Miami, Florida

I haven't lived in Miami in over 20 years now, which makes me feel  like a tourist whenever I visit.  So much has changed since I graduated from high school (I'm a Red Raider) that I don't even recognize certain places and things.  For example, what happened to the Omni and the 163rd St Mall?  Once upon a time both malls were THE place to be, now it seems they've become ghost towns while Aventura Mall has taken the roll as the "it" spot to shop and to be seen.  Oh, and what is this Dolphin Mall that everyone speaks of?

As you travel south on I-95 and exit onto the HOV lane overpass near 163rd St, you get a great view of the downtown Miami skyline in the distance.  It seems to have grown 10-fold since I was in high school.  It's nice to see the amount of growth and development that has taken place in the city of Miami, especially in those areas that were once impoverished for so many years.  Here are a few of my favorite images that I captured from my most recent visit to Miami.  Though I could never live in South Florida again as my personal preferences and lifestyle demand a four-season climate, I will always enjoy it and appreciate it - as a tourist!  


  - Monica Simone