Heat, Beats and Magic Streets

Episode Transcript

Speaker 1 (00:00):
Welcome y'all to All Things Miami, your ultimate travel guide
to the Magic City. Whether you're flying in for the
first time or making your way down I ninety five,
we got everything you need to know to make your
trip unforgettable. From the sun soaked beaches of South Beach
to the street art of Wyndwood, from Cuban Coffee to

(00:22):
Little Havana to rooftop cocktails downtown. We'll help you plan, play,
and party like a local. We'll cover how to get around,
where to stay, what to eat, and how to soak
in all the culture, nightlife, and flavor Miami has to offer.
Just remember, pace yourself, stay hydrated, and get ready to

(00:42):
fall in love with one of the most electric cities
in the world. This is All Things Miami. We've accomplished
a lot, but there's one thing. There's actually several more
things we need to talk about. One of them may
not be all that exciting, but it's also something that
everyone needs to know and it can actually help take

(01:04):
some of the stress out of your trip to Miami
or any other big city. And that is a local
customs and etiquette, because that can be different from city
to city or destination to destination. So knowing some basics
about etiquette and some of the local customs, particularly in

(01:26):
a place like Miami, can absolutely be huge. It can
save you some embarrassment, some stress, and you actually, you know,
if you follow these simple things, you'll just look like
you're on top of the game and you might even
be a local. That's cool anyway. As we all know now,

(01:47):
Miami is a melting pot of cultures that boasts a
vibrant and social landscape that blends Latin American flair with
American dynamism. Understanding local customs and etiquette is key to
immersing yourself fully and respectfully in this unique environment. This episode,

(02:08):
we're gonna equip you with the knowledge that you need
to navigate social situations with confidence and grace and sharing
a truly enriching Miami experience. So let's begin with something
really simple, dress codes. While Miami is known for its
relaxed atmosphere, particularly in beachside areas, dressing appropriately demonstrates respect

(02:34):
and good judgment. Think of Miami's dress as a spectrum.
So on the beach, swimwear is perfectly acceptable, but remember
to always have a cover up readily available for walking
to and from the beach or visiting nearby establishments. Many
beachside restaurants and bars, while casual, still maintain a certain standard,

(02:56):
so avoid overtly revealing clothing, thinking shorts and a T
shirt or a sundress. When venturing into more upscale areas
like South Beaches, Art Deco District or Coconut Grows trendy boutiques,
a more polished approach is recommended. For dinners at finer restaurants,

(03:17):
consider smart casual attire think khakis or Chino's with a
collared shirt for men and style of sundress or skirt
and blouse for women. Observing the dress of locals and
in particular area is always a good gauge of what
considers appropriate. I'm not telling you how to dress, okay,

(03:38):
but you also don't want to be that person or
you don't want to be that family, you know what
I'm talking about. So have an idea, even though you're
on vacation, show a little class, you know, show the
class that you brought with you and that you're going
to take home with you. So living in a tourist
area myself, it is actually appreciated. Now, we're not going

(03:59):
to make anybody leave because they show up in flip
flops in a baying suit. But you know, it's also
may not make everybody completely happy and comfortable, So just
kind of remember that. Another thing when you talk about
is tips, and I'm you know, I'm big. I've had
a short time in food and bev. But you know,

(04:22):
this is how these people make a living, So don't
forget that. So tipping is another crucial aspect of Miami
social etiquette. While tipping isn't mandatory everywhere, it's deeply ingrained
custom demonstrate demonstrating appreciation for good service and restaurant A
tip of fifteen to twenty percent is customary. And again,

(04:43):
all right, we're talking about good service. We're not talking
about McDonald's or anything not that you can't get good
service at McDonald's. So depending on the level of service received,
for exceptional service, a higher tip is always appreciated. For bartenders,
a dollar are two per drink, it's the standard tip.

(05:03):
Taxi drivers typically received fifteen to twenty percent tip, while
for ride shares like Uber or Lyft, rounding up the
fare or adding a small percentage it is common practice.
And you can do that on the app right and
you don't have to do it right. Then you can
do it once you get to your destination. You look back,
Oh that guy was great. We had a great conversation.

