Almost all of the clients I meet in Miami, ask to have lunch or drinks at a restaurant in SoBe (Art Deco District of South Beach running from 5th to 15th Streets along Ocean Drive). I think these requests stem from the often filmed scenes appearing in so many feature films and television series.

I try to accommodate these requests by visiting Lummus Park and the adjacent beach stretching out into the Atlantic Ocean. Of course, we usually take a walk across the soft white powder (sand)! ...

Me: Hello, when we checked in earlier, the front desk person suggested we call if we have any questions, need anything or encounter any problems.

Guest Services: Yes Sir, how can we be of service?
Me: We love this property, we love our suite and the view of the Pacific Ocean is absolutely stunning!

Guest Services: Yes Sir, how can we be of service?

Me: This place is a little more high tech than hotels we often use. However, ...

Yep, no matter the language and whether or not you speak or understand it, you intuitively know what it means when you are standing in the boarding area and the last column on the flight announcement board lights up with something like:

cancelado, annulé, annullato, zrušen, storniert, ακυρώθηκε, отменен

Facial expressions change dramatically for the worst.

Cellular phones are frantically dialed and pressed to ears.
...

We have ceased selfishly collecting/hoarding hotel toiletries....you know, those cute little bottles and bars of soap you probably wouldn't find or consider buying back home.

We've changed (at least somewhat modified) our pilfering ways!

OK, not totally, since we do save a few of the more luxurious items.....using them in our master bath or tucking them in the guest room and powder room for use by house guests.

Why the change? ...

When flying to Argentina out of Miami International Airport, we find it is better to arrive about 3 1/2 hours prior to our scheduled departure. Once aboard and settled, maybe a glass of Malbec (skip the meal and entertainment) and try to spend the next 8 3/4 hours of confinement to various stages of sleep. With any luck, we arrive on time, speedily disembarking at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport and head for the lower level of the transit passenger area.

...