BEGINNING ADVENTURES

Today's temperature started out in the mid-sixties; so we decided to go to Miami Beach and, amongst other things, view the ocean, white sand, sun-bathers (!), and just walk along the shore.

Our next stop: Miami Ink - hilarious!! Couldn't take time to find a proper "peanut" drawing that we liked so I settled for a more expansive transfer. It was getting late and we decided to head home - right in the midst of the "rush" hour.Dashed in and out a few shops across the street - each of us had our own interests and specialty shops we liked;



but our main interest and absolute delight was "Casa Casuarina," the "legendary mansion" most recently owned by Gianni Versace. It has been turned into a hotel and is open to the public for tours, etc. but you can eat lunch inside. So-o, that's just what we did!!



Absolutely beautiful...almost like a museum ... can't believe people actually lived there. Reminded me somewhat of Hearst Castle in Calif.

Took pictures - Paul joked with the waiter and he told Paul we could sneek into a room near our table (Versace's private dining room - now a more private room for those who can host a small dinner party and pay for it). All the walls were small stones & pebbles arranged in mosaics and borders; Versace's large table had been removed and smaller -sized tables with white cloths, place- settings, candle centerpieces, etc. replaced it.

We enjoyed our lunch and took peeks into the pool area, etc - spent almost the rest of the afternoon there. Left, strolled around, and looked into a few more shops Jennifer was fascinated with the body-wax emporium and after a somewhat " disgusting survey," we journeyed on.

Well, have to go now. The sky is blue, the sun is bright and since it's going to be in the mid to high 70s, we feel obligated to hit the beach. Hope you are all bundled against the wind, wearing your mittens, and keeping warm. We are - staying warm, that is!!!

Blogging has gone on long enough - we have to get ready to go to the beach again - or somewhere!! Sun is bright, sky is blue, and we are roasting!!!

Later ..