Author: kyleeandrade

Miami in Miami Final Reflection as Text

“Trouvaille” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Miami on April 25^th 2023.

Photograph taken and edited by Professor John Bailly/CC by 4.0

If I could describe Miami in one word, it would be “trouvaille”. This is a French word meaning a “lucky find” or a “found treasure”. Truly, Miami was my trouvaille… my lucky treasure. If I hadn’t moved to Miami to attend Florida International University, I don’t think I would have ever experienced the hidden beauty that South Florida has to offer. Amidst all the media coverage of Miami’s nightlife, clubs, fancy restaurants, and malls, the most important aspect of Miami was never shown… its invaluable historical sites and cultural landmarks. However, thanks to the course “Miami in Miami” taught by Professor Bailly, my whole life was transformed into learning all about the hidden “treasures” that Miami had including its islands, beaches, historical sites, burial mounds, national parks, iconic places of worship, art museums, nature preserves, and extraordinary landmarks that make Miami a melting pot filled with culture and history.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Truly, one of my favorite memories throughout this entire semester in the course was having the opportunity to visit Everglades and go slough slugging through the freshwater and Spanish moss. Specifically, the reason for why I loved this memory with our class was due to a specific moment that changed my life forever. Amidst all the distractions, the noise, and the stress, our professor told our class to take a moment of silence… to breathe and meditate on our present moment. Little did I know that the restless noise in my head would finally pause… even if it was for a minute… the distraction, the worry, the anxiety paused. This moment was so beautiful because it allowed me to truly savor the moment I was experiencing with my mind and body in a conscious state. During that moment of silence, all my focus was on every detail the trees had, every broken branch, every shade of color the tree barks had…  I thought about how blue and clear the sky looked, how bright and golden the sun looked, and how it hit my face with warmth and heat… I even thought about how cool the water felt at the tip of my toes and the way it cooled my lower body from the sun. As I mentioned, this experience transformed my life as it not only silenced my mental noise and how effective deep breathing can be to silence my daily stress and anxiety, but it also changed my mindset of the planet as I finally witnessed all the beauty and marveling features of the Earth. Because of that moment of silence, I learned that living a fast-paced life doesn’t mean that we have to ignore the little moments that we can simply savor with a present and conscious mind. If we just dedicated one minute a day to absolute silence and deep breathing, we would finally savor life itself by acknowledging its beauty and its breathtaking views. Therefore, this was my favorite class as I learned the beauty of being present which I was determined to be for the rest of the trips our class took throughout the semester.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Nevertheless, this reflection would not be complete without acknowledging my favorite art museum that our class visited in West Palm Beach which was the Norton Art Museum. The reason for why this was my favorite art museum was due to the artistic freedom and creativity that I witnessed and felt when observing the majestical paintings throughout the entire museum. Personally, this was the first time I actually understood artists and their creative endeavors as they strayed away from conforming to rules and structures set by institutions and rather chose to freely portray their imagination, creativity, and artistic spirit through their art. Specifically, the art that completely moved me and transformed my concept of art serving as a channel of freedom and escape for artists was the three portraits portraying the Virgin Mary. More in-depth, these pieces are so compelling because the artists took an original element of religion (the Virgin Mary) and visualized such in a different context that broke away from a 2D understanding of the Virgin Mary. Specifically, artists illustrated a new form where the Virgin Mary was depicted with movement, emotion, color, and 3D-like human features as opposed to previous portrayals of her in a lifeless spirit with little color and movement. Moreover, such new portrayal further enabled the audience witnessing the paintings to kindle a far more profound connection with religion and its teachings during that era. Overall, the pieces demonstrated the life… the movement… the creativity… the imagination… and the freedom that art evokes for the audience witnessing an artist’s original thought and visualization of the world around him/her.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, Miami in Miami was a transformative experience as it wasn’t a traditional class where a student wasn’t just memorizing dates and facts but rather experiencing the lecture through sight, touch, smell, and sound. Truly, the course was an unforgettable experience that can leave just about any student speechless with Miami’s iconic sites, historical landmarks, remarkable places of worship, beautiful boulevards, culturally rich restaurants, endearing nature preserves, stunning beaches, and striking art museums. Miami is priceless… Miami is dance… celebration… tradition… art…music…food… and culture all melting together to create a space of creativity and cultural freedom. Because of this course, I will forever consider Miami as my “trouvaille”. Thank you, Professor Bailly, for such a wonderful experience!

Kylee Andrade is a Senior pursuing her bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice with a certification in National Security Studies at Florida International University. She belongs to the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) aspiring to commission as a Second Lieutenant Officer in the Military Intelligence Branch of the Army. Kylee’s passions include camping, traveling, playing sports, watching criminal documentaries, and volunteering. Ever since she was five years old, her dream had been to work for the intelligence community as an FBI Special Agent as growing up in South America had truly opened her eyes to the fatalities of violence and crime corrupting her neighborhood streets in her hometown Ecuador. Therefore, she is compelled to work for the federal government agencies after serving 8 years in the Army to ensure the overall protection of not only her community but her country as a whole by combating global issues such as human trafficking, transnational crime, terrorism, and public corruption. Lastly, she hopes to create an impact in the lives of those she meets with her extroverted and fun-loving personality to inspire kindness and compassion in the world.

Miami Encounter as Text

“My Encounter with Miami” by Kylee Andrade of FIU in Miami on August 31^st– November 3oth (last semester).

    Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Before enrolling in this class last semester, I had no idea what to expect from Miami. Personally, I only saw Miami as a tourist location that only offered South Beach and nightclubs which truly underestimated the real and shocking value that the city of Miami holds. As our class journeyed throughout Miami, I learned of Miami’s true and hidden beauty… of its breath-taking art museums, multicultural restaurants, authentic places of worship, historical sites, and nature preserves that all make Miami an extraordinary place to not only visit but learn from as the grand city provides a special narrative of its complicated yet rich history.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

As I mentioned, Miami is filled with great culture, diverse ecosystems, and rich history. Nevertheless, which part of Miami’s history truly shocked me to learn last semester about? Which part of Miami’s past historic events made me question my morality and how ethical the original establishment of Miami really was? Did such knowledge change my perception of this marvelous city, or did it open my perspective of Miami and the darkness as well as the beauty it holds? Without a doubt, learning about the origin of Miami-Dade County and the horrifying history behind our county’s name was a frustrating experience for me. The story?… During the Indian Wars, the U.S. Federal government sent reinforcements to defeat the Seminoles in 1835. The commander in charge of such troops was Major Francis Langhorne Dade who arrogantly led his troops to an ambush as he underestimated the potent force of the Seminoles which resulted in a regretful massacre. After learning such history… why did we give Major Dade the honor to bestow his last name to be the name of one of Miami’s prominent counties? Why reward his blood-stained legacy?

Photographs above taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0. Photograph on the bottom taken and edited by Rafael Vasquez/ CC by 4.0

Yet, another shocking fact was discovering the history of inequality and racial struggle that the black community faced during an era filled with oppression and discrimination that our class learned last semester upon venturing Overtown. It was a brutal experience to learn that despite the cultural, economic, and industrial value that the black community brought to Miami, black individuals were still segregated and treated with nothing but disdain. Learning about the separation of black communities from the construction of I-95 and I-395 was one of the most shocking and disturbing realities I learned as I could not fathom how the city would conveniently allow black communities to be displaced. Learning about how the establishment of such expressways not only shattered black communities but also separated them from their vital centers such as churches and schools which were now less accessible because of the protruding roads was truly despairing. Nevertheless, Overtown flourished from racial inequality as a culturally rich and thriving neighborhood holding many historically precious buildings and individuals with open and warm hearts.

