Vox Student Blog

My name is Brittany Rizo and I am a sophomore in the Honors College at Florida International University. I am majoring in Biological Science on the Pre-Med track. My goal is to become a Cardio Thoracic Surgeon in the future, possibly for Pediatrics. I am very excited to be going on this life-changing experience with Professor Bailly and the rest of the class to Spain in Summer 2020.

Vizcaya as Text

“A Merge of Cultures” by Brittany Rizo of FIU at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Before our visit to Vizcaya, I had only been there once before. It was a long time ago, about 10 years ago and I honestly don’t remember much of it. To me this place was completely new, as if I had never been there before. I loved this experience because I got to learn so much that I never would have known. Hearing the history from Professor Bailly made me notice things that I never would have noticed going on my own. From the very beginning I was interested in how many different cultures contributed to the architecture and different aspects of Vizcaya. For example, at the very front of the property, the fountains that guide you inside were the first thing that caught my eye. They were beautiful, but not in an extravagant way. I found it very interesting to learn that they are based off of Islamic culture of still fountains that reflect the heavens. As we continued inside, the architecture grew more and more complex. It included many things like the sculpture of the Olympian god, Dionysus, the marble floors that represented prosperity, and the stars integrated into the patterns on the walls that were also based on Islamic influences. Every room was unique in its own way; they had different styles that were influenced by multiple different cultures, making them all very intriguing. Some of these cultures include French, Spanish, Islamic, and Italian Renaissance influence in the gardens. This was my favorite part of the entire experience, getting to see how something that we have always associated with Miami and its culture is really influenced in a big way by many other cultures. It was a very enlightening experience and it is definitely a place that I would return to see again.

MOAD as Text

“Navigating Through History” by Brittany Rizo of FIU at the Museum of Art and Design

I have lived in Miami for my entire life and I have passed the Freedom Tower more times than I can count, but until the other day I never really knew what it represented. I always just thought that it was a cool-looking building in the middle of Brickell, but it is so much more than that. When it was built, there was no other land in front of it and was even sometimes called the “Ellis Island of the south.” Its purpose was to process all of the Cubans coming to Miami, including my grandparents and the families of many others. It was very interesting to visit a place with such important ties to my family, and to the entire culture and history of Miami. Going inside and seeing the history that is held in this building exceeded my expectations. There were paintings, sculptures, maps, books, and more that took us back to the time that they were made and showed us how diverse different cultures could be. My favorite piece of artwork was the mural in the image above. I couldn’t get the entire piece in one picture because of how large it was, it took up almost the entire length of the wall. The mural represented the Europeans coming to the Americas, with the world map of Europe on the right and the Americas on the left. In the center, there is a poem that we read as a class, and above it are an Indian man and a European man holding flags under a compass. Completed with mermaids in the ocean at the bottom and European ships, this mural is considered a very “romanticized” representation of the travel to the Americas. It doesn’t express all of the hardships that were brought from Europe, like disease and warfare. Despite this, I was still very impressed by it because of the amount of detail in the painting itself and its size, it was the very first thing that drew my attention. Overall, the entire museum was very impressive and I learned a lot about my cultures and many others as well.

Deering as Text

“A Beautiful Sanctuary” by Brittany Rizo of FIU at Deering Estate

I have been to Deering Estate a multiple times in my life and I have always thought it was such a beautiful place—I even took my quinces pictures there when I was younger—but I have never really known the history behind it. It was interesting to learn how the architect, Phineas Paist, was influenced by past architectural styles he had used from building he built in Sitges and Tamarit, Spain. Another interesting detail was how the time period in the United States influenced the building and use certain structures on the property, like the secret wine cellar that was built because of the Prohibition at the time. My favorite part of the property, however, is definitely the boat basin. Being born and raised in Miami, I am naturally draw to the water, palm trees, and marine life that the boat basin provides. It looks like a very peaceful place to just relax, read a book, and clear your mind from all of your worries. It is one of the most photogenic places on the property, with the palm trees on each side of the “fingers” giving it a symmetry that just draws you in. I also love that it is a kind of safe sanctuary to manatees and other delicate marine life, like turtles and stingrays. There are too many stories of animals like manatees and turtles getting hit by boats, injuring them or even worse, so it is comforting to see a place where they can thrive in their natural habitat safely. With a rich history, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful views, Deering Estate is not just a sanctuary for the animals that lives around the basin, but it is a kind of sanctuary for people too and is definitely a place that I will continue to return to for as long as I am in Miami. 

