The Last Chapter……

This post may be longer than most as the past 2 1/2 weeks were filled with so many magical moments. There will still be a closing up post to this spiritual journey(once settled) that in someway has ended, but truly is the beginning a new way of living for Laurie Sue, AKA- Dora the Explorer! I have learned that I was put on this earth to explore and seriously treasure the adventures I’ve been blessed to experience. Life is so precious (can end in a singular moment), count your lucky stars to be alive!!! 🙏🏻 Keep collecting memories!

To try to recap the highlights of my life in Miami Beach where I left off. Thankfully I have been walking again and had a 20K step day/ 9 miles- My favorite is these walkable cities. I had 3 professional lunch meetings in Florida with 2 attorney’s & a social worker, it’s so awesome to be connecting with adoption professionals and learning so much about different laws across state lines. Best, I got to enjoy trendy fun restaurants I would not have experienced otherwise. One meeting was on the water in downtown Miami at a chic/hip spot, and the other was in Boca Raton, a first time visit for me. Great people- good times, and valuable in my time spent with each of them for PairTree. I treated myself to a glorious Spa Day at the infamous Health & Wellness Carillon Resort & Spa. I know this place because I sold them the Somadome years ago. Do you remember my short stint of that meditation pod?…..lol. Well it is still there, yet they charge $99 for a 20 min session. I arrived at 9 am on a Saturday and stayed there until 7:30pm. Crazy, I know…..but for the price of a massage the need to take advantage of being at this beautiful property in North Miami Beach, why not? I have decided I prefer North Beach over South, and really love the town of Surfside. I had a relaxing massage, enjoyed the water experience circuit (a foot bath, aromatherapy steam room, thunderstorm/lightening showers, cold plunge/igloo, and a sauna), laid on the energy mat, and enjoyed the relaxation room. Made my way to their private beach with chairs and lunch/cocktail service to spend 4 hours staring into the ocean on a very windy day. The weather didn’t cooperate, but the sea was the most perfect color of turquoise. Around 430/5pm I moved to the pool/jacuzzi area and made friends with lots of friendly people from all over. Learned about restaurant suggestions and more things to do while in Miami. I had an early night at home watching the Emmy’s on the couch with another home cooked meal. Its like real life living in my apartment here.

The next day being Sunday I had more exercise planned, had also signed up for a meditation/chakra class at The Faena hotel. This place is over the top. Hands down the fanciest hotel in the area. The design and decorations are all red/gold/ turquoise. Its a boutique style resort that I wanted to experience. The best $20 spent in Miami. While I was waiting for the class to start, a kind beautiful lady befriended me in the lobby. She is an Argentinian jewish woman who knows everyone. She happens to be local and this is one of the few places you can have a spa membership. I met another guy and girl she was friends with while sitting there. She is a high end luxury realtor and invited me to her Champagne & Caviar event happening Wed night at their gallery showroom located at the 1 hotel. More plans…….The event was soooo fun……the condo building she is selling 2 -4 bedrooms start at $4.2 million and go up to 73 million. The 73 million penthouse has already sold, look up The Perigon. Extremely exclusive and very fancy with all Italian finishings, Michelin star chef will be on property for only residents. Its like exclusive resort living on the beach with butler/concierge services from lifestyles of the rich & famous. Again, I met great nice people and had a fun Wed night on the town.

I attended another Jewish film from the festival…..this time at The Miami Beach JCC, called The Three of us. It was cool to check out a JCC here, they had a lot of armed security. Constantly finding things to do after my long work days at these luxurious hotel lobby’s. The Edition Hotel has become my official office. I did try the Four Seasons one day in Surfside on a meeting day since closer to where I needed to meet my gal. . I walked around The Bal Harbor fancy shops one weekend day……wowee! This is a high end outdoor shopping area with only designer stores. It was a rainy day, and perfect to be walking in/out of stores.all price tags were $500+ for anything. A window shopping day for me, lol. I have made it for a walk or bike ride daily on the beautiful board walk. I will certainly miss living walking distance to the ocean. Im certainly a water girl, and not meant to live in the desert.

Thursday was a full work day, as I took off last my Friday with Stephanie coming to visit. As I was walking home from work late, I stumbled upon a lovely orchestra concert at the Art museum in front of my home. I stood in the park and soaked up the beautiful music under a full moon. When I walked into my building, I was greeted by the management as the building was hosting a wine & cheese night. I dropped my stuff off upstairs and came back down to meet my neighbors. I LOVE living in a door man building. I hung out with 2 young girls and 1 old lady,chatting it up drinking and snacking. Then headed to the airport to scoop up Stephanie. My friend of 20+ years who I have traveled to Bali & Ireland with, we have not had a real trip since she became a mommy. Her visit was a true treat for me and the best way to wrap up this first digital nomad tour.

