It is really good to have the western luxuries again like being able to drink out of a tap, putting toilet paper in the toilet and a room without cockroaches.

We were up late a combination of watching TV late last night, really nice bed and no cockerals or locals making a din.

Hotel Shelley where we are staying is a boutique Art Deco hotel in the heart of the Art Deco district. For 40 bucks a night (half that of a hostel) you get free pickup and drop off at the airport (60 bucks saving) and free cocktails for an hour each evening (save a lot here). These freebies and others could pay for the cost of staying here.

Miami is the place in the world for Art Deco. I wasn't a great fan until I saw the district here, it looks very pretty (are we in America). Perhaps it is the palm trees and sunshine but the normally agressive lines seem softer here.

Liz's toe is going to take a long time to heal, in the interim she shouldn't put weight on it. This governed where we went for our alfresco breakfast, ie two doors down at another really nice sister art deco hotel. A big RV was parked up full of fashion, models and a photographer busy trying to get that special shot. Strangely the models didn't stand out much from the general crowd. There are some very expensive designer shops, lots of plastic surgeons and of course rich glamourous women willing to pay for it.

The first thing I did was to visit the launderete (the joys of backpacking). I took the opportunity however during the spin to have a look at Miami beach. I was here once before with my dad during our first oversees holiday. Certain things looked familiar, the wide white sands stretching as far as you can see with high rise buildings set far back. I don't remember it being as busy however. I put my feet in the water it was as warm as I remember it.

We both were feeling very scruffy, travelling takes it's toll on your clothes and you do get a bit tired of wearing the same things. We went out for a shop, Liz got some hair dye which was definetely not ginger, a top and some dress shoes, whilst I got a new shirt.

All this took us up to the free drink happy hour. I sat at the bar next to this gay guy called Ken that was here for a cruise. I was knocking cocktails back like there was no tomorrow. When Liz arrived Ken wanted to treat us to a nice meal but somewhere more special. We headed to Ocean Dr where Ken used his carisma to rally the waiters and get what he says he is acustomed to.

Miami beach has an excellent aventgard nightlife which I had been verning for. Time went very quickly before I knew it we ended up back at the hotel at 3 am for a nightcap when we met this student trying to make ends meet by creating humingbirds out of coca leaves. It then got very messy -we didn't roll into bed until after 4am.

By the way I don't remember taking the picture - doh!