So we had this discussion about out how extreme people can be in Miami. I think I am so used to it from multiple vacations prior that I stopped noticing.
For example, whenever you ask someone how far something or some place is, you get the usual '15-20min max' answer. It always takes longer than they say. 'How long for drawing approvals from Landlord?' gets me an answer like 'A little bit', or 'It's coming along.' What does that even mean? The same generally goes for anything you are waiting for too, such as a table in a packed restaurant, an appointment, etc. In Toronto, I feel like we don't sugar coat, we tell it like it is: 'Get on the DVP and it will take you at least an hour.'
Lesson #1: Miami Minutes are calculated differently.
When it comes to service when dining out (and sometimes buying groceries), you feel like you should be thankful to even be acknowledged. Heaven forbid you ask for any substitutions, or questions about the food, and you might end up with a not-so-subtle rolling of the eyes. The best part is that tipping is completely expected and you will see the 18% added onto your bill. Don't get me wrong, I have been pleasantly surprised once in a while by impeccable service that blows my mind too, but far and few between. I'm sticking to those few places. And I am also mentally noting that I have to teach my Blo staff some good old Canadian hospitality when the time comes.
Lesson #2: Don't expect anything but a chair to sit on. The rest is all bonus.
Lastly, like anywhere else, money talks in Miami. The difference is that it practically yells and screams for attention, probably because there is just soo much of it. I took my Audi for an oil change this weekend at The Collection, a ridiculously high-end dealership (www.thecollection.com). They have tons of celebrity clientele (remember it from Kourtney & Kloe take Miami??) and so everyone gets the star treatment, even me! Driving the car in was an experience: we are greeted with doors opened, taken to our Service Advisor in his glass office, then proceed to go over the details of the oil change. I am given the option to wait in the lounge, or given recommendations on nearby food and shopping. We take the latter since we are hurting from sleeping at 7am, and grab some lunch before heading back. When we come back, we are taken to a separate desk to pay, then escorted to a lounge to wait while they bring the car around. We are offered luxury coffees and little coke shots, while seated at barstools facing Ferrari's in the showroom. They bring my car around, washed, cleaned and fully air-conditioned before we get in! I don't even know if the feeling of that place can be adequately described, but it's REALLY nice. It also made me feel something for luxury cars that I have never felt before. In comparison, my last oil change in Toronto resulted in some CDs missing from my car...
Lesson #3: Act like you have money even if you don't. People are much nicer, and you fit in better.
Fabulously broke in my Jimmy Choos,
xo
Fatima
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