South Florida is a polarizing place. You either love it or hate it – there are no in betweens. If you asked me five years ago if South Florida was a place I liked, I’d have told you absolutely not. The humidity, the scene, the big highways. But that has changed, and I’ll be Miami bound this weekend!
Read on to see what’s changed!
South Florida used to be a place I visited from time to time. I’d jet off for a quick weekend away to visit my brother who went to college down there. But it was just a visit and I’d never consider living in Florida. It was sticky hot all the time — I hate sweating unless I’m working out — full of mosquitoes and just not my idea of a perfect vacation locale. I like snow and winter, so Southern Florida just wasn’t my cup of tea.
But now, my brother has decided to make a life for himself down there and just got married. My parents recently just moved there themselves. So heading to Southern Florida is no longer a place to visit just for fun, but a place to go “home” to see the people who matter most. A place I used to take for granted has now taken on a whole new meaning — a meaning I really like.
Living somewhere far away has made me appreciate all that is American.
From the big SUVs that overcrowd the 6-lane highways to Dunkin’ Donuts (which are a dime a dozen back home) to the humidity to the freezing A/C and especially the gorgeous water views along A1A, the family time, the outdoor shopping malls and all the other craziness that’s South Florida — I love it all. It’s where I’ll now go to get my little fix of America.
And maybe the best part of South Florida? The fact that I’ll always have somewhere to stay. Who can hate a place that provides free room and board??:-)
I’m wholly looking forward to this trip. More to come soon!
Hello, Yes! Florida as well so I had to comment. I just recently moved to France from Boston, MA but my mother lives in Sarasota, Fl. It was always a lovely place to visit but I never considered moving there as New England has always been my home. However when I got to France, I became homesick. Not for Boston but for Florida! Maybe because it is always easy and very casual in Sarasota. As much as I love France, being new to expat life here is stressful at times and I could use some of that simplicity right now. Fortunately for me, my husband (who is French) also loves Florida so we hope to spend our vacation time there next summer. I have really enjoyed your blog since I have moved here. I look forward to reading more. Thank you…..
Totally understand. The French really do like Florida and I can understand why. Gorgeous scenery, nice climate, lots to do. Had a major perspective shift about the state. So happy to hear you like the blog. Thank you!
Hello!II am French and I moved to south florida in 1998,My French boy friend and I lived in Fort Lauderdale until 2011 . We moved back to France Orleans for family reason. I could not get used to the bad weather so we settle in the south of France close to Cannes and I really enjoyed this Place very much. Now we are currently living in French Polynesia and I never been so homesick of florida. .In south florida we have met the best people from everywhere in the world and I had the best friends, We have made a decision 2014 we are going back to the humidity!
Yup, weather totally plays into our overall happiness and for you, you crave the heat. For me, I think I’d be miserable living in South Florida (but hey, you never know!). There are a lot of friendly people there so I understand what you mean. Best of luck to you in your future move!
Are you saying you can get Dunkin’ Donuts for a dime a dozen in France? Sounds delightful! Your brother got married on my birthday, btw!
Hi there, Dunkin Donuts shops don’t exist in France at all! So no iced coffee! We’re definitely getting our fix. Happy late birthday too!