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Tag Archives: lobster

Boat Tour and Oysters in Miami

8 July 202225 May 2025

We stayed up late again last night and left South Beach early for Melissa’s vacation rental in Fort Lauderdale.  Planning to spend some time at the pool, we would return to South Beach for a boat ride around the harbor and then find a great spot for dinner.

The weather was overcast, but perfect for sunning by the pool.  Sam went out to pick up some items to grill for lunch.   He returned with a charcuterie plate, small steaks, lobster and hard seltzers.

Our late lunch was absolutely fabulous, which is always the case with Sam and Mel.  We packed our sun-kissed faces into the mid-sized bathroom to get ready for our last night in Miami.  After a few dress changes, we were finally ready after an hour and a half.

We were all so excited for the boat ride that it seemed so long for us to finally arrive.  The traffic was absolutely crazy but we managed to make it on time to board the Biscayne Bay “Millionaire’s Row” Boat Tour sunset cruise.

The tour began along the bay at a dock surrounded by giant skyscrapers and luxurious catamarans.  The weather was perfect with low humidity and moderate temperatures in the mid-70s.   With the exception of one couple, we had the boat all to ourselves.

We passed by elaborate properties with an unknown amount of square footage and luxury yachts.  The boat ride was smooth as we passed through the No Wake zone and began making our way out towards the bay.

I imagined waking up each morning and enjoying coffee along the coast, watching the yachts and tour boats pass by.

My favorite homes were the ones that were surrounded by water with well-manicured yards and second story balconies.

Very few homes were brightly painted with Caribbean-colored exteriors but they were a welcome change to the scenery.

As we approached the overpass, our boat tour was coming to an end.  The sun was also beginning to set, so we discussed where we wanted to stop for dinner.

The last home on our tour was my absolute favorite.  There is something about strings of lights, strewn from pole to pole, creating an ambient setting.  If I had to choose, this would be my kind of home in a world where I could afford it.  I’m just as happy admiring it from the comfort of our tour.

Although cloudy, the golden hour brought out the minimal lighting as the boat began to dock in the intercoastal.  When we learned that Shawna had never eaten oysters, Melissa knew of a great place to stop for dinner.  By now, we were hungry and looked forward to slurping down a few salt-water mollusks.

Sam and the boys were going to meet us at Stiltsville Fish Bar,  We ordered several dozens of oysters knowing it would take a while for them to be shucked.  In the meantime, we also ordered some drinks and checked our departure flights for the next day.   Within ten minutes we had all gathered together and were now waiting for Shawna to try her first oyster.

According to Shawna, the oysters were amazing.  She may have eaten a whole dozen, so I guess that confirms they were worth it.

Have you had the opportunity to take a cruise around Miami to admire the oceanside mansions?  We had a blast during our experience and would do it again.  Many thanks for reading about our coastal tour in Miami and wishing you many Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Miami Mansion Boat Tour

Where to Stay:

The W South Beach
2201 Collins Avenue
Miami Beach, FL  33139
Phone:  305 938 3000

Where to Eat:

Wynwood Bar & Kitchen
2080 North Miami Avenue
Miami, FL  33127
Telephone: 305 632 5362

Mila’s on Lincoln Road
1636 Meridian Avenue
Miami Beach, FL 33139
Telephone:   786 673 8374

What to Read:

  • Miami, by Joan Didion
  • Tourist Season, by Carl Hiaasen
  • Miami Blues, by Charles Willeford
  • Birds of Paradise by Diana Abu-Jaber
  • Rum Punch by Elmore Leonard
  • 15 Views of Miami by Jaquira Diaz

Photo Guide for Miami and South Beach:

    • Art Deco Historic District:  The Beach Park Hotel and the Colony Hotel
    • Big Pink
    • Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables
    • Cape Florida Lighthouse
    • Casa Florida
    • Eden Roc Hotel
    • Fontainebleau Hotel
    • Gianni Versace Mansion
    • Life guard stand at South Beach
    • Lincoln Theater
    • Miami Skyline
    • Museum Garage
    • Nikki Beach
    • Ocean Drive:  The Traffic and Palm Trees
    • SOBE sculpture
    • The Delano Hotel
    • The Garden House Restaurant
    • The Standard Hotel and Spa
    • The Views from Juvia
    • The Views from the Mondrian Hotel
    • Venetian Pool
    • Wynwood Art
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Las Vegas, The Cosmopolitan

5 February 201921 September 2024

The Cosmopolitan is one of the most recent hotels to open in Las Vegas. With its sleek, stylish great looks, it’s a place where diamonds and furs seem to fit in regardless of the desert landscape.  A couple of years ago, I came to Vegas with a large group and we secured tickets to Willie Nelson, who was headlining at the hotel.

