People often believe that Miami is in America, but no, the more I live here, the more I realize that there is nothing here in America.
And then, however, they tell me that this is a province of Latin America: it is almost always true, but it is also true that for many reasons Miami is firmly American.
For example for the ten things I like about living in Miami:
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Hours
I've never been a nocturnal animal, but Miami's schedules are perfectly compatible with mine. Especially for those like me who have a child, dinner is around 6 and you go to bed by 10, this is because the working and school days start very early, without mercy.
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The look
In this country you always feel free to go around dressed a bit as it happens without anyone judging or framing you until you feel out of place. Sure then there are the Latinas who are always in skintight heels, perfect nails and flowing hair, but basically people are not that obsessed with looks. Then remember that the must-have in Miami is the beach slipper, the one with the plastic band, and the terry sock. Unisex.
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Casual Fridays
Having established point 2, I have colleagues who at work wear sandals that we would wear to go to the beach and others who are always perfectly professional. But on Friday the preweekend starts and then we are all a bit - but everyone! - in jeans for the so-called Casual Friday! One time one of the bosses came in Bermuda shorts, it's really weird!
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To drive
I come from Rome where people on the Raccordo always seem to be on GT Racing. Miami is famous for being the worst driving city in America. But I do not regret at all the missed right of way, the triple lane overtaking, the 150 per hour on the highway and the mowed pedestrians. Here you always stop to let pedestrians pass, stop really means STOP and if you go wrong, the steering wheel that stops you comes out of nowhere.
Ahem, often. But you can read something else in The rules of the road. -
How are you?
Thu How are you? when told to an acquaintance it is not a real question, exactly like when we ask in Italy How are you? to an acquaintance and we do not expect to hear the bad luck of the last 15 days listed. Having said that, I love the chatter of circumstance that is made here. At the supermarket, in the elevator, on the street, it happens very often to exchange a few words with a passer-by, perhaps commenting on the weather or the packaging of frozen foods. Relationships are based on kindness towards others, for example it is common for men to give way to women or the elderly. On the other hand, however, making friends with an American is almost impossible, you never cross the barrier of intimacy. Conversely, a Hispanic becomes your best friend 5 minutes after meeting him. Now you know why we Italians only hang out with Italians, it's infinitely less stressful and we always know what to expect.
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GPS and internet everywhere
I don't have to explain this, do I?
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National anthem
It is thrilling to hear the American National Anthem being sung, hand on heart, with emphasis and passion at every official occasion. The best for us was when my husband got American Citizenship.
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Food
Miami is a place where you eat very well and of quality. In this city you can find dishes from all over the world and since it is a city that thrives on tourism, the level of the culinary offer is quite high. Obviously, Latin cuisine is a bit of a mistress, but the American ability to capture a trend, make it qualitatively high and monetize it accordingly, is unique. For example, on my blog I told about it in these posts: American food (more or less) and 20 dishes not to be missed in Miami.
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Cheating
Cheating it is the most serious crime that can be committed in the United States. This country is based on trust in others and it is assumed that no one lies. At the college I went to, they made you declare at the beginning of each course that you would not copy. Made the promise they believe in everything you produce. And that's all right, until suspicion (or proof) arises that you lied, at which point your reputation is gone.
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The hugs
Americans are people who hug to thank or greet friends. It is a habit that I like very much and that makes you feel welcomed. The intensity of the hug reveals the perceived degree of friendship - but not confidence. That is a different thing as I have already explained.
Oh you say I didn't mention sun and sea? Okay, but that's why everyone wants to live in Miami!