Photograph taken and edited by Professor John Bailly/CC by 4.0

Truly, I was lucky enough to have experienced Miami in such a short period of time. Nevertheless, I still wonder what more have I not seen or experienced of Miami? What more beautiful wonders can this city surprise me with? What other history or cultures will I learn about and how are such projected in Miami’s architecture, food, culture, and design? How does such affect or relate to my life? These are the questions that I expect to answer throughout the rest of the Spring Semester in Miami in Miami. Truly, I expect to continue falling in love with the experiences and memories that Miami’s hidden gems will provide for this upcoming term.

Everglades as Text

“Finding inner-peace through nature” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Everglades National Park on January 11^th, 2023.

  Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

The American writer Angie Weiland Crosby once said, “Nature is the purest portal to inner peace”. This quote beautifully resembles my experience in the Everglades as not only did we learn about the significance of preservation and conservation, but we experienced moments of healing and well-being through the hike itself. As I mentioned, the Everglades trip was an extremely educational trip where we didn’t just learn the history and geographical features of the Everglades but also the sense of emergency that our planet is currently in as we have polluted, contaminated, poisoned, and corrupted the air, land, and ocean we live in. Truly, I’ve never been more worried about the state of our planet as the Everglade’s Rangers spoke to us about the dangers and extinction that we ourselves have brought to Earth with our human activities causing deforestation, climate change, habitat loss, air pollution, endangerment of wildlife, oceanic pollution, and so much more. Nevertheless, I want this reflection to truly focus on one major moment that transformed not only my day but my mindset for the rest of my life.

Photograph taken and edited by Professor John Bailly/CC by 4.0

Moving to the U.S. proved to be a challenging experience for me. It meant leaving my childhood, my memories, my family, my friends, my traditions, and my culture. It meant assimilating to a new culture, food, and customs, adopting a new language, and a different mindset. I remember how quickly stressed and anxious I became as I became desperate to go back home which caused a lot of physical and emotional distress. Thus, I received professional help from therapists and doctors as the stress caused my digestive and immune systems to suffer. Moreover, it doesn’t help that in American culture everything is about the competition to be the best student, performer, athlete, or professional to achieve the “American Dream”. We were taught in our schools to work until we drop so we live can live the “dream life” and have a good profession with great money as the world was an extremely unforgiving and competitive place. As a result, I assimilated into the culture which worsened my anxiety as I became extremely overwhelmed with the pressure to attempt perfection in school and work without many breaks in order to never fail at achieving the “American Dream”. Truly, this is the cause of the restless noise in my head…the worry…the anxiety…the distractions… the fear of failure. Nothing in the world, even the countless therapy sessions I received, was as effective to silence that noise as the moment of silence we took in our slough slog. When the Rangers said that our worries, thoughts, and emotions can be cleared in just a moment of silence, I was extremely skeptical.  Nevertheless, I was going to try it… I would have tried anything to erase the noise for just a minute… and when we chose our place of “meditation” amidst the bald trees, the Spanish moss, and the freshwater river, I didn’t know that the noise would finally pause and simply highlight the present moment I was currently living in. During that moment of silence, all my focus was on every detail the trees had, every broken branch, every shade of color the tree barks ha…  I thought about how blue and clear the sky looked, how bright and golden the sun looked, and how it hit my face with warmth and heat… I even thought about how cool the water felt at the tip of my toes and the way it cooled my lower body from the sun. As I mentioned, this experience transformed my life as it not only silenced my mental noise and how effective deep breathing can be to silence my daily stress and anxiety, but it also changed my mindset of the planet as I finally witnessed all the beauty and marveling features of Earth which truly prompted my need to research more about conservation and the ways I can be part in the salvation of our planet.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, the Everglades was an enchanting trip with the beautiful cypress trees, the slough slogging hike, freshwater swamps, marshes, and alligators. Truly, my perception of the Everglades changed so much as I thought the Everglades was a small swampy park with alligators and muddy terrain. However, after this trip, my mindset has completely transformed as I got to witness the hidden beauty that Everglades holds such as the Cypress Dome, bromeliads, Great Blue Herons, the deer feeding station, Anhinga trail, and the great Hole-In-The-Donut Restoration Project Area. Not only did our class get to marvel at the beauty of the Everglade’s ecosystem and wildlife, but we also got a moment to conduct inner healing.

Coconut Grove as Text

“A city filled with awe” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Coconut Grove on November 16^th, 2022.

    Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

There is no such place as Coconut Grove as amongst its busy streets and congested roads, there is beauty in the nature surrounding historical houses, endearing churches, legendary cemeteries, and iconic buildings that contribute to the overall significance Coconut Grove serves in the city of Miami. Even though the restaurants and shops are breathtaking, the sites filled with the most awe are those that may have been walked past by millions of individuals who did not understand the major value that such sites carried in developing the city of Miami and their historical significance. Although every location we visited from Coconut Grove was beautiful and charming, the site that most impacted me was the Bahamian Cemetery.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

As previously mentioned, the Bahamian Cemetery was more than just a field filled with tombstones and departed souls. On the contrary! The Bahamian Cemetery was grounds of live storytelling as it was filled with tombstones of different individuals who added, in their own way, to the history of Miami and its development. Specifically, the tombstones of war veterans took me back a bit and made me truly ponder about the experience of men who were drafted to go to war back in that era. Truly, this part of the journey to Coconut Grove impacted me significantly as I envisioned what the young boys’ lives must have been like… how much they had to endure during the war,,, the atrocities they must have seen… the near-to-0death experiences they must have suffered… the post-traumatic disorders they battled with after the war… the separation from their families and loved ones… the loss of their own “brothers” during battle… how desperate and sorrowful their parents must have felt upon learning their sons’ deaths… how broken the wives must have felt when receiving the news… the rupture of families after their deaths… of sons growing up without their fathers. I truly imagined how emotional it was for them to witness the worst and best of humanity during the war. Truly, it is shocking to believe that I felt so many emotions with just the simple sight of veterans’ tombstones. Personally, I didn’t only connect to the stories of such soldiers because I’m in the Army myself but because of how significant these individuals were in not only protecting our country but the future of our generations. As I mentioned, this was the most emotional aspect of the trip as it allowed me to reflect on others and what their lives must have been like, and all that they potentially did throughout their lives leading up to their deaths. Being able to view life through a different set of lenses is so crucial as it allows you to understand different people and how their backgrounds influenced their journeys throughout their lives. Thus, the Bahamian cemetery accomplished that for me. The cemetery not only allowed me to reflect on the lives of those who were dead but it enabled my understanding of how their actions influenced the course of our history and the development of Miami.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, experiencing Coconut Grove was a phenomenal experience as we had the honor to visit a cemetery filled with so much history and life as well as churches with religious awakening and historic beauty, legendary houses/buildings, and flamboyant theaters. Truly, this experience was unique in the manner that it awakened my senses to the real historical and social significance that Miami’s hidden landmarks hold such as the Bahamian cemetery as it opened my eyes to the many ways individuals, such as war veterans, contributed to the development of not only the U.S. but Miami.

Coral Gables as Text

“Recognizing our past” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Coral Gables on February 8^th, 2023.

 Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

One must truly applaud the beauty of Coral Gables, the tropical vegetation surrounding historical landmarks… the elegancy surrounding the buildings… the Spanish-inspired architecture reflected upon culturally-rich buildings and houses… the ever-surrounding busy yet calm and tranquil nature of the streets and neighborhoods… the Mediterranean Revival inspired designs, parks, and structures… the coral rock, tropical flowers, and palm trees that all synchronize beautifully with each other to create a city of visual charm and history. However, I want this text to serve as a reflection for the appraisal and appreciation that the Bahamians did not receive when building Coral Gables…

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

As learned through many previous classes, the Bahamians built the majority of Miami throughout a time of heavy segregation. They were among the first settlers in Miami and helped build some of Miami’s most historical landmarks such as Vizcaya, Coconut Grove, and Coral Gables. Moreover, they were the first to establish the first oldest-black communities and homes built with the establishment of E.W.F Stirrup’s and Mariah Brown’s homes along Coconut Grove. Despite their cultural and historical significance in Miami, they were treated inhumanely as segregation and racism still plagued the nation. However, I hadn’t known this prior to the class… I hadn’t known that the Bahamians that founded Miami’s major cities were only used, abused, and neglected… ignorantly, I just naturally imagined that Florida and Miami’s history of the establishment had nothing to do with segregation… this allowed me to happily live in historical fiction until learning about Miami’s controversial history with discrimination, displacement of black communities, segregation, and cruel treatments of black people… this was quite shocking… Learning that George Merrick wanted to “clean out” Coral gables of the Bahamians after they helped built the city because black communities were considered “slums” was truly heartbreaking for me. How did our city’s history of racism and ill-treatment go so far unnoticed and not taught about in classes? Why was this the first time I ever heard about the displacement of black communities, churches, and schools in the history of Miami? Truly, this made me furious as there is a NEED to recognize the black communities, such as the Bahamians, who built the cities to which we give little to no credit to… I believe in the significance of education and teaching others about history to be aware and remember the groups of minorities that helped build not only our cities but our country, as well as to warn our future generations to never repeat the same mistakes we had made in our past. Ultimately, we must do better in acknowledging the cultural and historical value that black communities contributed to our nation and honoring their long and deserved legacy.

Photograph taken and edited by Professor John Bailly/CC by 4.0

Overall, experiencing Coral Gables was more than a journey through the beautiful streets of Miracle Mile, the Baltimore Hotel, or the Congregation Church… but rather this experience was filled with rich history about the unrecognized and valued work of the Bahamians who not only built Coral Gables at a time of inhumane treatment and segregation but who also built Miami as a whole despite being unappreciated and uncredited for. Ultimately, I want this reflection to praise and recognize the work, sacrifice, and labor that the Bahamians heavily poured in generating the beautiful cities of Miami so that their history remains forever engrained in the minds of those who read this text.

Norton as Text

“Breaking our chains” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach on February 22^nd, 2023.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

The great philosopher Jean-Jacques Rosseau once said, “Man is born free yet everywhere he is in chains”. This quote echoed in my brain throughout our journey to the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach as it allowed me to understand the fundamental idea that man seeks freedom and self-autonomy everywhere in his life. Whether it be setting a daily routine…making life-changing decisions… or making small everyday decisions about what to wear that day, man always seeks freedom and control of his/her own life. Nevertheless, we are bred in a system that takes away a lot of our control and autonomy as it restricts our freedom and our ability to think independently as every single thought and action is fed to our brains with media and social pressure. It’s as if we live in a matrix teaching us how to live and function at such a young age with the establishment of a flawed school system forcing us into a mundane routine, eliminating our sense of self, creativity, and thought by punishing us if we stray our thoughts away from standardized books or tests. Thus, this text is going to reflect on the concept of art serving as a channel of freedom and escape for the artists and the audience who fall victim to the matrix.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

As previously mentioned, art is a channel that encourages imagination, self-thought, and creativity. Therefore, the art I have chosen in this text beautifully demonstrates the concept of art freeing the mind and breaking away from that which restricts creativity and vision. For instance, the art piece of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus takes an original concept of religion’s portrayal of the Virgin Mary (as reflected by the left painting) and transforms it into a new representation as demonstrated in the right picture with the Virgin Mary sitting above clouds in the heavens with beautiful pastel colors, gestures filled with emotion, detailed body movements, and life-like features which more powerfully connects with the audience. Truly, these pieces are so compelling because the artist takes an original element of religion and visualizes such in a different context that breaks away from a 2D understanding of the Virgin Mary with a new form where she is depicted with movement, emotion, color, and 3D-like human features which allows the audience to kindle a far more profound connection with religion and its teachings. Similarly, the artwork shown below the religious pieces also demonstrates the life… the movement… the creativity… the imagination… and the freedom that art evokes for the audience witnessing an artist’s original thought and visualization of the world around him/her.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, art allows humanity to escape from the system we have been subjected to ever since we were young. This text explores the idea of the “matrix” serving as chains that restrict us from our own personal freedom and self-autonomy. Therefore, this is the same reason why art is vital in our society to keep us from losing our creativity and independent thought as well as regain our awareness of our ability to take control when we feel as if we are trapped in a cycle. Art is a saving grace that gives us a supernatural ability to break the chains of the social contract we were born in and escape the system with our authentic thought and artistic creations.

Wyndwood as Text

“The City of Expression” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Miami Design District, Wynwood on April 5^th, 2023.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

If I could describe Wynwood in one word it would be “endearing”. Walking along the busy and colorful streets of Wynwood opened my eyes to the endearing creativity and artistic inspiration that the city offers. As one walks along the tight boardwalks, one can witness the beautiful murals of art amongst the busiest shops and popular restaurants in the area. Truly, Wynwood is one of Miami’s hidden gems as it displays the inner creativity and authentic flow of Miami…it serves to reflect the people’s inspiration, expression, and originality through art surrounding the streets and its neighborhood.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

As mentioned, the art surrounding the outer environment of Wynwood is truly innovative and expressive. Nevertheless, the most touching, endearing, and emotion-evoking art lies within the Miami Design District where one can witness the most significant and moving pieces of art from city. Specifically, the art pieces displayed in the pictures above are the perfect embodiment of the concept of interdisciplinary art that combines performance, bodily movement, the environment, the earth, color, organic materials, and imprints to create unfathomable art. More in-depth, the moving pieces are a compilation of artwork titled “Siluetas” from the artist Ana Mendieta who was a feminist incorporating the female anatomy into her artwork, displaying the authentic beauty and ethereal spirit of the human body interacting with natural and earthly environments. However, she served a tragic death when she fell from her apartment floor in New York City which was rumored that her husband actually pushed her off the apartment during a heated argument. Regardless of Ana’s tragic past and trauma, she created the most bodily and spiritual art that I have ever witnessed…the combination of anatomy, nature, movement, and imprints moved my mind and my heart. Truly, the message that I interpreted from Ana’s artwork is that of the spiritual concept of human life originating and being nurtured from the earth. Upon looking at these pieces, I couldn’t help but to think about mother earth and that once we die, we return to mother nature and leave with nothing but our souls and memories. Thus, this made me truly reflect about how beautiful the concept of souls is as what gives life to our bodies is not only our vital organs but our energy… our souls… our spirits nurtured by our divine mother earth. Therefore, these pieces had been the most emotional and heart-touching artwork I had witnessed in any museum as it reminded me of how grateful I am to mother earth for nurturing life into myself and our entire world which we take so easily for granted.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, visiting Wynwood and the Miami Design District was the most emotional and profound experience of my time in Miami as I got to witness beautiful artwork from artists creating the most intricate yet touching pieces of art that I have ever seen. Specifically, the artwork from the artist Ana Mendieta was unforgettable with her incorporating performance, color, organic materials, earth, imprints, and bodily movement to re-imagine art. Truly, this was a memorable class as we got to not only see art but interact with it in our own ways whether it be spiritually, physically, or emotionally.

