Today is Christmas Eve. Yey! Rudie's happy we've moved hotel. So am I. It's nice to have a change of scene. I'm close to the airport but what a hotel. It's right by a creek, blue lagoon and golf course. Yesterday I saw a huge iguana and a couple of smaller ones. I've already seen one today and I could see alligators swimming in the creek. Apparently they occasionally see manatee (which I'd love to see) and very occasionally dolphin have visited. That would be a great Christmas present.

Rudie's sat by the pool and is now chilling on the sun lounger. He's enjoying this part of the US adventure. Largely because he mainly lives in the bottom of my cosmetic bag and rarely sees the light of day. Coming out to play in the sun is something of a Christmas treat, plus I thought it would provide some festive amusement (mainly for me...truth be told).

After sunbathing by the Albion pool in South Beach for a couple of hours, the clouds appeared, so it seemed like an opportune time to move to my new destination in North Miami. I'd looked up buses, but I've accumulated a few items (including a small Christmas tree) and there's no room in my bag. Plus it's too hot to wear my layers which I've worn on all other legs of my trip (coat, long cardi, jacket, boots), so I took a taxi.

I had to wait for my room, so I lounged by the pool and took a swim. Not in the creek I hasten to add! Swimming with dolphins I could do, but with alligators I draw the line. I watched sunset over the blue lagoon sipping cool water and enjoying the wildlife. I was then able to check into my room, but there were a few issues to iron out. Needless to say the duty manager has now credited my account with $50 to spend in the bar or restaurant. I had appetisers in the club lounge, which in actual fact was more like full on supper. It has a great view from the tenth floor, as does my room.