(05:25):
He got me here quick. You know, here's five bucks,
here's seven bucks. That goes a long way with those guys,
it really does. And they work hard. Believe me, hotel staff,
including bell hops and housekeeping and concierge, always appreciates tips
for their services. So this is what I always do.
I always have an envelope with me, or I ask

(05:46):
for one at the front desk, and I'll put you know,
I don't have a lot of cash on hand ever,
but you know, if I find a ten dollar bill
or even a twenty dollars bill, if I've been there
for four or five days, I put in an envelope
and I just put housekeeping for a little smiley face,
and I'm good. There are some hotels that I go

(06:07):
to regularly, or at least used to for business, and
I was there for four or five days once or
twice a month, and you know, by the third or
fourth time, they knew who I was, and my room
was amazingly clean, and they treated me with absolute respect.

(06:28):
And part of that had to do with the fact
that I was respecting them by always leaving them some
kind of a tip to appreciate what they do for
me and keeping my room very, very clean, and that's
why I did a lot of my work. So it's
been a lot to me and it's been a lot
to them, So that's mutual respect. It's a win when
I always remember that while tipping is expected, it should

(06:49):
reflect the quality of service received. Don't feel pressured to
tip excessively if you're not satisfied. Social interactions in Miami
are generally warm and welcoming. While the pace of life
can be fast, especially in the urban core, locals often
appreciate a friendly demeanor and a willingness to engage in conversation. However,

(07:11):
it's important to remember that not everyone is comfortable with
not comfortable with immediate close interaction. Observe the body language
of the person that you are interacting with and adjust
your approach is needed. In other words, it's all about perception.
Maintaining eye contact during conversation is considered polite, demonstrating attentiveness

(07:34):
and respect. Handshakes are common greeting, although in more casual
settings a simple hello will suffice, you know, so that's
my kids right. Language is also a significant aspect of
Miami's cultural setting. While English is widely spoken, Spanish is

(07:57):
equally prevalent, particularly in Little Havanah and other neighborhoods with
strong Latin American influences. Attempting a few basic Spanish phrases
such as ola or gracias poor for war is often
appreciated and demonstrates cultural sensitivity. Even as simple when asdis

(08:17):
or wheness part is I think I did that can
go a long way and fostering a positive interaction. Don't
be discouraged if your Spanish is not perfect. The effort
itself speaks volumes because you know their English probably isn't perfect,
so you're meeting halfway. Navigating Miami's diverse cultural landscape requires

(08:38):
sensitivity and awareness. Miami is a city brimming with people
from various backgrounds, each with their own unique customs and beliefs.
Respecting individual differences is paramount. Avoid making broad generalizations or
stereotypes about any group, and be mindful of your language
and behavior. Open mindedness and a willingness to learn and

(09:01):
adapt or vital to ensure a positive and respectful exchange.
With those that you meet. I mean, listen, you should
be doing this at home too, write. I mean, I
can't tell you how many times when I was when
my kids were little, and we'd be in a casual
restaurant there'd be a group of let's just say college

(09:22):
age kids, sometimes a little bit older than that, and
their language was absolutely disgusting, really is what it was.
And this is coming from an ex football player. I've
been around the language my entire life. I understand it,
I get it. I have used some of it sometimes
when I need to make a point, but I'm also

(09:43):
aware of my surroundings and these people were not. So
I'm that guy you know that's going to get up
and I'm going to go over to your table or
your booth and I'm going to let you know it's
not appreciated, and I'm going to do it very nicely
the first time, and just kind of let you know,
to be aware of what's around you. And I don't

(10:05):
want my kids hearing that, and it makes my whole
family very uncomfortable. Ninety five percent of the time it
was handled right then and not a problem. A couple
of times, you know, it took a couple more trips
over there, and you know the big guy had to
get a little to do a little testy, so to speak. Right,
either way, it was handled. So public transportation, let's talk

(10:32):
about that. Public transportation is relatively efficient in Miami, but
navigating it can sometimes be challenging. It's important to be
aware of your surroundings and take necessary precautions against petty theft,
especially in crowded areas. Always keep your valuable secure and
avoid displaying excessive amounts of cash or expensive jewelry. If