We arrived early and confirmed our reservation at Holsteins for made-to-order burgers and oversized milkshakes.  Our sandwiches were stacked a mile-high with a large list of condiments and gourmet toppings.  Fries overflowed in buckets with enough to share between two and with a healthy list of side items, we couldn’t pass up the truffle lobster mac and cheese made with creamy tallegio-mascarpone sauce.  I eventually made my decision by ordering the burger with Point Reyes Bleu Cheese.  Or should I order the one with avocado, eggs and bacon then topped with onion rings?

Although beef is their specialty at Holstein’s, diners can select from chicken, lamb, pork and veggie patties.  And if size matters, smaller portions (sliders) are available as well.

One of my friends ordered the Ultimate S’Mores milkshake made with chocolate liquor and the Ice Cream sandwich shake could have fed a family of four.  There were many other shakes on their menu, but I was sure to fall into a food coma during the concert if I ate another bite.

The service was quick and the portion sizes were overflowing.  We made our way to see Willie with just a few minutes to spare.

128 The Chandelier at Cosmo Hotel

We left the concert with a high and wanted to stay at the Cosmopolitan for a couple of drinks.  Our eyes were immediately drawn to the three-story bar that was draped with beautiful glass beads that gave off a fabulous purple aura.  High class A-Listers, hipsters and entourages entered the hotel in large numbers with The Chandelier on their minds. We spent an hour dissecting the fashion and admiring the beautiful people until it was time to return to our hotel.

In Vegas, there are so many attractions, restaurants and clubs to experience and it was time for us to move on to our next adventure.  What attraction, venue or restaurant did you “happen upon” that you enjoyed?  I would love to hear about it!  Leave a message in the Comments Section below.  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

The Cosmopolitan  of Las Vegas
3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV   89109
Telephone: 702 675 9828

Where to Stay:

The Cosmopolitan  of Las Vegas
3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV   89109
Telephone: 702 675 9828

Where to Eat:

Holstein’s
3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South
Las Vegas, NV   89109
Telephone: 877 893 2003

What to Eat:

  • Italian at Esther’s Kitchen
  • Thai cuisine at at Lotus of Siam

What to Read:

  • Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas: A Savage Journey to the Heart of the American Dream, by Hunter S. Thompson
  • Literary Las Vegas: The Best Writing About America’s Most Fabulous City, by Tom Wolfe
  • Leaving Las Vegas, by John O’Brien
  • The Delivery Man, by Joe McGinness, Jr.
  • The Desert Rose, by Larry McMurtry

Photo Guide for Las Vegas

    • A Backstage Meet and Greet with Your Favorite Performer
    • Foundation Room Rooftop Bar at Mandalay Bay
    • In front of a Helicopter at the Grand Canyon
    • The Lagoon Inside of the Venetian
    • The Paris Las Vegas Eiffel Tower
    • Red Rock Canyon
    • The Seven Magic Mountains
    • Welcome to Las Vegas Sign
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Jungle Jim’s International Market, Fairfield, Ohio

10 November 201616 September 2024

To describe Jungle Jim’s as an “International Food Lovers’ Paradise!” is more than accurate and may quite well be understated.

The parking lot was packed as I arrived at the supermarket’s flagship location in Fairfield, Ohio.  Not quite sure what to expect, I was happy to have picked up a map because this place is ginormous.  With my shopping cart, I began my trek through over 150,000 worldwide product and was happy to try some samples as well.  I could have easily spent hours browsing the aisles, sorting through all of the fabulous merchandise and produce.

Greeted by a talking corn stalk, I would soon learn that the entertaining displays are as much a part of the experience of Jungle Jim’s as exploring the superstore and its endless grocery items.

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Bearing towards the right,  I passed the pharmacy and American grocery aisles.  I soon arrived at the delicatessen where I found several stands displaying a wide variety of snacks.  Attendants were distributing samples of organic crackers topped with brie cheese and fig jam. I found myself adding these items to my cart for my next get-together with friends.

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I selected a few dairy products from Greece and Italy to create a charcuterie board to enjoy later that afternoon.   I also selected a variety of cheeses from England, Ireland and Australia.