South Beach as Text

“Art Deco Aesthetic” by Brittany Rizo of FIU at South Beach

South Beach is not a place I visit often because of how far it is from my home, but I have always thought it was one of the most unique places in South Florida. The aspect that draws me to it the most is the Art Deco style that encompasses the whole area. Because of my dad, I have always been drawn to vintage-styled things like record players and vintage cars, and this is no different. All of the vibrant colors, lights, and architecture transport you to a different era. That is what makes South Beach such intriguing place, different from most beach cities in the country, and visited by a countless number of tourists every year. It was interesting to learn that it was so special that back in 1977, a woman named Barbara Baer fought to keep this architectural style and founded an organization called the Miami Design Preservation League to preserve the area. Even though there are modern buildings that have been built since, without her South Beach would undoubtedly be a completely different place, unrecognizable to what we see now. I could not picture this neighborhood without the view of Ocean Drive lined with Art Deco structures, and thankfully we don’t have to. Hopefully, South Beach will always preserve its Art Deco aesthetic because it is what makes the area so distinct and it will always be part of that area’s history and culture.

HistoryMiami as Text

“Personal Impacts of History” by Brittany Rizo of FIU at the HistoryMiami Museum

Personally, I have always been one to appreciate museums that have real pieces from the past and not just works of art. A couple of the ones I have visited include the National History Museum in New York and the La Brea Tar Pits Museum in California. These types of museums have always been my favorite because I connect more with them and they make more of a personal impact, really taking you back to those times and how different things were back then. For this reason, I think I would have thoroughly enjoyed visiting the HistoryMiami Museum. It is amazing to me how such old artifacts can be preserved and used as a tool for visual learning decades or even centuries later. One of the artifacts from the museum that caught my attention the most were the wooden boats used by the Cubans to come to America. Being from a Cuban family, it is always very shocking for me to see the struggle of how people made their way to the states. Seeing these tiny wooden boats, I can’t even imagine how difficult it would be to travel miles across the open ocean and actually survive. I will always have a personal connection to stories like this because both of my grandparents went through similar struggles to reach America. My grandfather from my mother’s side travelled on a boat as well, and my grandfather from my father’s side was a rescued prisoner who fought against the regime during the Bay of Pigs. I am very proud of my culture and the amount of resilience that my grandparents—and Cubans as a whole—have had in order to survive such terrible circumstances and build better lives for their families. 

Catherine Santana is a freshman at the Honors College at Florida International University, majoring in Biochemistry as a pre-med track. Medicine and the benevolence and humanity envolved in the art of healing and helping others is her passion. Although, she aspires to enlarge her cultural scope by traveling and coping with different cultures in order to not only flourish as a professional, but also as a person.

Vizcaya as Text

“Vizcaya: A mosaic,” by Catherine Santana of FIU at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

Just as the beautiful mosaics found in the gardens, including an interesting seashell interpretation, Vizcaya is a mosaic of cultures and art. From the moment walking through the entrance a classical sculpture of Bacchus welcomes visitors with the promise of art grandeur and extravagance from the god of passion and wine. Walking through the house fulfills Bacchus’ promises in an art enlightening to visitors that rarely experience a compilation of art and architecture from a number of backgrounds. Vizcaya produces a synergetic effect, all of its architectural Italian, French and Spanish influences add up to create a sense of fantasy, I felt like I had immersed myself in my favorite shows, documentaries, travel guides, and books. From the “arc of triumph” outside to the variety of marble and Chapel like stained glass in the Italian room, the experience was beyond what I had anticipated. Every room is filled with a story, culture, and art. The beauty of having a sculpture outside of the telephone room symbolizing patriotic Roman ideas in America, lay down on the floor in garden appreciating  the intricate design in the ceilings as if it were an Italian church surrounded by trees, admire Spanish ships, and extravagant French rooms is an opportunity rarely found in one space.

James Deering, the owner of the house when it opened in 1916 created along with Hoffman, Chaulfin, and Suarez a place that has transcended a century as a landmark of European art in the middle of Miami. Deering’s irony is how a man that seems slightly egocentric, given the “J’ ai dit” when going to the second floor, built a relatively small bedroom compared to the size of the property. It was perhaps a matter of the outer appearances, but maybe an artistic license to engage himself in more attractive tasks putting together an equation with variables such as Baroque, Renaissance and Mediterranean styles to add to a perfect discordant harmony.

