Millionaire's Row Tour in Miami

Last December, after finishing up a one week cruise, I had an additional day before flying back to Japan. My travel friend met up with a local friend in Miami; I decided to explore the city on my own.

In the early evening, I joined a boat tour to see the famous "millionaire's row"-- a series of islands housing many large mansions.

The tour boat departed from Bayside Marketplace -- a great area to walk around, enjoy free events, eat, or shop.

Photo: Bayside marina with a view of the Hard Rock Cafe in the distance

While waiting onboard the ship, I enjoyed a free salsa dance show dockside. See the video below:

Once the boat left, we cruised slowly through the harbor, getting great views of the city skyline and working dock fixings.

(clockwise from top left)
Miami skyline/ one of many cruise ships in port/  Disney ship "Wonder"/ a kid paddle boarding/ iron birds (cranes):

A guide on our ship talked us through the various homes on millionaire's row. The nickname "Millionaire's Row" was given to a cluster of small islands off the coast of Miami city. The islands are centrally located -- adjacent to the Miami cruise port terminal, so it's possible to see some of the huge homes from your cruise ship. The islands are called: Star, Hibiscus, and Palm.

Many of the home were owned by NBA stars (Shaquille O'Neal), TV & movie stars (Sylvester Stallone, Don Johnson), or musicians (Juilio Iglesias, Madonna). Most on the tour were surprised to learn Elizabeth Taylor's lovely pink home, when she passed away, was left to her housekeeper!

(clockwise from top left)
Elizabeth Taylor's former home / the most expensive home in millionaire's row / two white mansions used in music videos and our boat.

As the sun set, I tried out the color filters on my Nikon P600. The lights from the various buildings and bridges allowed for some unique shots. Enjoy!

Scenes of the Miami skyline, boats and bridges:

Miami was okay; it reminded me a lot of Monte Carlo -- if you are rich, you'll fit in nicely there. If you're a poor student like me, you'll just want to hurry up and get out of there! I have always felt really uncomfortable around wealthy people, perhaps because I associate those with a lot of money as not being authentic. There is something tangible about people who make monthly budgets, or who earn less than $1,800 a month (me) and still manage to find the means to travel. I admire those who work hard, budget harder and play the hardest.

Happy frugal travels!

Information:

Miami boat tour, provided by Island Queen Cruising. Website and tours HERE.

Cost
$24 USD

Duration
About 3 hours

Tour departs Bayside Marketplace. 
Allow time before the cruise to shop or view events here! While I waited to join my cruise, I enjoyed a free salsa dance show, next to the port. ^_^

Yatoyama National Park in Zama

About two weeks ago, I wanted to get out despite the rainy weather and enjoy some fresh air. While browsing through Google Maps©, I noticed a large park several stops away by train. I decided to head there for the afternoon.

Yatoyama Park is a national park located approximately 15 minutes walk from Zama station, on the Odakyu line. The park is free and most famous for bird-watching. You will likely find many older Japanese men with long telephoto lenses, seeking out various winged species. In addition to the bird-watching platforms, there are also rice fields, ponds, small rivers and numerous hiking trails.

Photos:
Park entrance, ducks, maps and an explanation sheet on how rice is grown & harvested.

The park was established in 1982 and covers a wide area. Completing all the trails will take approximately 2 ~ 3 hours. The numerous trails are especially popular with joggers, so bring your running shoes! 

Food and drink is welcome and there are some limited spots to sit. I packed a picnic lunch and chose to sit near the frog pond, where I enjoyed reading from my Kindle©. While reading, I noticed a guest slither over -- a small lizard. 

Photos:

Barrier-free trail, large pond, a gazebo, my small lizard companion.

The park boasts a barrier-free trail, which circles the outer rim of the park boundary. It's perfect for mothers with baby strollers, or those in wheelchairs. While there is no English signage, there are lots of sign posts in Japanese pointing the way to the various trails inside. 

Photos:

More trails, trail sign, charcoal house & explanation sheet

Trails are a mix of flat, to both up and down. There is also a narrow trail through some thick woods; it's the perfect respite on a hot day! At the top of one trail, I found a small house, which is used to make charcoal. A sign nearby explained the process in Japanese. 

School children from the area come here to plant rice, study about plants and vegetation, as well as learn how to make charcoal. For adults, it's a great place to walk about enjoying the greenery, to relax or jog along the numerous trails. 

For those living and working in Tokyo, this park is a nice day trip out of the city. 

Enjoy hiking! 

Information:

Yatoyama Park is located in Zama, Kanagawa. 

Website HERE.

Access: 

Odakyu train from Shinjuku to Odawara. Get off at Zama. Take the West Gate. Walk north along the tracks until you reach the park (approximately 15 mins.)

Google MAP

Entrance Fee: 

Free! 

Tips:

Bring bug spray. 

Best for runners. 

If bird watching is your thing, bring binoculars. There are several bird watching platforms available.

For kids: several large fields for playing soccer, ball games, or kite flying. 

Outside food & drink permitted.

Pick up fresh bread or snacks at the bread shop or at Odakyu OX, both near the station's West Gate.