My last weekend in Miami was perfection! Stephanie made it…….We could not have scripted it any better. Friday morning started off sooooo early, after very lil sleep. It was a Gedale Fenster day( a big part of her visiting) we woke at 5am, to ensure we made it to Aventura by 7am for his live class. Both, Steph and myself have been listening to his talks for 4-5 years everyday. It was such a treat to be in his presence and meet the others who actively participate, his talk today was about “Time to start celebrating in advance” happy to share the podcast link if interested. Or look him up- he’s like a modern day Jewish Tony Robbins- extremely motivational and beyond inspiring. Life changing for us, and many other jewish & non- jewish friends. Off to Pura Vida for a yummy breakfast and a drive along the famous A1A beachfront Ave. I love the stretch of scenery when you start from Aventura and pass all the hotels through Sunny Isles, Surfside, North Beach, and approach South Beach. Definitely LOVING South Florida. We did a 5 mile walk/bike ride all the way to South Pointe Pier, had a drink at Smith & Wollensky’s outside while watching huge boats pass by. I gave her. a real tour of all my favorite hotel spots. We walked through the lobby’s. & pool areas of the Setai, Ritz, Edition, and Faena. Steph was in awe and LOVES it here even more than me. It was time to get ready for our evening adventure. The traffic was insane to get to Palm Beach…..it was supposed to be 1,25 hours, and instead took almost 2.5 hours. We missed out on a visit to The Breakers, but did drive past it, along with the church Trump was married and the infamous Mara Lago before we arrived at The Palm Beach Synagogue. The guest scholar, Gedale Fenster speaking at the Shabbat Dinner event we attended. This was Steph’s first time experiencing a Friday night service, and what an experience at a beautiful modern orthodox temple (men & woman separate). We were definitely under dressed and the only ones in pants, but what I love is the warm acceptance from the orthodox community always. Our shoulders were covered and we were welcomed with open arms by all. The rabbi & his wife came over to say hi and learn where we were visiting from. Happy to learn we were Gedale followers…..After we were seated at a table with 4 others to enjoy a Shabbat meal. The food was SO good, and the company beyond enjoyable. One older couple getting ready to celebrate 69 years of marriage, mind blowing! Gedales talk here was over the top, and so well received with many thought provoking questions.

The drive home was only 1.25 hour, much faster. Saturday started early, as you know we have SO much to pack in her 3 day stay. A 9:30 am beach arrival. We soaked up the sun and beauty of the Atlantic ocean for 2 hours, before getting ready for our day spent in Miami, the city. We arrived in Little Havana for our 12:30 food walking tour and to learn the cultural history of Havana(a slice of Cuba) WOW, a must do tour if ever visiting. The music, art, history, the cigars, food, bakeries, and mostly the people. We LOVED our time spent. Ill spare you the details as this post is getting Loooong. After we drove through Wynwood so my talented artist friend could soak up the Wynwood Walls murals everywhere. Then to Brickell City Center, we made our way to the rooftop bar, Sugar in the East hotel. This beautiful establishment is on the 40th floor with stunning views of Miami. We enjoyed a drink before making our way over the Venetian Causeway back to Miami Beach taking in views of gorgeous mansions & yachts on the water. A real tourist filled day. The night ended with a progressive dining tour on Espanola Way and walks down Lincoln Rd. Steph face timed her husband to share all the lively action of this eclectic fun city. They will be planning to come back here together.

Sunday, was a relaxing beach day. We had a very cathartic moment while honoring a dear friend’s life in his birth place of Miami. A beautiful ceremony by the water for him, since passing away suddenly (way too soon 😢) on Jan 13th. Steph is my art therapist friend who deals with loss/grief counseling on a daily basis at The Phoenix Children’s Hospital. She adds such richness, meaning, and depth to anyone lucky to be in her presence. It was truly needed and very special. We swam in the ocean and soaked up the sun, absolutely living life to its fullest potential. It was an 80 degree day and the beach was getting crowded. We ended with pedicures, before I dropped her at the Airport. I headed home to start packing up for my Tuesday departure.

The last 2 days were appreciated immensely! I had my early morning beach walks, one last bike ride, a Ritz night and more Lincoln Rd walks. Im currently in Arizona now being welcomed back with big smilies and over flowing love from family & friends. See you all soon!

love Laurie Sue

AKA- Dora the Explorer….💕🎉😚🥳