"Nostalgia in Familiar Places: Rediscovering the Past—Miami Edition"
Hola, holi and all that good stuff. Welcome to my blog! In this post, I want to take a trip back down memory lane and share with you some childhood experiences. If you have read any of my previous posts, you know that it will include food, pictures and possibly some broken Spanish. HAHA! Speaking of Spanglish, guess where my latest adventure takes me? Yup, back to Miami, where access to a beach is easy, the weather is hot, and the traffic is terrible. LOL. I’m unsure if it’s just me, but I NEVER get overly excited about going home for a visit. Most of the time I’d rather visit somewhere else or may opt to fly out of MIA airport on the way to another country.

This time, however, I decided to reconsider my feelings about returning home and look at this travel experience through a different lens. By the way, I wear glasses so maybe “mature” eyes would be a better fit right there. HEHE. As I reminisce about my hometown, it’s not just the sun-soaked streets and block parties with DJs that I remember; it’s the mango trees, Cuban pasteles, and the sound of granny’s strong Bahamian accent that calls me back.
So, in my best Cuban accent yelling, “OYE,” let's embark on this journey together and explore how the most familiar places can reveal new aspects of our past, leaving us with a heightened sense of nostalgia and appreciation.
#1 The Power of a Place
The human mind is fascinating to the point that just a single scent, a sound, or imagined locations that have long been forgotten can bring out the biggest smile. My mom and I decided to go out to a restaurant for lunch based on the recommendation of one of my brothers. Of course, the area has drastically changed since I lived in South Florida, but as we continue on our journey familiarity starts to set in. Wait a minute—(*looks around dramatically*) is said restaurant located 5 minutes away from my old high school? WOW!! Now, I’m all in my feelings thinking about the various times that I skipped classes to hang out with my friends nearby. I must admit those were some amazing times. I’m talking cheap bus fares, malls with awesome arcades and Wu-Tang Clan music. My apologies, I just got carried away by fond memories of school lunches, picture day antics with friends and first crushes. LOL.
But hey, let this be a *warning* to all the young people to be better than me, I’m just a humble blogger reminiscing about her youthful indiscretions and rebellion. HAHA. Now shifting gears, in case anyone’s wondering, the food at the restaurant was delicious, and oh my, the café con leche (similar to a latte) touched the deepest part of my soul. Check out this link for more information on the history of the Original Ranch House Restaurant in Hialeah if you're interested in going there for a delicious meal.

#2 Cultural Influence
Miami in many respects can be viewed as a little New York City. There are vast areas and pockets of neighborhoods drenched in Caribbean traditions and languages. This pride is displayed on vehicle flags, in storefront windows, and in the rhythmic beats of music being played by those passing by. Colorful street festivals and parades provide an authentic glimpse into the history and roots of the people who live, work and call Miami home. One festival worthy of mentioning is the Miami Bahamas Goombay festival.
As early as the 1880’s, Bahamians lived and worked in Miami’s Coconut Grove area and were the primary labor force used to help develop and shape Miami into what is seen today. This celebration highlights the legacy of a Bahamian-rooted community showcasing their vibrant culture through music, dance, arts, and food. Speaking of tasty treats, a few of my go-to dishes include conch fritters, conch salad, pigeon peas and rice, and macaroni and cheese. If you have a chance to try any of these delicious items, you won’t be disappointed.
In the world of performing arts, Bahamian music has crafted its own distinct identity known as Goombay music. The word “Goombay” comes from the West African language and refers to an African drum called “goom-ba.” Before the rise of pop and electronic music, this genre of music occupied a prominent position in the music scene. Bahamians in South Florida form a vibrant community, bringing the essence of the Bahamas to the Sunshine State.
*Note of interest: the word conch is pronounced like kah-unk not con-ch—this small bit of information should earn you a few brownie points with Bahamians. LMBO!!
#3 To Beach or not to Beach
For Miami residents, whether they’ve called the city home for decades or just a few years, the beach is a focal point of interest for everyone. However, when I think back to my childhood, I realize how few times I actually went to the beach. It might sound strange, but for the adults in my life, the beach was a place reserved for special occasions like birthdays, romantic strolls, or family outings. It wasn’t seen as merely a place to relax and escape the house. Growing up in a blue-collar, working-class family, priorities were often focused on paying bills and making ends meet, rather than enjoying leisurely beach days. Maybe that’s why we didn’t visit as frequently. My appreciation for living relatively close to the water didn’t set in until I moved away. SMH!
What makes the beach so remarkable is its timeless appeal. Despite the countless changes Miami has seen over the years, the beach remains a constant. It’s a place that provides solace and a sense of escape, where worries seem to fade away and all that matters is the breeze across your face and the sand between your toes. For me, the beach has become a magical place where time stands still, allowing me to immerse myself in the present moment and embrace the simple pleasures of life.

In conclusion, my journey back to Miami was a profound rediscovery of who I am and the place that influenced me. I discovered the power of familiar places, soaked in the cultural richness of its residents, and marveled at the panoramic views of the ocean. Overall, this trip has taught me to see familiar places through a fresh lens, fostering a heightened sense of nostalgia and an increased appreciation of my humble beginnings.
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