:mattLandia:

I spent late 93 through mid 95 living in Miami Beach. When I left, I never looked back. I spent the past week working (and playing some) in South Beach. In fact, I was staying at a hotel around the corner from the skate shop I used to run. Sad to say, but in spite of a growing condo skyline and the odd fresh coat of paint, the place remains largely the same.

Over the past few years, people have asked me why I left Miami Beach. Or Miami in general. My answer has always been as follows. If you live in Miami Beach, you better be at least two or more of the following:

- Gay
- Filthy rich. Not "I drive a Ferrari" rich. More like"Lets set my Ferrari on fire for fun!" rich.
- Work in the fashion industry as a model, photographer, etc.
- Own a club or have steady gigs as a club DJ.
- Latin or speak Spanish fluently.

Pues si, hablo cristiano, pero lastimosamente, no califico en cualquiera de los otros aptitudes. Yeah, a cool place to hang out with friends. Yeah, a great place to swim with out getting even getting so much as a chill from the water. And yeah, even a great place to blow a wad of cash on a long weekend. Not a place to spend more than a few days though. Too bad too. If they had a more vibrant indie music scene, or anti-glam scene, it would go a long as an antidote to the VIP scene, perhaps giving the location some much needed heart and soul. It's a shame it doesn't.

In spite of Sobe's short comings, I must give respect where it is deserved. This beach town's crowing jewel, the diamond in it's gay DJ crown of fashionista club jewels, is San Loco. Open most of the day and night, it serves the best fish tacos on the East Coast. It was there when I left, and as of last week, it's still there serving crazy good Taco Locos with no attitude. Which is saying something for a town spray coated in attitude.

Saint Crazy. Good to the last frejole.