Perhaps this house (let us emphasize that it was built as a house) surrounded by a mote, with a hidden door to defeat Prohibition, gardens full of sexual symbols, and intricate designs from European influences is able to describe Miami more than many other places. Some attribute Vizcaya’s beauty to cultural appropriation; however, what is Miami but a city that has absorbed multiple cultures and made them its own? The discordant harmony in Vizcaya can be seen in several menus, demographics, and composition of the city, it is in a way a growing Vizcaya. Miami is also a mosaic, Vizcaya is Miami.

Museum of Art and Design as Text

“Saying goodbye to Cuba” by Catherine Santana of FIU at Museum of Art and Design.

There wasn’t any homeostasis. The Cuban Revolution and Castro Regime made thousands of people to seek refuge in the United States after watching their country submerged in communist actions that obliterated freedom of all kinds. Therefore, starting anew is something that generations of Cubans have known for the past decades. The Museum of Art and Design portrays the exodus through several exhibitions, showcasing the courage and the obstacles faced by immigrants.
Let’s start from the beginning. I had never been to the Freedom tower. My father and my father’s friends told me stories , but I was only able to understand its importance until I saw the Cuban flag dancing in the air contrasting the colonial architecture with modern buildings. I was compelled. I am an immigrant, but my time has allowed me to stay in contact with many of my family members and friends. Was this the case in the 1960s? I felt an empathy for people that I never met and their sacrifice. They were the dancing flags that searched for a better place and expressed their individuality. Walking down the halls and observing their exhibitions, I was able to relate to many of the highlights on the posters. I was able to identify myself with the spam and eggs breakfast, the impatience, and the unknown. To Cubans, this is our Ellis Island even for the younger generations that embrace its historical relevance.

However, my favorite feature of the “Cuban Exile Exhibition” was the honesty of portraying the obstacles faced by Cubans after arriving, adjusting to a new country and culture rather than presenting the story as a “Happily Ever After”. For instance, pictures that captured the desperation of mothers that left children behind, innocent faces waiting to be processed, and geographic adjudgment provide more dimension to the story than a superficial view of the issue. Overall, it’s a place that creates identity and transmits endurance to not only Cubans, but any immigrant that has had similar experiences. It’s a place that irradiates its historic increasing entropy.

Deering Estate

“A Natural Enclave”, by Catherine Santana of FIU at Deering Estate.

The Deering Estate was built by Charles Deering, a Chicago industrialist, environmentalist, and art lover in the beginning of the 1900s. The house provides 444 acres of beautiful architecture and natural diverse paradises. Today, it offers programs for the community such as poetry readings and expositions, as well as environmentalist tours.

The Deering Estate makes a significant contrast to its geographic location. Although, the years have made Deering Estate one of Miami’s most beloved places, the architecture and environmental value seem different to where the estate is located. Beyond the Richmond Cottage, the Mediterranean Revival Stone House, and the Deering Estate Artist in Residence program there is a world of adventures and natural diversity. The Estate was added to the National Registry of Historic Places, in an attempt to preserve its historic value.

However, beyond the historic buildings and art endeavors, the Estate provides a natural enclave in Miami. Contrary to the fast-paced growing city, many of Deering’s Estate natural locations offer as Anne Shirley would say “so much scope for the imagination”. The boat basin allows people to enjoy the beauty of wildlife. The supply of fresh water allows manatees to thrive in this area, and at the right moments, some other species can be seen as well. Another must do is the Nature Preserve Tour. The time travelling opportunity provides allows visitors to enjoy wildlife as centuries before human intervention. There is an abundance of species, patterns, and surprises to be admired in this guided tour by a conservation and research specialist.

Some other attractions include the Tequesta Midden and the Tequesta Burial Mound. Both made reference to the inhabitants of the area in the 16th century. It is believed that a number of bodies of this extinct population remain in this mound, and the Tequesta Midden allows visitors to observe the shells the Tequestas used as tools. Along with the Cutler Fossil Site, the Deering Estate allows an average person to feel like a historian and archeologist in the not so often considered as historic Miami.