Chosen Neighborhood as Text

“The Mystical Oasis” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Upper Buena Vista Miami on December 9^th, 2022.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

If there were two words to describe Upper Buena Vista it would be a “mystical oasis” as this location serves to be Miami’s most recognized sanctuary for artisans and merchants seeking to sell their craftsmanship to the world of tourists and locals. As one walks through the main entrance, the open space mall welcomes visitors to “Relax…. Breathe… and Recharge….” This allows all to truly take in the mall, outside shops, restaurants, entertainment, and magical bodhi trees that surround the area. Upper Buena Vista also fosters artisan services (spa and relaxing treatments), micro boutiques (selling art pieces, clothes, jewelry, and handcrafted hats), holistic and wellness events (such as mindfulness and yoga sessions), and restaurant services (serving food from different nationalities ranging from Israeli to Colombian to Turkish food!) Truly, this place has the power to leave anyone speechless from its beauty to its multicultural services!

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

One of my favorite shops that Upper Buena Vista offered was that of the “Khemla” crystal shop and the “Wanahat” handcrafted hat store. I chose to mention the Khemla shop because it sells some of the most beautiful necklaces, bracelets, and jewelry all made with or containing crystals from all types of precious rocks. Truly, this shop was special as re-imagines what healing can look like which may include the utilization of crystals and holistic healing through them. Personally, this shop impacted me as it reminded me of the yoga center that I used to attend when I lived in Weston, FL where we would tale crystals to our hearts and meditate on the healing power that it held to eliminate negative thoughts and obstructive energy to allow the flow of constructive and healing energy in our lives. Moreover, the other shop that also stuck out to me was that of the Wanahat store which carried hand-made hats from all different styles including divergent colors, textures, and designs. This hat shop reminded me of my home country’s hat shops that would sell authentic 100% hand-crafted Panama “sombreros”. This same shop in my country also had a factory that would demonstrate all the hard labor that would go into making the hats which earned my profound interest and respect for the workers and the designers who so carefully crafted the hats.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

The must-go restaurant spot to eat from in Upper Buena Vista has to be “La Branja”. This is an Israeli-inspired restaurant that infuses both Israeli palette and Latin American food combinations and creates elevated ingredients that please global audiences. In order to get a reservation to this restaurant, one must first book it online as this exclusive restaurant is only available for booking at 7:00pm or 9:00pm every night with no walkings allowed. It even has a dress code for a “smart nostalgia and 1970s” inspired wardrobe! Moreover, a must-go dessert location that one has to absolutely taste if not explore is called “Sweet Epico” which is a craft pastry that carries sweet and traditional pastries ranging from yummy macaroons to salty crepes! If you have a sweet tooth like me, you MUST visit this location as it is a guaranteed show-stopper for desserts. The reason for why I included this location is because it brought me back to when I went inside a French pastry shop for the first time, carrying the sweet aromas of freshly baked macaroons and chocolate croissants. So, if you are looking for a French-styled pastry shop, visit Sweet Epico in Upper Buena Vista!

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, visiting Upper Buena Vista was one of my favorite experiences as I got to explore countless multicultural restaurants, shops, and boutiques that each was uniquely designed and exhibited in their own way. Truly, the clothing shops and restaurants in Upper Buena Vista have a nostalgic power to take you back in time and remind you of your past experiences in similar shops whether it be from your hometowns or places you have traveled to. If a location was a perfect embodiment of Miami, it would be Upper Buena Vista as it represents the cultural melting pot of many nationalities coming together and creating an oasis of pure ineffable beauty and mystical energy.

 Chosen Neighborhood as Text Part 2

“Dining and Dancing” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at the city of Doral Miami on March 31^st, 2023.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

The city of Doral is such a magnificent representation of Miami’s lively spirit of entertainment and cultural diversity as the city is filled with multicultural restaurants, night-live events, dancing clubs, luxury entertainment spots, and recreational parks for all. Truly, the city of Doral is like no other with its major iconic locations for food, entertainment, and leisure activities which are mostly seen in “City Place Doral” and “Downton Doral”. In these locations, everyone can take pleasure in experiencing all the culture, music, cuisine, and amusement that Miami has to offer. Personally, I chose this Neighborhood as it perfectly resembles the living spirit of Miami, encouraging one to savor the little moments of life through dancing, tasting, and experiencing the hidden pleasures of life.

 Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

As I previously mentioned, City Place Doral is one of the most popular locations to spend the night as it is filled with many shops, elegant restaurants, nightclubs, luxury movie theaters, and entertainment that make a normal Saturday night become an extraordinary night with music, dance, and play. Specifically, the most enjoyable location filled with activities, live music, and great food is that of “Kings Dinning & Entertainment” which is a high-end venue that offers entertainment services such as bowling, dinner selections, billiards, live DJs, karaoke rooms, bars, and adult arcades. Personally, I love having my birthday celebrations here as it provides activities for everyone to enjoy while eating hand-crafted recipes that are so enjoyable when koreoking or bowling with friends and family. Moreover, another personal destination that I enjoy spending the weekend nights with my friends is dining and dancing in “Cooper Blues”. If you are looking for an unforgettable experience, a savory meal, and a live music band to play all your favorite tunes, don’t forget to visit Cooper Blues in City Place Doral!! Truly, my most favorite memory was celebrating my best friend’s birthday in Cooper Blues where we had the juiciest burgers and the most enjoyable time dancing to amazing artists and talented music groups singing throughout the night. Lastly, if you are looking for a relaxing and pleasurable night, make sure you make a stop at CineBistro in City Place Doral. Believe me… this luxury dine-in movie theater will take your breath away! From the elegant selection of the food menu to the luxurious leather seats of the theater, CineBistro is a hidden gem in City Place Doral as it treats you to the most luxurious and relaxing experience you deserve with the most affordable prices!

 Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Nevertheless, if you are looking for a more sophisticated and calming way to spend your weekends, visiting Downtown Doral is a must!! Downtown Doral is the hotspot for brunches, dinners, and recreational facilities when visiting Doral. Truly, this town center is captivating with its lights, luxury dining selections, versatile dessert options, and recreational centers such as its park with relaxing walking trails and greenery for all to enjoy. Specifically, the restaurant options in this town center are just magnificent as it carries food from all over the world including Asian, Peruvian, Mexican, American, Cuban, Italian, Mediterranean, and French cuisine. However, if you are overwhelmed with the pressure of going one-by-one into restaurants to explore their options, I suggest you go to “Doral Yard” which is a food venue that carries food options ranging from Asian, Hispanic, and American food for everybody to savor!  My favorite meal from the venue was eating the “Asian and Mexican infused Poke Bowl” which combined the traditional recipe of Poke Bowl and combined it with Mexican spices such as Chipotle and Salsa Verde into the meal. Additionally, if you have a sweet tooth for a unique but savory dessert that will leave your taste buds screaming for more, I suggest you stop at “Spiked Rich Ice Cream and Shakes”. This ice cream shop is like no other as it’s the most unique ice cream spot that makes all its ice cream and milkshakes with nitrogen ice which elevates the flavor of normal ice cream to the next level. Also, they have dairy-free options for those that can’t eat dairy products or consume lactose like me! Lastly, amidst the busy shops and restaurants, Downton Doral has a recreational park that offers a break from the city with its greenery, walking trails, picnic tables, and playgrounds for everyone to enjoy. After an overwhelming day, I love to have picnics here with my friends and take in all the nature that the park has to offer.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, the city of Doral is the best center of food, dance, and recreation as it offers so many diverse restaurants, night live events, entertainment locations, and parks that turn any normal Friday or Saturday night into the most enjoyable and unforgettable experience. Not only does the city of Doral embody Miami’s spirit of adventure and excitement but it resembles the cultural melting pot that Miami is most known for as it offers versatile foods from all over the world with cultural night live events for dancing and exploring. Truly, Doral is more than just a city with elegant lights, restaurants, and clubs but rather offers a small glimpse of the hidden beauty that Miami holds which is in the diversity and authenticity that people from all over the world bring into the city.