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What’s a charcuterie board without wine?  The wine and beer “wing” of the market is stocked with spirits from all over the world that at first glance, I was a bit overwhelmed.  The wine representatives at Jungle Jim’s are more than helpful to help visitors find the best wines in their price range based on the wine that interest them.

Nearby was a liquor store, a humidor and a tasting bar.  There is not much that Jungle Jim’s does not offer and who wouldn’t mind a glass of wine while shopping for groceries?

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This is not just the average grocery store wine selection.  There are aisles and aisles of wines from Argentina to South Africa, clearly marked by country.

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One of my favorite areas of wine to explore is the local vintages where I stocked up on a few bottles from my favorite Ohio wineries.

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The beer selection is just as impressive.  I had a great time shopping for a few international beers to enjoy throughout the week.  Each aisle is clearly marked by country and local beers making it easy for me to find the brands I wanted to sample.

Jungle Jim’s also has a tasting room where visitors can sample a pre-selected list of wines and beers for a minimal charge.  I ordered a couple of samples and then a glass of wine, that I could drink as I continued shopping.

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I passed the beer cave and restrooms heading away from the beer and wine until I arrived at the bakery.  With so many selections, I decided to pick up some cannolis and macaroons.

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The desserts seemed to continue on into eternity.  In addition to Jungle Jim-made sweets, there are local selections from some of the best bakeries in Cincinnati.

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The meat counter offers fresh cuts of meat or packaged items that include some exotic cuts of beef.  One of my favorite areas of the market is the International produce where fruits and vegetables are imported from all over the world.

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Where else can you find Durian fruit in the state of Ohio?

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To the left of the International Produce section which includes such items as bok choy, chili peppers, yucca, etc., there are several rows of freezers and shelving units that display Asian foods and spices.

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From Japanese to Balinese, Chinese to Taiwanese, there is no shortage of cooking items for making some of the best Asian dishes.

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I couldn’t wait to explore the seafood area.  Jungle Jim’s is one of the rare markets that carries sushi-grade tuna.  I was also able to find lobster, oysters as well as a selection of local fish.

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Once I had taken in the smells of the seafood and said goodbye to the lobster, I arrived at a large fire truck  showcasing a never ending supply of hot sauce.

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Germany is to my right and further down the aisle is a great selection of cookware and gadgets.  From here, I could see Sherwood Forest representing the foods of Great Britain.  I picked up some Twinings Tea and proceeded past the Hispanic section towards the aisles of Italy.

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In the market for a couple of great pasta sauces, the Jungle Jim’s representative suggested a local option, so I grabbed one off of the shelf and began making my way towards the check out line.

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Within minutes I was home and ready to open one of my bottles of wine after a long day of shopping.  I had such an amazing experience at Jungle Jim’s and couldn’t wait to make a few new dishes from the ingredients I had just purchased.  Removing a pad and pen from the kitchen drawer, I began a new list of items to purchase for another visit I planned for the next weekend.

Jungle Jim’s International Market first opened its doors as a permanent fruit and vegetable market in 1975.  From its humble beginnings in a 4,200 square foot complex to a 6-acre megastore, Jungle Jim’s also provides a variety of additional services to its customers including banking, pharmacy, post office, jewelers, hair dressers and restaurants to name a few.

Have you visited Jungle Jim’s or experienced an international Superstore?  I would love to hear about your experience so leave your comments below!  Happy Travels!

What to See and What to Do:

Jungle Jim’s International Market
5440 Dixie Highway
Fairfield OH, 45014
Telephone:  513 674 6000

Jungle Jim’s International Market – Eastgate location
4450 Eastgate South Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45245
Telephone:  513 674 6000

  • Hours:  Daily from 8AM to 8PM;  Holiday Hours – Easter: 8AM to 8PM, Thanksgiving:  8AM to 5PM, Christmas Eve:  8AM to 6PM, Christmas Day:  Closed, New Year’s Eve:  8AM to 8PM,  New Year’s Day:  8AM to 8PM
  • Amenities:  worldwide merchandise, guided tours, cooking classes, events, wine tastings
  • Length of Visit:  Minimum 1 hour
  • Tips for Your Visit:  Pick up a map of the venue; plan on at least a couple of hours if you want to explore the whole store. check out the website for upcoming events and cooking classes, arrive on Saturdays and Sundays for samples, and visit Monday through Friday to avoid the large crowds.