Other attractions include the Chicken key, a small island one mile away from the shore, the geologically significant Miami Rock Ridge, and the Tropical Hardwood Hammock. There are also two free access places, The People’s Dock and the Deering Point which allow visitors to enjoy of Biscayne Bay and spend time in a natural paradise.

Overall, the Deering Estate is extremely valuable providing Miami of artistic and natural diversity. It is an escape room for people to admire local art and nature’s divine design. A perfect detour from the chaotic Miami, to enrich visitors’ imagination.

References:
“Deering Estate History: Historic Miami Mansion & Gardens.” Deering Estate, 26 Mar. 2020, deeringestate.org/history/.

“Deering Estate Walking Tour” https://johnbailly.com/lectures/deering-estate-walking tour/

HistoryMiami Museum

“Miami’s true colors”, by Catherine Santana of FIU at HistoryMiami Museum.

The HistoryMiami Museum is located in a privileged location in Miami. It is part of the Smithsonian Institution Affiliations Program and provides different collections that capture Miami’s highs and lows. Their exhibitions highlight the history of the city, including negative aspects such as social injustice and discrimination. Their numerous programs attempt to create a sense of place, promulgate our history, and create a community.

The museum offers permanent collections and seasonal exhibits. One of their permanent collections seeks to highlight the history of the city starting with the first inhabitants and includes modern day pieces. “Miami, The Magic City” captures the development of Miami through photographs in chronological order. The museum’s core exhibition Tropical dreams: A People’s History of South Florida shows the progression of the city throughout the years. There are many artifacts from the early settlers, many of them collected at Deering Estate.

Its walls are filled with art inspired by history and stories that inspire people. The exhibitions not only touch upon delicate topics, but also provide in depth information. Art and photographs refer to the first African American communities, derogatory terms used to describe different tribes, and the waves of immigration to the city.

More than anything, HistoryMiami seeks to engage the community in the study of their history. Most people in Miami are not knowledgeable of the history of the city since schools do not prioritize this subject. The Museum has different programs to include children in hands on learning. The Summer Passport Program provides free access for all children, including legal guardians, in Miami-Dade County to experience the museum in the Summer months as an adventure. They also have Free Family Fun Days to promulgate learning history as part of family traditions. The Museum hosts the Miami Street Photography Festival and classes with historian Dr. Paul S. George.

Overall, the mission of The HistoryMiami Museum is accomplished by providing exhibits that capture the essence of the city of Miami. Paintings, artifacts, and photographs describe the trajectory of a culturally diverse community and allows everyone to be included in telling stories. The museum links the community to their history, and does not shy away from controversial topics, setting an example for new generations and a precedent of social justice. All generations are called to learn and reflect in a place that shows Miami’s true colors.

References:
HistoryMiami Official Website
JW Bailly Lectures

South Beach

“Behind the façade” by Catherine Santana of FIU at South Miami Beach.

Miami is known around the world for its beaches and night life, which are the epicenter of the tourism industry in the city. However, there is much more to know about the area and the history behind the popular tourist spot.

The city evolved from a farmland to an area that attracted the upper class to settle, after Ocean Drive became suitable for automobile traffic. Today, the vision of the founders remains true as it is considered a rather elitist and glamorous place, with higher costs of living. It has also become popular as a scenario of debaucherous lifestyles and luxurious real estate.

Miami Beach has numerous places dedicated to culture, including galleries and museums. However, one of the most notable aspect is the characteristic Art Deco architecture. When I first moved to Miami, I was greatly impressed by the pastel facades in Miami Beach. Although, I didn’t know the type of architecture I admired the curved edges and windows that transported me back to another time period. There have been several figures over the years that have dedicated their time to advocate for the conservation of the artistic value of Miami Beach’s unique Art Deco.

Behind Miami Beach’s glamour and luxury, there is a sacrifice story. Sadly, the area was built aided by gentrification, racism, and environmental damage. Miami Beach was racially diverse before its development, but the pressures faced by the vision of the city pushed African Americans and Native Americans away. Jews were also repressed in the development of the city. Derogatory banners, and discrimination in public places was ubiquitous, despite the increasing number of Jews moving to Miami Beach, especially after World War II. Today, the history of Jews in Miami Beach is portrayed in the Jewish Museum of Florida. However, the museum not only tells the story of over two centuries of Jewish History in the state, but also exhibits modern art related to Judaism. In order to eradicate social disparity and the negative consequences of the development of the city, there are several projects designed to combat the gentrification of the area.