Miami in Miami Final Reflection as Text

“Traveling leaves you speechless” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Miami on December 11^th 2022.

First photograph taken and edited by Professor John Bailly/CC by 4.0

 Second photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0

If I could summarize this entire experience into one phrase it would be “Traveling leaves you speechless, then it turns you into a storyteller” by Ibn Battuta. Truly, this experience was transformative as it completely changed my view of Miami and left me speechless to what Miami has to offer. Personally, I only saw Miami as a tourist location that only offered South Beach and nightclubs which truly underestimated the real and shocking value that the city of Miami holds. The beautiful art museums, multicultural restaurants, authentic places of worship, historical sites, and nature preserves all make Miami an extraordinary place to not only visit but learn from as the grand city provides a special narrative of its complicated history. Not only was each Miami in Miami class session impactful and emotional but the relationships that I made through each experience were truly priceless. Therefore, some of my favorite moments in the course included when we ventured into Overtown and when we hiked through Deering Estate.

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Truly, Overtown was a culturally enriching experience as we got to learn the resilience of Miami’s once-segregated town filled with historical buildings, black owned-businesses, places of worship, and lots of yummy soul food! Nevertheless, the most impactful experience for me here was visiting the Greater Bethel Church which is one of the oldest black churches in Miami and entirely funded by the congregation. Knowing that I was walking through the same white church that Martin Luther King Jr, had once entered filled my heart with joy and excitement as I was walking through American history itself. This was the same church that Martin Luther King Jr had gave a speech about voter registration on 12 February 1958. Moreover, this had been my first experience entering the doors of a church since I was 10 years old which reminded me of the churches I would go to in Ecuador, as a toddler, as both churches carried the same architectural layout and religious artwork. Genuinely, the Greater Bethel Church had triggered childhood memories which made me feel extremely connected to the value the church had for black communities. Thus, learning that the congregation was displaced ever since I-95 split black neighborhoods evoked a crippling sense of despair and frustration since, as described by Walter (the individual who showed us the church), the church was no longer the same.

Photographs by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Lastly, one of my favorite memories throughout this entire semester in the course was having the opportunity to hike through Deering Estate. This experience not only solidified my relationships with my classmates, but it truly opened my eyes to the hidden treasures that Miami had to offer as Deering Estate carried around 8 ecosystems and nature preserves! We not only explored some of the ecosystems of mangroves, Rocklands, freshwater Springs, and Hardwood Hammocks that Deering Estate had to offer but we also got to witness fossil sites dating back to around 10,000 years ago! However, after struggling to move through Deering Estate’s mangroves and marshy waters, we found the site that was most astonishing to me which was the plane crash site. Even though this might not seem to be the most interesting site out of all the priceless sites Deering Estate had to offer, the plane crash site was just fascinating to me as hearing stories about the drug trafficking industry in Miami and the war on drugs during that era had been proven true through the testimony of the plane crash… I was walking through history again! How exciting! Moreover, my classmates found it super intriguing how some of the parts of the airplane had been intact even though the mangroves and water should have rusted it which indicates the great wealth that such drug traffickers must have had to invest so greatly in their cocaine or drug transportation services. Truly, I was shocked and extremely grateful of the opportunity this class had given me in the ability for me to not only witness history but physically touch it and feel it as I got to touch the airplane within my fingertips!

Photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, Miami in Miami was an unforgettable experience that can leave just about anyone speechless. Not only did I gain new friendships and experiences, but I was able to re-imagine what it is actually like to live in Miami. Miami is not just a vacation spot that has pretty buildings, rooftop restaurants, nightclubs, and beaches… it is so much more than that. Miami is priceless. It is a cultural melting pot in which individuals from different ethnic backgrounds bring their cultures, traditions, ideologies, art, music, food, and dance to celebrate their roots. It is a place where history exists through fossil sites, burial mounds, cottage houses, horse racing tracks, churches, synagogues, slave quarters, and archeological findings that are just simply fascinating. Truly, this course completely transformed my idea of learning to be something more than just memorizing dates and facts as it truly allowed me to not only see and read but touch, feel, smell, and experience the subject we are learning about. Because of this extraordinary teaching method, I will forever cherish Miami as a place with so much hidden beauty and historical value which should forever be protected and educated about. Thank you, professor Bailly, for an amazing class! Truly, the best in the field!

Downtown Miami as Text:

“The real voyage of discovery” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Downtown Miami on August 31, 2022

As the French novelist, Marcel Proust, once said, “The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes”. Truly, this quote embodies my experience while roaming the peculiar streets of downtown Miami. Living in Miami for the past two years and not experiencing the cultural and historic wonders that Miami has to offer left me speechless once my journey to venture into the downtown streets of Miami began on August 31st. Being able to view the city of Miami with “new eyes”, inspired me to embark on the “real voyage of discovery” as I finally learned and reflected on Miami’s hidden history. The day of exploration felt as if Miami itself had narrated its past and its future with its marveling architectural wonders and culturally rich environment. No one could have prepared me for such a historical narrative, scenery, and atmosphere. Just being surrounded by the immensity of such buildings and the authenticity of the historical locations filled my heart with not only joy but a newfound curiosity for the desire to learn more…experience… even feel the emotion that the city itself conveys. Once in the heart of the Government Center, the seat of the Miami-Dade local government, we embarked on the emotion-filled journey to learn more about Miami’s past. 

In July 1896, Julia Tuttle founded one of the only cities in the U.S. to have ever been founded by a woman which was Miami.  Genuinely, this fact filled me with great emotion and joy as learning that a woman had pioneered the creation of a famous city was an accomplishment I felt proud of as a woman. This historical trinket was not the only hidden gem Miami had to offer that day as walking to the Wagner Family House and learning about the inspiring history behind one of the oldest structures in Miami proved to be quite extraordinary. The house had been home to the interracial couple William Wagner, a German immigrant, and Eveline Aimar, a French-Creole immigrant. Sadly, during this time in history, racism still stained society’s perspective and treatment of colored people which explained why the children of such family had faced discrimination and prejudice for the color of their skin. However, this story is notable for the family’s close relationship with the Seminoles as they acted as the mediator between the Seminoles and the Northern settlers. I mentioned the history of the Wagner home because hearing about the curious connection between the Wagner Family and the Indians had fostered a feeling of appreciation for the Wagner Family as their friendliness and generosity not only shattered the barriers between such ethnic groups but represented a symbol of peace for the healthy co-living of both entities.

Lastly, a historic wonder that filled my mind with overwhelming frustration and genuine shock was the Major Dade Plaque located in the Miami-Dade County Courthouse. The history behind the origin of the word “Dade” in “Miami-Dade” was one of the most shocking turning points in the trip as nothing prepared me for the horrifying and morbid story behind the individual whose name was bestowed upon one of the counties in Miami. Here’s the story… During the Indian Wars, the U.S. Federal government sent reinforcements to defeat the Seminoles in 1835. The commander in charge of such troops was Major Francis Langhorne Dade who arrogantly led his troops to an ambush as he underestimated the potent force of the Seminoles which resulted in a regretful massacre. So why would we bestow Major Dade’s last name to the name of one of Miami’s counties? Why give him that honor? Why reward his blood-stained legacy? Shouldn’t we be ashamed of this history and not display it as a plaque? Now, you can see why this historical artifact, the Miami Dade Plaque, genuinely appalled me. However, I gained true appreciation learning about the disturbing history behind Miami-Dade county’s name because where there is knowledge… there is growth and learning about the past, whether it is ugly or beautiful, is always important. 

