a one of a kind view, literally! I can't describe in words or even through my videos or pictures the feelings felt at such a height viewing the whole city, islands and ocean. This has been a great accomplishment in my list of adventures and am definitely looking forward for my next ride!

Below is more information on Aqua World and pictures as well. Stay tuned: MORE WATER SPORTS @ AquaWorld: JetSkis and more! Thank you to all the friendly staff at Aqua World Miami.

- DJ Zelda

http://www.aquaworldmiami.com/
301 N.Bayfront Park, Miami, Fl 33132 (Next to Bayside)
7 Days a week, from 10 AM to Sunset, every hour.

Miami Earth Week

EARTH DAY celebrates it's 40th year anniversary today April 22, 2010. There are several events going on this week to bring awareness about our planet Earth. Some attractions celebrating this week include Jungle Island and Metro Zoo who offer FREE admission in exchange for bringing a used cell phone for recycling ( on April 24 and 25 from 11 am to 4 pm).

MIAMI GOIN' GREEN FESTIVAL will take place this Saturday, April 24, from 10 am to 7 pm. This is a FREE event, educational but fun for the whole family. Live Music, Workshops, Yoga, Electronic Recycling Center, Fashion station where you can swap clothes for free, MiaSci Lab from Miami Science Museum and Free Bike Valet by US Gas & Electric. Check out below for festival site.

FAIRCHILD TROPICAL BOTANIC GARDEN will offer FREE ADMISSION from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm today, Thursday. Free giveaways of native plants, film showing, free tours throughout the day.

Sites:
http://www.miamigoingreen.com/
http://gomiami.about.com/od/eventsfestivals/p/EarthDay.htm
http://www.fairchildgarden.org/Events/?date=04-2010&eventID=452

Question for you:
What are you doing to go green?

Today I'm planting a native tree, Gumbo Limbo is it's common name. Scientifically known as Bursera simaruba, it is a outstanding tree in the Hardwood Hammock ecosystem that only exists in the South East portion of the United States. It is very hurricane resistant, easy to grow even if it is broken. It provides an important food source for birds and is a lovely addition to any backyard! Will post pics soon.

Women's Conference Miami Beach!

Yesterday I had the pleasure to meet Dona Zemo, Founder/Chairwoman of Miami Beach Women's Conference. The Women's Exhibit, Second Annual Miami Beach Women's Conference celebrating Women's History Month will take place March 26 and 27. It's an event you sure do not want to miss, meet local successful women in different areas such as the arts, politics, sciences and more! Visit the website below for more information.

http://womensexhibit.com/wordpress/?page_id=9
or
Call: 305-695-6827

Mar 26 & 27
Miami Beach City Hall, Convention Center, Hall B & Botanical Gardens


-- PRESS RELEASE --

Miami Beach Women’s Conference – March 26-27, 2010


Miami Beach Mayor Matti Herrera Bower, the Miami Beach Commission for Women and Women’s Exhibit are producing the second annual Miami Beach Women’s Conference.

The first conference drew more than 700 women. More than 1,000 women are expected this year. Partners include the Miami Beach Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council, The Miami Dade Commission for Women, The Miami Beach Convention Center and the Miami Beach Botanical Garden.

The 2010 Conference will begin at City Hall with a continental breakfast and the Mayor’s Panel on “Women in Politics / Women Leaders” in the Commission Chambers from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m., featuring an all-star lineup of elected female officials.

That is followed by a catered lunch in the beautiful Miami Beach Botanical Garden, featuring top female chefs.

From 2-6 p.m., the conference moves to the Convention Center. Renowned women’s history author and expert Doris Weatherford is the keynote speaker, leading into a panel on 2010 Woman in History Honoree Barbara Baer Capitman – the visionary most responsible for saving Miami Beach’s Art Deco district. Other guest speakers will address issues of interest to women, such as career & finance, health & wellness, media and women in the arts.

At 6:30 p.m. in the Botanical Garden, the Miami Beach Commission for Women honors Miami Beach’s 2010 “Women Worth Knowing”, which this year includes Margarita Cepeda-Leonardo, Laura Jamieson, Elizabeth Schwartz and Dona Zemo.

On Saturday March 27, a Woman’s Expo features local businesses, women’s organizations, interactive arts exhibit, psychics, live performances, speakers and a teen forum at the Convention Center from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The conference on March 26 is free and open to the public. Lunch in the Garden is $25. There is a nominal charge of $5 for the Women’s Expo on March 27 (under 18 is still free). For more information about the conference: http://womensexhibit.com

http://womensexhibit.com/wordpress/?page_id=875

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