When we arrived in Miami, the first thing we did was drive around for nearly 2 hours looking for a parking space. It was a total mess -- cars were everywhere. We finally found a spot in a public lot a few blocks north of Ocean Avenue. We pulled in, got our things, and tried to feed the meter. Unfortunately, the meter was broken and wouldn't accept any coins. What to do? Should we continue driving and look for another spot with a working meter? Or should we risk it, hoping we wouldn't get ticketed -- or towed? We decided to chance it. I thought that if I shoved a coin in the mouth of the meter, the Parking Meter person would realize the problem and forgive me.

So off we went. Walking along the beach, we made our way to Ocean Avenue.

The first thing we noticed was all the people. From the hotels, bars, and restaurants on the west side of the street, spilling across Ocean Avenue and onto the park on the east side of the street, there were people everywhere.

Some of the people were working...

...some of the people were prostletyzing...

...but most of the people were just relaxing and enjoying themselves.



We wandered around for a while, checking out the art deco buildings. We also stopped -- like everyone else! -- to imagine what kind of kickin' party must be going on inside the Versace Mansion, which had clearly been rented out for the weekend. The Versace mansion is the only private residence on Ocean Avenue, and probably the most famous stop along this hallowed trail.

Of course, there were some particapants who didn't look all that happy to be in the middle of this seething mass of humanity.

While others seemed very happy to be outside, in the fresh air, surrounded by people.

Generally speaking, though, everyone was excited for the Big Game -- including us. Drinks were flowing. People were smiling. The air was thick with anticipation.

Finally, just before sunset, we returned to the parking lot. Was my car still there? Yes. had I received a ticket? Nope. Maybe the Parking Lot Gods were smiling down upon me, forgiving me for those two hours I had spent earlier, driving aimlessly, searching for a spot.