Ultimately, the journey to discovering the ancient history behind the complicated yet beautiful city of Miami was one of the most educational and emotion-filled voyages of my life. Being able to touch, feel, observe, and experience Miami from a different cultural and historical perspective was truly an honor for which I’m compelled to share with others so that the beauty and history of the city may never go unnoticed. 

Overtown Miami as Text:

“A stone of hope” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Overtown Miami on September 25, 2022

Martin Luther King once said, “Out of the mountain of despair, came a stone of hope”. Truly, this quote beautifully represents the dual experience of hope and frustration that I sense throughout our journey to Miami’s “Overtown”. It was a brutal experience to learn that despite the cultural, economic, and industrial value that the black community brought to Miami, black individuals were still segregated and treated with nothing but disdain. As if it wasn’t enough for the black community to be ostracized from society, their communities were shattered with the establishment of the I-95 and I—395 expressways which ultimately displaced black community centers, businesses, and churches. Nevertheless, the black community faced this challenge with great vigor as Overtown continues to flourish as a culturally rich and thriving neighborhood filled with historic buildings and individuals with welcoming hearts. Thus, out of a mountain of pain and struggle from segregation and discrimination, came a wave of resilience and cultural pride.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

As previously mentioned, learning about the separation of black communities from the construction of I-95 and I-395 was one of the most shocking and disturbing realities I learned as I could not fathom how the city would conveniently allow the black communities to be displaced. Specifically, the establishment of such expressways not only shattered black communities but also separated them from their vital centers such as churches and schools which was now less accessible because of the protruding roads. At this point, I remember feeling extremely overwhelmed at how unjustly the black community in Miami had been treated. Truly, I always thought Miami was welcoming of diversity as I considered it to be a melting pot of all cultures and ethnicities. However, witnessing the I-95 expressway in our journey served to be a turning point for me as I slowly realized the brutal reality of Miami’s disturbing history of slavery and segregation even though the lifeline of the city was founded by black laborers and workers. As I reminisced about the struggles of the black communities living in such an era of horror and hostility, we had advanced towards the Greater Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church.

            All photographs taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the journey to Overtown was visiting Greater Bethel Church which is one of the oldest black churches in Miami and is entirely funded by the congregation. Walking through the doors of the white church, I felt a wave of joy as I knew we had entered the same doors as Martin Luther King Jr. had when he gave the speech about voter registration on 12 February 1958. Seeing the wooden benches, the tall standing pulpit, the short glossed tables for the sermons, and the stained glass art depicting classical scenes from the Bible was a baffling experience for me as I was surrounded by so much historic beauty. This had been my first experience entering the doors of a church since I was 10 years old which reminded me a lot about the churches I would attend to when I lived in Ecuador when I was a toddler as both churches carried the same architectural layout and religious artwork. Genuinely, the Greater Bethel Church had triggered childhood memories which made me feel extremely connected to the value the church had for black communities. Thus, learning that the congregation was displaced ever since I-95 split black neighborhoods evoked a crippling sense of despair and frustration since, as described by Walter, the church was no longer the same.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Ultimately, the journey to discovering Overtown was a truly unforgettable experience as I learned the history of the black communities in Miami and how, despite segregation and discrimination, their culture potently flourished with great pride and resilience. Being able to taste the soul foods of the community and witness historical buildings such as churches and recreational centers from Overtown was a bewildering experience. Even though there is great darkness in Miami’s past, there is also great beauty from the communities that founded their homes and families in such a captivating city with vast cultural richness and authenticity.

Biscayne Bay Chicken Key as Text

“Miami’s small wonders” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Chicken Key Miami on October 5^th, 2022.

Mahatma Ghani once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”. Truly, this quote resonates with me as our class was given the opportunity to help our local island, Chicken Key, by cleaning up marine debris and trash surrounding the aquatic ecosystem, endangering countless of marine life. Being able to give back to not only our city but to our planet was a great way to inspire a spirit of change and community for our class. Moreover, the cinematic views of the ocean, the mangroves, the islands, the birds, the colorful fishes, and the bright green/blue water was an experience that I will forever cherish in my heart as I got to truly view Miami as a city of not only nightlife and party but as a city inhabiting aquatic beauty and wonder.

Embarking on our journey

As we made our way to our kayaks in order to arrive to Chicken Key, I was pretty nervous about kayaking as I never kayaked before. Yet, I was filled with great excitement knowing I would get to see the beautiful marine life that Miami had to offer. Thus, embarking on our kayaks with our class was a great experience as I was able to enjoy feelings of excitement and nervousness with those around me. Being able to see their faces lit with joy as we ventured through mangroves and islands under the bright sun was an experience of pure delight. Growing up in a school system where classes are taken within four restricting walls for the duration of long hours throughout the day had always left me feeling defeated and overwhelmed. Truly, I never really learned about the topics we were taught as the environment and teachers felt draining and depressing. However, having the opportunity of being taught in many beautiful yet historical outdoor environments has been an experience I have been so grateful for as learning about Miami has never felt more exciting and interactive. Therefore, learning about Biscayne Bay, the Deering Estate, and our local islands (Chicken key) as we view baby manatees, mangroves, seagrass, corals, and aquatic life that Miami has to offer has been an unforgettable yet the most educational experience I have ever had.

Serving our community

Due to extenuating circumstances, I was unable to participate in the clean-up of Chicken Key. Nevertheless, I wanted to educate those who are reading this blog post about the dangers our aquatic life is currently threatened by and what we could do to create a positive impact for our fellow marine communities. As we learned and saw on our trip, our oceans are violated with pollutants such as metal, plastic waste, man-made items, manufactured waste, paper debris, food wrappers, bottle cans, fishing gear, derelict vessels and so much more. Not only are some items listed not biodegradable, but they are threatening to our aquatic ecosystems which nourish our marine life. Truly, we must be careful of the type of footprint we want to have in our ecosphere since we, as educated citizens, have the choice to leave a harmful/careless footprint or leave a footprint of conservation and restoration on our planet. At the end of the day, it is not only the ecosystem we are harming but ourselves as life cannot simply exist without mother nature. Thus, I encourage those who are reading to take an extra second to think about the impact one careless behavior (littering, illegal fishing, marine dumping, etc.)  can represent for our environment in charge of nourishing our existence.

Overall, my experience at Chicken Key was truly inspiring as witnessing our aquatic life was an exciting and jovial experience. Being able to learn and personally view the natural wonders Miami has to offer as having the opportunity to directly contribute to the restoration of our aquatic communities with simple acts such as clean-ups was an honor. Lastly, I was able to view Miami as not only a tourist location for nightlife and astounding buildings but as a city fostering breathtaking biodiversity and ecosystems.

Vizcaya as Text

“The gifts of the present” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Vizcaya Miami on October 20^th, 2022.

As professor Bailly mentioned, James Deering once said, “gladly accept gifts from the present and abandon serious things from the past”. Throughout our journey to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, such words never left my mind as I began to recognize how valuable living in the present moment is. Being able to cherish every second and truly indulge in life is a lifestyle I greatly admire in European culture. Being able to take a second to observe, taste, smell, and experience the beauty in our surroundings whether it be grasping architectural sites, savoring dishes, or rejoicing in dance, is something truly extraordinary. And this is exactly what our class did. We took the pleasure of observing every architectural wonder, animated paintings, extravagant amenities, and breathtaking views that Vizcaya had to offer.