(10:55):
you feel uncomfortable in a particular situation, it's always best
to remove yourself from it. Look, chances are this isn't
going to happen. Take a few precautions. Just be aware,
Be conscious of that. It's a possibility, you know, and
you're probably not going to be an issue as long

(11:15):
as you're aware of it, you know. I mean it's
again it's perception about that traffic in Miami can be unpredictable,
especially during peak hours. If driving, be prepared for congestion
and allow extra time for your journeys. Driving defensively and

(11:36):
following traffic laws are essential, just like they should be
for you at home. Patience is a Virtue had a
long sermon this morning on patients, especially when navigating the
city's often challenging road network. Furthermore, remember that pedestrians have
the right of way and it's always courteous to yield

(11:56):
to them, and it's also the law. Well Miami enjoys
a warm and welcoming an atmosphere, it's wise to stay
alert to your surroundings as petty theft can occur. Avoid
walking alone in poorly lit areas at night, and never
leave valuables unattended. Be aware of your surroundings and crowded
tourist spots, and avoid flashing expensive jewelry your lord sums

(12:18):
of cash. Reporting any incidents of the local authorities promptly
is very recommended. Respecting the natural environment is crucial, especially
given Miami's proximity to the oceans and it's less natural areas. So,
I mean, what's the word we always say, you know,

(12:39):
leave no trace, you know, leave no trace behind, put
your trash away. I mean, it's simple things like that.
Don't let bags of chips blow away on the beach,
you know, don't leave your cups around and expect somebody
else to clean it. And for God's sake. If you're
still at the point and you haven't gotten with it

(12:59):
where you smoke, don't just throw your cigarette butts down,
because that you could end up getting your butt kicked
over something like that. I mean, don't do that. Don't
do that where I'm from. I'm going to tell you
that right now. I'm in my soapbox already. Uh. Anyway,
many beaches have designated areas for smoking, so it's important

(13:21):
to hear to these regulations. Respecting the natural beauty of
the area is an important aspect of responsible tourism. I mean,
you want to you want to fit in as much
as you can, and you want to be able to
come back. You know, you don't. Again, we say this
all the time. You don't want to be that guy,
and you don't want to be those people. You don't

(13:42):
want to be that family. You know, we used to
joke about it when we would so we were traveling.
We were a family of five and my brother and
sister in law's family of five. So when we travel
together is ten, all right, So in the airport we
were that family. You know what I'm saying. If there's
a line somewhere, an amusement part where that family that's

(14:03):
always together and always have some sort of little issue
with a child doing something. But it wasn't a bad
those people. It was just you know, where that huge
group of people where those people. We're that family, So
I know how you know you still feel a little
uncomfortable because you know it's a little bit annoying to
the people around you, But you know we're doing the

(14:25):
best we can and we did it as respectfully as possible. Finally,
remember that adapting to Miami's rhythm takes time. While you
might encounter situations that differ from your own cultural norms,
patience and an open mind are key embrace the city's
unique blend of cultures and embrace the unexpected. It's all

(14:46):
part of the Miami experience. By demonstrating cultural sensitivity and respect,
you'll not only enhance your own personal experience, but also
contribute to more positive, enjoyable environment for everyone. And you'll
find out that you will get a lot of respect back.
Your journey through Miami will be made even richer by

(15:07):
an understanding of the local customs and etiquette, making your
escape truly memorable. The warmth and vibrancy of Miami's culture
will be amplified if your approach, if you approach it
with respect and understanding. By incorporating these tips into your
travel plans, you are setting yourself up for a memorable

(15:27):
and enriching experience in this diverse and exciting city. I mean,
come out. We all want to go to Miami. We
all love Miami. There's so much to do there. Whether
you want to go hardcore and fast or if you
just want to take it easy. It'll be laid back.
It's all there for you, and it's nice and warm
almost all year round. So listen, plan ahead. It's time

(15:47):
to start making those reservations. Don't want to miss the
season anyway. Until I see y'all next time. God bless