Where to Stay:

Holiday Inn Express Fairfield
6755 Fairfield Business, Joyce Park Drive
Fairfield, OH  45014
Telephone:  513 860 2900

Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Cincinnati Eastgate
4521 Eastgate Blvd.,
Cincinnati, OH  45245
Telephone:  513 947 9402

Where to Eat:

Acapulco
5953 Boymel Drive
Fairfield, OH  45015
Telephone:  513 874 5777

I ordered the Hot & Spicy Burrito filled with refried beans, ground beef, shredded chicken and rice, topped with supreme sauce and sour cream.

BanThai

792 Eastgate S Drive
Cincinnati, OH  45245
Telephone:  513 752 3200

The Bento Boxes for lunch are the best deal priced at only $10.95 served with salad, spring roll, crab rangoon, fruit, and lo mein noodles or rice. So far, I have tried Box Number 3 (spicy tuna roll and 3 pieces of a California roll), Box Number 4 (Shrimp Tempura roll and 3 pieces of a California Roll), and Box Number 15 (Grilled 4 chicken satay). They are made fresh and extremely filling.

More of My Favorite Places to Eat: 

  • Skyline Chili:  My go-to meal at Skyline is the 4-way chili with onion served with oyster crackers and hot sauce.  I always pick up two York peppermint patties after cashing out.  Cincinnati chili is a beef based sauce served over spaghetti noodles and cheese.  Additional toppings include onions and beans.
  • LaRosa’s Pizza:  A local chain pizzeria, this Sicilian style pie is made with a sweet crust and sauce.  My favorite menu item is the Caprese pesto Flatbread Pizza.
  • Graeter’s Ice Cream:  It’s the French Pot process that makes Graeter’s Ice Cream so decadent and rich.  Towards the end of the process, they pour chocolate into the mix creating large chunks of yummy goodness.
  • Montgomery Inn BBQ:  Visiting the original Montgomery Inn BBQ at the boathouse is a culinary and scenic experience.  Their ribs are served with a sweet and tangy sauce that has since made them the “Ribs King” and a favorite among locals.  Load up on their amazing BBQ flavored Saratoga chips,
  • Glier’s Goetta:  While it looks like a slab of corn beef hash, this breakfast staple is made of sausage and oats, cooked until crispy.  Most breakfast restaurants carry it as a side, especially the local cafes and diners.
  • BonBonerie:  One of the most decadent pastry shops in Cincinnati, their rich confections are absolutely amazing.

Books to Read: 

  • Eligible:  A Modern Retelling of Pride & Prejudice, by Curtis Sittenfeld
  • Running, by J.T. Cooper
  • Dead Witch Walking, by Kim Harrison
  • Beloved, by Toni Morrison
  • Double Dutch, by Sharon M. Draper
  • Romiette and Julio, by Sharon M. Draper

Photo Guide for Cincinnati (as provided by Chris Thompson on FourSquare):

  • The John A Roebling Suspension Bridge
    • Pick a spot near the Covington pier and shoot north toward the Cincinnati skyline.  Shoot at sunset and underexpose by a few stops to get the lights just right.
    • The new lights on the bridge create excellent stars when you photograph them using a narrow aperture (~f/16 and above) on your camera. That means you’ll need a longer exposure (and thus a tripod).
  • General James Taylor Park
    • Shoot from the top of the flag pole mound to get more building reflections in your shot. Shoot at sunset or sunrise for great lighting.
  • Cincinnati Museum Center at Union Terminal
    • Arrive first thing in the morning when the sun is coming up
  • The Fountain at Fountain Square
    • For great photos of the fountain: set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure (2-5 seconds) to capture the running water. Get Carew or the colored lights above Rock Bottom in the background.
  • Fountain Square (look for reflections in puddles)
  • Celestial Restaurant in Mount Adams – The restaurant is now closed, but you may still be able to use the parking lot.
  • Carew Tower Observation Deck
    • Provides some neat photos of the highways snaking around the city. Set your camera on a tripod and use a long exposure to get moving car trails. It’s only open at sunset a few days each year.
  • Engine Company 46, 2733 Erie Avenue (at Michigan), Cincinnati
    • One of the most beautiful historic firehouses in all of Cincinnati. The firefighters here are used to having their photo taken while they work. Ask nicely and you can get some cool shots.
  • Cincinnati Observatory Center
  • Krohn Conservatory
  • Great American Ball Park
    • Shoot the front of the stadium around sunset to get a nice color blue in the sky. Get one of the player statues in your shot for extra effect.
  • Devou Park
    • The overlook next to the Drees pavilion affords a great view of the Cincinnati skyline. Shoot at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting. Underexpose slightly to get the city lights just right.
  • Newport Central Catholic for fireworks
    • Shoot the Riverfest fireworks from this location. Bring a long lens and a tripod. You’ll want a long-ish exposure (5-10 seconds) to capture the bursts, but make sure the skyline isn’t overexposed.
  • Riverfront Park
    • The colorful fountains make a great subject, but you need to use a relatively fast shutter speed (>1/20 or so) to catch the lights before they change color, leaving your pic with plain white lights.
  • American Sign Museum
    • Be sure to bring a tripod to capture all the signs. Manual white balance is the way to go, because there are so many crazy colors of lights that your camera won’t know how to react.

