What Is So Great About Miami?

[Cecil Fox Palmer]

Why do Argentines constantly ask me why, since I have a US Passport, am I not in Miami? What is so great about Miami? Why do the Argentines love it so much? I've never been, but it's in Florida, for Christ's sake. It seems I have offended yet another person by implying that just maybe he's a nut for suggesting that I, who have no connections, friends, relatives, or any interest in that city, and who haven't even lived in the US, should just pack up and be there just because I have citizenship.

I don't get it, the obsession with this particular city is just weird and after four years of getting asked the same thing, it's really starting to annoy me.

 

[jantango]

After 16.5 years in Buenos Aires, not one Argentine has ever mentioned Miami to me. Miami has a growing Argentine community.

 

[Noesdeayer]

Miami is the favorite destination of most Latin Americans including Argentines who go to the U.S. only to shop.Over the last 35 years, It has also become a center for Latin Americans doing business in the U.S.There is a huge L.A. population in Miami now even dwarfing the Cubans of Little Havana.Personally,I loath Miami especially the airport but next week since I'm flying with American Airlines to Colombia and then on to Cailfornia, NYC and back to B.A. in Oct.,I will be twiced forced to spend time in that airport.Grin and bear it!

 

[Ries]

I think they all want to go to Sawgrass Mall.
http://www.simon.com/mall/sawgrass-mills

 

[Redbeanz]

Miami is seen as a shopping paradise. Because it has become harder for Argentines to buy imported clothing and other items, people who can afford the flight, enjoy going there for both shopping and vacationing, especially during the South American winter months. The fact that many if not most store clerks, waiters, etc speak Spanish makes it that much more appealing than other U.S. Shopping/vacationing destinations.

But why so many people you meet think it strange that you, yourself, don't live there, I have no idea. Maybe because it seems like such a dream location?

 

[syngirl]

Worse than the Miami obsession, I do NOT understand the Orlando/Disney World obsession. I know adults who went there on their honeymoon before they even had kids. I know people who have toddlers and have already gone multiple times. I mean once if you happen to be in Florida, maybe I understand, but multiple times?? I have to believe that the money people spend on that could be used to go to more interesting destinations, or at least for a beach holiday (though of course for locals that would immediately make them think of Punta Cana or Cancun, nothing much further afield...).

 

[johnw100]

Quite simple, Miami has sun, sea and shops and almost everyone speaks spanish. Its also the nearest U.S city to Argentina, which means its cheaper to get to.

I`ve been to Miami twice , I enjoyed it. Quite amusing seeing Argentines at the mall walking around with suitcases, filling them with shopping.

 

[nikad]

For most Argentines: Miami = shopping deals + no need for English proficiency + muchos latinos + warm + beach + Disney and in the 1st world!

( all the reasons why I dislike it and FL in general )

 

[Girino]

Also Italians have this constant myth of Miami. Then they go there and see the sea/beach are not so great compared to ours, it's impersonal, and there is basically everything you can find in Europe, minus the Cubans. And they ask "what's so great about Miami?!". Indeed!

Argentines, on another account, are drunk with the sip of the 1st world they enjoyed while there and won't stop praising Miami.

 

[HenryNisental]

I have been in Miami last February, for a month (plus six other southerner states) with my 23 y.o. nephew, and drove 3,000+miles on a rental car. While other US cities like Charleston, Atlanta or New Orleans have their own attractions, none combine the benefits of Miami, for us. Excellent beaches, Disney World, Universal Studios, the NASA Kennedy Space Center (where we witnessed a rocket launch at night), the Keys and other are important pluses, shopping at Sawgrass Mall was an experience in itself. New to me, there was plenty of discounts, offers, clean outs, etc; plus good prices for computers, cameras, phones, sneakers, etc, a must for the youngsters. We brought full suitcases and the kid will have enough clothing until he graduates from college, I think. How can you compete with that?