One of the most awe-striking moments of our journey to Vizcaya was witnessing the beautiful artwork decorating the ceilings and walls, leaving me in a total trans as I tried taking in every detail on the Rococo styled paintings. The gold paint ornamenting the room evoked a feeling of elegance and suaveness that tied the paintings, tapestries, and instruments altogether. Even the room carried a different essence to it as the air carried a whimsical and graceful spirit with the Rococo features gripping the room with the asymmetry, white and pastel colors, scrolling curves, and decorative undulations. However, I was truly enamored with the chandelier in the center of the room that carried the most detailed and pastel-colored flowers with gilded branch leaves and bright shining lights that circled throughout the piece. I was so amazed and astonished at such an alluring chandelier that I began to lose myself in thought about how long the artist or designer of the piece had to take to create the chandelier… the amount of time… the energy… the money that it took to produce such a masterpiece. And at this moment, I realized I was living in the present moment as I was truly conscient about the detailed features in the room which helped me comprehend the “gifts” that being in the present moment offers as James Deering had said.

Another delightful and enchanting site included the Vizcaya gardens which were filled with the most vibrant greenery, animated statues, and majestical water fountains that allowed me to truly encompass the rich and lavish spirit that James Deering had. One of the most emotion-evoking sites was, without a doubt, the small and private garden just outside the establishment. Hearing that, in past times, private gardens were utilized to meet up with and have secret conversations with individuals from the lower and upper classes was so fascinating. I was lost in thought as I envisioned myself in the past entities of those who had walked those same gardens with great curiosity about what type of interactions such individuals may have had. Could the interactions be to hide a secret affair? Could the interactions be to hide a friendship with a lower-class individual? Were the conversations about business? Were the conversations about deep secrets that such individuals swore to never tell? At this moment, I remember thinking to myself how lost again I was in the present moment with the beautiful site of the Vizcaya Gardens and the secrets I may never know that took place in it.

Overall, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens is one of the most breathtaking locations that Miami has to offer as it is filled with extravagant rooms with detailed ornamentation and artifacts rich in history. Moreover, Vizcaya’s gardens are incomparable and truly memorable with vibrant greenery and majestical statues that bring you back to indulging in such present moments. Truly, Vizcaya brings alive the quote by James Deering where the present moments are the true “gifts” of the journey, and experiencing such with great intention allows you to truly live.

South Beach as Text

“A cultural melting pot” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at South Beach Miami on October 26^th, 2022.

Walking down the Ocean Drive in South Beach was such an overwhelming and extraordinary experience as observing every architectural style and décor in the buildings down the boulevard was such an enigmatic experience. Learning about South Beach’s rich history and the culturally diverse architecture truly allowed me to understand the meaning behind Miami being considered a “cultural melting pot”. Each building down Ocean Drive had a story to tell as each combined a different architectural design such as Art Deco, Memo, and Mediterranean revival. Personally, I’ve visited South Beach Pier and Ocean Drive so many times. Yet, I never stopped to understand why the buildings carried certain pastel colors, shapes, textures, and designs. I never understood the importance that world history had on the architectural designs and styles of such buildings in South Beach. Thus, this began my fascination with understanding the true beauty behind South Beach’s history.

Not only did the buildings in South Beach carry the beauty and diverse culture of the architectural designs popular in the world around that era, but it also carried buildings that carried fascinating criminal accounts during that same era in such city. As shown above, the establishment that most intrigued me, by not only its architectural beauty but also by its history, was the Gianni Versace Mansion. The story behind the Gianni Versace building was truly shocking as it represented complicated relationship between United States in that era with the LGBTQ+ community. As Gianni Versace, designer of the Versace clothing line, was open about his sexual orientation to men, others like Andrew Cunanan envied such who were able to be openly gay without much repercussion which is one the reasons that is believed as to why Andrew Cunanan killed Gianni Versace. Nevertheless, this brutal murder is a reminder of how the city of Miami had inhumanly treated gay people who, at the time, were harassed and arrested by the police on many discriminatory accounts. Nevertheless, Miami’s history is not all filled with darkness and injustice but rather strong female activist who transformed the history of Miami as we know it.

As demonstrated above, one of Miami’s most influential women figures was Barbara Baer Capitman whose memory is honored with the iconic sculpture along Ocean Drive. It was because of Barbara that South Beach’s Art Deco inspired neighborhood was kept and maintained as the nation’s first 20^th century National Historic District. Barbara alongside with Leonard Horowitz founded the Miami Design Preservation League (MDPL) which protected the culture and unique architecture that makes Miami such an extraordinary tourist destination. Truly, if it wasn’t for the activism of Barbara, who fought so hard to maintain the authenticity and veracity of South Beach’s art and design, Miami would have never flourished socially and economically as Miami’s renown tourism would have significantly dropped if not at all existed. Thus, Barbara should not be forgotten in our history books and rather be celebrated as one of the most influential females figures in the history of Miami.

Overall, the journey to South Beach was a truly remarkable experience as I got to witness the most intriguing yet fascinating architecture that Miami has to offer. Specifically, the history that surrounds each building carries a special story of its own which truly adds to the overall value of Miami’s rich but complicated history. Lastly, the important figures that fought so hard to keep the spirit of Miami’s art and design alive should not be forgotten such as Barbara Capitman proved, through her activism and resilience, that South Beach’s vibrant architecture should be protected in order to preserve the authentic cultural melting pot of Miami

Deering Estate as Text

“Hidden Treasures” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Deering Estate Miami on November 16^th, 2022.

    Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Upon entering the gate of Deering Estate, I felt a rush of excitement knowing that our day would be filled with hiking and sightseeing. The thought of seeing multiple ecosystems in one long hike was astounding to me as I only ever get to see one ecosystem in Miami at a time before traveling miles to see another one. Truly, Deering Estate’s nature preserves, creeks, fossil sites, crashed plane sites, freshwater springs, rock ridges, solution holes, and burial mounds highlighted the beauty and the historical mystery that this journey had to offer. Although the hike was long, the experience of hearing how once Paleo-Indians walked these same paths was unforgettable and opened my eyes to the historical treasures hidden within Miami.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

One of the most astonishing sites this journey had to offer was that of the airplane crash site. The reason for why it was an awe-striking experience for me to see the remains of a crashed plane in front of my eyes is because of the many stories I’ve heard growing up from my family and teachers explaining how one of Miami’s significant economic sources was that of the drug trafficking industry which once brought about 5 billion into Miami banks during the 1980s. Therefore, hearing the myths of drug trafficking stories from my parents and seeing dramatized TV shows about Miami’s involvement in the drug trafficking operations with the Cali and Medellin Cartel in Colombia was something I grew up hearing and seeing but not always believing. However, witnessing the crashed plane site was a symbol of how those “myths” and stories had truth behind them and how valuable the drug trafficking industry had been in Miami. Seeing the ruptures and fissures from the crashed plane inspired a spirit of curiosity within me questioning… How could anyone survive this crash? Did the crash only carry cocaine? What cartel did this plane or drugs belong to? How much money was lost? These are the types of inquisitive moments that Deering Estate evokes.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Another astounding moment in this journey had been witnessing that of the Cutler Fossil site. Witnessing the limestone-layered sinkhole was incredible as I got to observe and touch the ancient fossils of dire wolfs and man-made tools utilized by Paleo-Indians. Knowing that human life existed in Florida for the past 10,000 years was shocking because I never imagined that Miami carried ancient historical value as the only sites people only ever talk about are Miami’s beaches, nightclubs, and tourist locations. Many mainstream TV shows and movies only display Miami through this modern and contemporary light as they highlight the night-live, high-end restaurants, fashion stores, exorbitant glass buildings, expensive cars, and luxury mansions but they fail to mention the most fascinating fact that Miami carries riveting sites where human life was found to exist for more than 1,000 decades! Knowing the hidden value that Miami carries had transformed my perspective about how significant history is in telling a story from a completely different outlook on what life had been for Paleo-Indians and how historical events can alter the current state of our society and people.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, this journey has carried the best moments and experiences as I had the opportunity to feel history by touching the same tools, walking the same paths, and witnessing the same natural habitats that Paleo-Indians had once lived in. This journey was absolutely unforgettable with thought-provoking sites and many beautiful natural ecosystems to hike through. If there is one thing I’ve learned throughout this experience is that we must not fall victim to only believing the representation that mainstream media offers about people or locations as many times it fails to acknowledge the true value and historical beauty that such places may have. We must dig a little deeper to discover the wonders that may have been hidden under our noses this entire time!

