Well I am back to my diary. Maybe this time I will be true to the name. Diary, means listing of things, ideas, thoughts et cetera, on a daily basis. In any event, I am now away from home and in what used to be home that I left, determinedly and for good three and one half years ago.
It was exciting to be back to my old place…I’ve still property here…and to see the things I was used to seeing. Also, I left Valencia when it was 13 degrees and raining, and here it is 33 degrees and sunny. I loved the feeling of the sun on my face, and the heat. In Valencia it’s been winter since November (2021) and I was totally bored and tired of winter. My friends back home tell me it is still cold, gray and raining…
But I tell you, dear diary, I have been here five days already and I realise that the reasons I chose to leave here are still alive and kicking and many more have surfaced. Now I see that a cup of espresso coffee (cafe solo in Spain) is $2,75! My God! And people queuing in front of restaurants and also queuing in front of the Cuban-style coffee shops (just like in Spain and Italy, people stand at the counter, order and drink their shot of espresso) and I could not believe it!
Miami Beach has become extremely expensive and I mean everything! The cheapest hotel room is over $600 per night! A beer is $10, a martini can be as low as $15 and as high as $20 and if you go to the supermarket a few little things can cost you as high as $88!!! I do not know how people live here! When I lived here things were getting expensive but I never would have thought they would get to this level. In Spain I go to Mercadona and buy groceries for two weeks, including four or five bottles of good wine and never spend more than 70 euros!
Good grief! I am so glad I am a visitor here!
JaZzArt en València 
Dear Diary. The grass is always greener and maybe cheaper on the other side of the fence. Not sure if you’re renting a car but gas is probably cheaper in Miami than Europe. But maybe not much else.
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Yes, gas is much cheaper but we’ve small cars, lots of electric cars and hybrids so it’s not bad. But supermarkets here! I could not believe it! And the price of wine! Wine is a necessity and a first line item. How can it be so expensive? In Spain I never spend more than 4,00€ on a good bottle and here a cheap one is 7,99$!
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They may be cheaper at Trader Joe’s.
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What is Trader Jo’s?
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Ah! A good read. A smashing good read.
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Thank you! I am glad you stopped by and liked it.
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Un post genial, gracias por compartir Francis.
Disfruta tu expresso.
Elvira
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Gracias a ti Elvira, un abrazo de Miami!
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Un placer Francis y otro abrazo desde México.
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Nobody said that sun, surf, and sand were cheap, but Miami is a little over the top. Plus, I imagine the traffic is five times what you deal with at home. The only good thing is that your property value has probably grown as much as inflation. Stay safe, my friend!
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Yes, property value has increased and that’s a plus…staying in the sun getting tanned my friend. All the best!
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Stay as long as you like, my friend! We are happy to have you!
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Thanks my brother! Happy to be here!
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It’s no cheaper on the West coast, it’s getting really bad!
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I was in shock!
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Trader Joe’s is a specialty chain grocery store. From their website; Trader Joe’s is a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores. We are committed to providing our customers outstanding value in the form of the best quality products at the best everyday prices. Through our rewarding products and knowledgeable, friendly Crew Members, we have been transforming grocery shopping into a welcoming journey full of discovery and fun since 1967.
At Trader Joe’s, you won’t find a lot of branded items. Instead, you’ll discover a store full of unique and interesting products, along with everyday basics, in the Trader Joe’s label.
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Hmm. I don’t recall ever seeing them in Miami. Here we’ve Publix and Fresh Market
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Trader Joe’s Miami Beach (779)
1683 West Ave
Miami Beach, FL 33139 US
305-534-4951
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New place, not here when I lived here. Thanks so much Pat!
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