More photos

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The Cigar Room

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International Cheese

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My Favorite  Cheese!  Feta!

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Underwater Photos from Belize, Honduras and Mexico circa 1989

12 March 201431 August 2024

Some of the best scuba diving takes place in the countries of Belize, Honduras and Mexico.  Here are just a few photos of the underwater sea life I encountered on several dives.

000 Amazing fish photos

The Wrasse is a fish with over 600 species.  It is a brightly colored fish that is a popular choice for saltwater aquariums as they help to keep the tank clean.

000, Eel eating fish

A spotted moray eel snatching up a fish for lunch.  They are usually hiding in reef crevices, but once in awhile can be found near the bottom of the ocean feeding on fish or crustaceans.

000, Eel, underwater photos

Up close, the Squirrelfish have big dark eyes, which helps them to see at night.  These fish are more prevalent during night dives, but can also be seen during the day hanging around in dark areas.

000, Lobster

The lobster is one of many crustaceans found in the Caribbean.  They have a hard exoskeleton which provides protection from predators.  They can live up to 70 years of age.

Angel Fish

It is not uncommon to find large Angelfish on reef dives in the Caribbean.  They can be found in various colors with a wide arrange of names, i.e., Gray Angelfish or Queen Angelfish.

Barracuda

Some new divers and snorkelers may become frightened when coming in contact with the barracuda.  They are an intimidating fish with sharp teeth, but they are not considered a threat.  Some divers agree that these fish are attracted to shiny objects and suggest water lovers to not wear bright, metallic jewelry.

Beautiful fish photos

The Blue Tang is a popular Caribbean fish and was made popular by the movie “Finding Nemo.”  Depending on where they are swimming, they can camouflage themselves by changing various shades of blue.  Here one can see the yellow spike towards the back of its body where the tail meets the body.

Big group of fish

French Grunts and Blue-Striped Grunts are very common in the Caribbean and Florida.  They swim in large numbers and are usually spotted on shallow reef dives.  Pictured here are the Blue-Striped Grunts.

Fish photos

The Yellowtail Snapper can easily be confused with the Goatfish, but there are a couple of differences.  The Yellow Goatfish have barbels, also described as whiskers, that can be found under their chins.  The Yellowtail Snapper may be found within schools of Yellow Goatfish and vice versa.

Lots of Fish

Herring fish travel in schools and are a popular meal for the larger fish as well as seabirds.

Swimming fish..underwater

The Tiger Grouper is a beautiful fish that lives in sheltered reef areas.  They usually hang out in shallow waters and can grow up to 35 inches, weighing around 10 pounds.

Underwater photos, moray eel

There are over 200 species of Moray Eel found in both saltwater and freshwater environments.  They look like a sea snake but do not belong to the reptile family.  They prefer warm temperatures and like to eat meat, such as other fish and crustaceans.

Whether you plan to scuba dive or snorkel the waters of the Caribbean, you may come into contact with one or more of these animals.  There are so many beautiful creatures of the sea where you can feel as though you are in a world all its own.

Do you like to snorkel and/or scuba dive?  What is one of your favorite experiences under water?  I would love to hear your story in the comments below!  Many thanks for checking out some of the fish you will find in Central America and wishing you many Happy Travels!

Disclosure:   Please refer to our blog disclaimer tab for more information.

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About Me!

I have had a passion to travel for as long as I can remember and landed my dream job at the age of 19 on a cruise ship. The Suite Life of Travel is about those experiences as well as my future endeavor to explore this amazing world!

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