Kennedy Space Center

One week before the last space shuttle launch, we arrived at Kennedy Space Center in a large, large group (about 300 adults and children).  The first stop for our exciting day was the Space Shuttle IMAX movie.  The movie is narrated by Tom Cruise and through special effects of IMAX 3D allows viewers to join the Space Station astronauts as they live, work, and adapt in space.  The movie shows, in detail, the work that goes into preparing for a flight to space and what happens once the astronauts are on missions.  It shows how they sleep, eat, bathe, work, etc.  The movie also explains why they are building the space station and the importance of space exploration.  It is an informative movie and interest is maintained throughout. 

From the theater we made our way to the Space Shuttle Plaza.  We walked through  "Explorer" a full scale replica of the space shuttle by the same name.  This is basically a view of the inside of a space shuttle.  Then on to the Shuttle Launch Experience, which is a very mild simulation of a shuttle flight.  It's okay to do once. 

We strolled through the Rocket Garden and took fabulous photos of historic rockets.  Afterwards, we had a very costly lunch and the children played in the Children's Play Dome. 

Since this was an educational experience, we attended a class for the children about the Space Shuttle program in the Center for Space Education.  The teacher explained that the shuttle will be retired because the technology is obsolete and they need to develop other vehicles for space travel.  According to her, the space program will continue, however, will be changing along with the times and improved technology.  During the class the children also learned about the components required for a space shuttle to take flight and land.  The students made shuttles of their own.  Once the models were done, we went outside and launched them.
Although the park is not huge there are several exhibits to see.  Some of the exhibits we did not see were:
Hubble 3D movie, Star Trek Live, Exploration Space:  Explorers Wanted, Eye on the Universe: the Hubble Space Telescope, Astronaut Encounter, Early Space Exploration, Launch Status center, Astronaut Memorial, and Robot Scouts.

The experience was very positive and enjoyable for all.

Palacio de los Jugos

Palacio de los Jugos is a landmark in Miami.  Far from an elegant atmosphere, Palacio de los Jugos is more of a "cafeteria"  and fruit market.  There are a variety of typical Cuban dishes on the menu.  The chicharrones (fried pork skin) are very popular.  The most popular items on the menu are the natural fruit juices.  They have a variety of fruit juices ranging from the ever-popular orange juice to more exotic juices such as mango or papaya juice.  The juices are all fresh-squeezed and delicious.  Drop by any of their many locations and enjoy a taste of the Carribbean.  Try the chicharrones and a tropical fruit juice.  You won't be disappointed.

Paquito's Mexican Restaurant

Paquito's is a quaint Mexican restaurant on South Dixie Highway a little south of Aventura Mall.    They serve the most delicious home-made salsa I've ever tasted.  Mariachis keep the atmosphere lively and festive.  The meal was fabulous and highly recommended.

I ordered the chicken fajitas and was very happy with my choice.  Everything was very fresh and the flavors were exquisite.

Stop by for an authentic Mexican meal you won't soon forget.

Miami Food Trucks

The Miami Food Truck fad is out of control!!!  I attended my first Food Truck event last night.  I must say I was very surprised to see an almost carnival-like atmosphere.  I didn't count, but it seems there were about 40 trucks and thousands of people.  Cars were parked as far as 10 blocks away. 

From what I understand, the trucks were at this location last night because they couldn't meet at their usual Friday night place.  It seems that next week , the meetings will be back at:  Mother of Christ Church on 141st Ave and SW 26th Street.

A Food Truck groupie told me that normally the trucks park side by side and form a large square. Patrons bring lawn chairs, etc. and sit in the middle in a large open area.  Last night, the trucks were lined up in rows.  It seemed a little crowded and overwhelming, but that is not the usual scenario.

The best news is that the food was delicious.  This is a great opportunity to sample different, unique Miami dishes and spend some time outdoors in a relaxed environment.

Some of the dishes we sampled were:

Ms. Cheezious...Havarti grilled cheese sandwich with sliced apples and The Italian
Purple People Eatery...the broccoli mac n'cheese and sweet potato fries

Latin Burger & Taco...cheeseburger and fries

Sir Pizza...bacon pizza

Juice Blendz...strawberry and banana smoothie
MonTaco...fish taco
Chipstix...Swirl fried potato on a stick


I definitely recommend the experience...at least once.  Once you go, you'll be hooked!!!


Food trucks meet several times each week and at different places throughout the city.  Meeting days, times and places vary.    You must check with a reliable source for information.  For more detailed information about Food Truck Events, visit:

http://burgerbeast.com/
www.facebook.com/StreetFoodFridays
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168081576573907&ref=ts

Enjoy the ride!

Public Transportation

Metrobus is an economical way to get around the city.  For the Metrobus routes and schedules see:  http://www.miamidade.gov/transit/library/alignments/2009/mdt_system_map-09.pdf

View the Transit System Map to determine which route is more convenient for your trip. Then click on the route number/name from the list below to display detailed route information, including schedules and the route map.  You can also use the Trip Planner, located on the right, to find the quickest way of getting to your final destination.

The Airport Flyer makes traveling to or from Miami International Airport fast, easy and convenient. For just $2.35 each way, passengers can ride comfortably aboard 40-foot buses equipped with luggage racks and spacious seating. The bus runs every 30 minutes and provides express service from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week. The Airport Flyer travels between MIA and Miami Beach, making one stop at the Earlington Heights Metrorail station. Metrorail also connects you to many more destinations around Miami-Dade County.

The Metrorail and Metromover offer a scenic and inexpensive view of the city while traveling. There are twenty-two Metrorail stations about one mile apart, providing easy access for bus riders, pedestrians, and passengers.  The Metromover provides connections to 20 additional locations along the metrorail route.

Public transportation is a viable and interesting option for getting around Miami and the beaches. 

For information call:  311 or 305-468-5900
www.miamidade.gov/transit

*Images and information from Miami-Dade County Transit webpage