Rubell Museum as Text

“The hidden messages” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Rubell Museum Miami on November 23^rd, 2022.

    Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Visiting the Rubell Museum was truly a unique experience as I had never entered an Art Museum in Miami filled with contemporary art and installations. As a matter of fact, I had never heard of the word installations in the world of art which was something I got to experience when visiting this museum. Truly, I was at a loss for words when seeing the sculptures with through-provoking imagery and rooms filled with marveling objects and mirrors. I learned that art carried more than just colors and mediums but also hidden messages that re-imagine the manner in which you can view life or yourself, deepening your connection to the experience that art evokes.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

One example of viewing past the painting or sculpture of an artwork is the hidden message of the art piece above. The reason for why I chose to talk about this beautiful sculpture is not only because of the detailed work that this piece carries but also the activist message hidden inside it. At first sight, one can initially think that this is a happy family hugging each other after their son has just come back from school. However, if we take a closer look the parents look concerned and empathetic as if comforting the child. Truly, the eyes of the parents are heartbreaking as they are filled with pain and melancholy. Taking a further look, one can also observe antlers on the parents’ heads… but what does this mean? As further explained, this piece was used to embody the experience of black families having to comfort their children after returning from school from countless experiences of racism and discrimination. The antlers symbolize how black people were outcasted and targeted by society in an era where the black community was simply violated for their skin color… Truly, this piece is a symbol of activism as it lets us look at people with more empathy and humanity since we are all human and worthy of benevolence. Because of this piece… its imagery, details, and message, I became more connected to the artwork and the events in our history that sometimes we forget even happened. This is why art exists…to remind and warn us of our past and amend the future we can live in.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

 Another piece that was extremely intriguing to understand was that of the self-portrait of the Rubell’s. When looking at this piece, one would never guess how this artwork reflects a self-portrait of a long-lasting couple. Truly, it looks like an old and used mattress. However, the deeper message behind this piece is the fact that this piece symbolizes all the journey filled with many years of the couple’s emotions, experiences, memories, and life together. After grasping the message of the piece. I had a more profound appreciation for art and the beautiful moments it comes to symbolize in the most intriguing and marveling ways. Like this couch, our lives are filled with stains of experiences and moments that define who we are, and learning to accept all the flaws and beautiful experiences of our lives allows us to be appreciative of all we have lived through. The emotion behind every artwork that one experiences is something I will never forget as it transformed the way I view art and the manner in which I view my experiences as part of my own art canvas where such moments act like brush strokes, creating the overall painting of my self-portrait.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, visiting the Rubell Museum was truly fantastic and emotional as it allowed me to further understand the artists’ artwork and all the effort they put forth in their pieces to embody a message that may be hard to communicate with words. Personally, I believe that art is a form of communication that allows the unexplainable to be understood as it touches the hearts of the audience and helps them build a greater connection to the overall message of an art piece. Art grants voices to those whose message won’t be heard which is why I believe that art is the most powerful tool to spread empathy, humanity, and reform in our world. Art allows us to connect our hearts to all that are brave enough to share their message.

Miami Art Week as Text

“Celebrating Women in the Art Industry” by Kylee Andrade of FIU at Miami Art Week Miami on November 3oth , 2022.

    Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

All I could remember thinking upon entering the “Untitled Art” exhibit was how mesmerizing and special each booth had been. The gallery was filled with so many paintings, sculptures, and portraits that it was so overwhelming but intriguing to take in. In the past, I viewed paintings superficially without questioning the real meaning or message behind the artwork. Nevertheless, upon visiting more art museums and galleries, I have brought it upon myself to discover what purpose they have and what value the artist wanted to express of them. Even though the art exhibit carried countless of beautiful and priceless art pieces that I’ve ever witnessed, some of the most impactful pieces carried the theme of celebrating women in art and the messages such artists wanted to convey to the world.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

One of the most powerful pieces that the art exhibit displayed was that called “Thetha Tati II” meaning “Talk to Me Father” by Turiya Magadlela piece ( part of the  His(Her)Tory collection by Kates-Ferri Projects). This piece was so moving because the materials used in the canvas are the authentic pantyhoses of schoolgirls from South Africa. These pantyhoses were used to symbolize the diversity of women being from different sizes, shapes, and colors. But the rips and holes of the pantyhoses were used to also represent the fragility of women and their ability to be vulnerable and sensitive which I found so powerful. Personally, the panntyhoses of this piece took me back when I was in elementary school in my home country, Ecuador, where I had a black pantyhose that I would wear every day as part of my school’s uniform. The pantyhose reminded me of my happy school days as a young child playing with my friends in the playgrounds during recess or when we would be in school learning how to multiply or count numbers, The only worry those days was what my mother had packed me for lunch. However, these pantyhoses also reminded me of my evolution as a woman as I wore a black pantyhose to my high school graduation and professional events like job interviews and academic competitions. Truly, the pantyhoses that I wore embodied my transformation from child into a woman which is why this piece is so powerful as I was able to visualize and feel that evolution by just looking at the art piece.  

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Another stunning piece that evoked an emotional impact on me was called “Seat 11B” by C.J. Chueca (part of the  His(Her)Tory collection by Kates-Ferri Projects). This artwork displayed airplane windows made from clay, portraying different scenic views and imagery. More in-depth, these airplane windows were used to display the journey that the artist, as an immigrant, would take throughout her life with the different views and scenes from her airplane seat that she would observe throughout her traveling experiences. Truly, these pieces symbolize the journey that many immigrants experience once sitting in a plane seat where they feel intense emotions of excitement or fear as they travel to unknown countries that they now must call “home”. Personally, I felt connected to the artist’s work as, being an immigrant myself, I had many core memories of leaving my home country and viewing the green and agricultural fields of Ecuador from my airplane window to then the view later changing to cities and lights when arriving at the U.S. Thus, this artwork was almost nostalgic as it brought many beautiful and painful memories of my childhood where I had left my home, family, friends, and culture for a foreign country for which I did not feel prepared in the least to live in.

Photograph taken and edited by Kylee Andrade/ CC by 4.0.

Overall, the “Untitled” Art gallery was an extremely overwhelming and emotional experience for me as I had never witnessed such beautiful paintings and sculptures. Moreover, the art booths that we visited from the His(Her)Tory collection by Kates-Ferri Projects truly empowered my view on female artists in the art industry and their ability to produce such creative and authentic pieces of artwork while captivating the hearts of the audience with the powerful messages that they convey. Truly, visiting art galleries are a transformative experience for which we must not only value but praise as artists pour out their hearts to produce art that proves to be pivotal in our time.