Beats Bray...

Miami beach
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We arrived into Miami after a mammoth train journey - about 13 hours i think. The trains are actually really comfy, and its not a bad way to travel. In saying that, there's only so much microwave pizza you can eat.

First impression of Miami, like a lot of the South so far, has been a wet one. We arrived into yet another thunderstorm. We took a cab to South Beach, where our hotel was.

"It looked like the tropical paradise everyone can picture in their heads. At least it did when the sun shined"

Another view of Miami beach
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South Beach is Miami's seaside and beach resort. It's on an island linked to the mainland by a freeway over Biscayne bay and It's a brilliant place. All the buildings date from the 1920s - art deco style - and our hotel boasted Al Capone as one of its residents for a few years. Despite the rain, we ventured out and took a stroll around the area, which was hopping, being a Friday night.

The people you bump into in South Beach are a law unto themselves. 24 hour party people would be an understatement. The "surf dude" we met on our first night (complete with peroxide blond mullet and pink mini skirt - yes it was a man) seemed confused when we said we were from Ireland. Europe seemed to work better for him, so we left him to contemplate that.

Ciara gets her hands around a big pink one
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It was a real shame that we didnt get great weather here in Miami, as the beach here is just stunning. Its golden sands are dotted with huge palm trees all the way up. It looked like the tropical paradise everyone can picture in their heads. At least it did when the sun shined.

There are lots, and i mean lots of bars, clubs and restaurants here. Taking a stroll up Ocean Drive and stopping into one of the many cafe and bistros for breakfast set the tone for our most chilled out destination so far.

Freedom of the Seas - the largest cruise ship in the world
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We took a bus and boat tour into the city on our 3rd day. A pirate ship (I felt right at home) brought us out into Biscayne Bay for a look at the many man-made islands which are home to the rich and famous. We floated past the homes of Sly Stallone, Frank Sinatras old palce, J-Lo lovely rooftop jacuzzi, and Gloria Estefan's home. Madonna, P.Diddy (or whatever he's called today), Shaqeel O'Neill are all resident. The guy who created Viagra lives here too (you can tell his place from the bigger palm trees). It was really a millionaires playground, and re-inforced Ciaras belief that she really would prefer to be rich.

Ciara sends her best wishes to everyone at home
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We leave Miami today and catch a flight to Las Vegas. By the way, our hotel here, the clay hotel, is a dump so if you're coming over avoid it. We're hoping our Las Vegas hotels will put it slightly in the shade. We'll update from vegas, where the weather will no doubt be better.

Mark & Ciara