Despite the negative aspects of South Beach, the area is of significant value to the identity of the city. It provides more than the popular beaches and parties known around the globe, but it is also a place of significant importance in the arts through architecture, paintings, poetry, and many others. South Beach is far more than tourist spot, but rather a place for artistic expression, identity, and turbulent history.

References:

John Bailly Lectures
Funcheon, Deirdra. “Miami’s Historically Black Neighborhood Is Poised to Gentrify Like Harlem.” Bisnow, 12 Feb. 2020, http://www.bisnow.com/south-florida/news/construction-development/miami-overtown-red-rooster-marcus-samuelsson-102923.
“South Beach History.” South Beach | History, http://www.visitsouthbeachonline.com/history.htm.

My name is Molly Schantz. I was born in Miami, but grew up in Asheville, North Carolina. I am majoring in Political Science on the Pre-Law track. After I graduate FIU, I would like to go to law school and eventually practice environmental law. I have never been to Italy before, so I am extremely excited to experience a new place full of such rich history. I’ve always believed that travel and cultural experience is the best way to get an education and being in a class where I can learn about topics outside of my major while also being outside a classroom is my ideal honors class. Our lives are related back to European history so heavily, especially Italian history and I can’t wait to find my connections to that history through this class.

Vizcaya As Text

“Eastern Europe in Our Backyard” by Molly Schantz of FIU at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

I had visited Vizcaya before with a different class, but my second time experiencing the place was very different. The parallels between Rome and Vizcaya became very clear on my most recent visit. Vizcaya was built around 1920 by the direction of James Deering and other European settlers. The area around Vizcaya had become a hub for Bahamian people in Miami, mainly because they were pushed into this area by Europeans. The European influence of Vizcaya is visible from almost every corner which makes it so interesting as it almost seems out of place. Also comparing Miami as its own city with the religious customs of Roman history is easy to do at Vizcaya and creates an interesting dynamic between what we think is a Christian/Catholic world versus what we actually live within. 

Vizcaya was created in the image of a European Palace. Everything is inspired by greatness, victory, and luxury that we often associate with Rome. There is an victory arch that leads to the gardens, and classic Roman Catholic inspired ceiling mural, and my favorite ode to ancient Rome, the statue of Bacchus, the Roman God of Wine, that greets you right at the front door. The image of Bacchus is what I found most interesting because it shows how little James Deering actually cared about classic European principles of religion and tradition. Bacchus is the perfect representation of America in that he is a Roman God who represents drinking wine and living in luxury which is exactly the image that Americans want to have of Europe. It also represents Miami as a place of sin covered by luxury and rich architecture. 

Vizcaya is a unique experience especially nowadays for people to visit such an out of place piece of architecture. It’s unlike any other in Miami with it’s direct Roman influence. 

MOAD As Text

“I am Italy, You are Italy” by Molly Schantz of FIU at the Museum of Art and Design

The Museum of Art and Design at MDC is located inside of the Freedom Tower. The Freedom Tower is a historic landmark in Miami as it is where immigrants from Cuba were processed and the first place they were brought to in their new home. The museum is full of rich history and artifacts from the Pre-Colombian era and the very beginning of exploration in the Americas. 

What I found most intriguing were the world maps from the 15th and 16th century or around that time. Today we have maps that are tracked by satellite and available at our fingertips, but hundreds of years ago explorers had to draw maps by hand based on their own travels and almost trace the land borders and coastlines by foot and boat. When I was looking at these maps, I found myself laughing because of how inaccurate they look to my eye as someone who has grown up with virtual navigation access. I viewed these hand drawn maps as trivial when in reality they were a major innovation at the time they were made public. This all just goes back to how we ARE Italy or we ARE Rome. Almost every concept in our daily lives can be traced back to European influence. America is named after an Italian man. Maps were created by Italian or Western European explorers. We often feel so comfortable in the things we have access to that we forget where they actually came from and how fascinating it is that we have these things. They also have the first Atlas, Theatrum Orbis Terrarum, which was such an anomaly when first discovered because it contained 53 maps bound together in a uniform style and in order of continent and country. 

When you really think about it, these maps are so significant because of the amount of work they took to create and the genuine belief of accuracy and opportunity for knowledge that they brought to society. 

Miami Beach as Text

“Nostalgia” by Molly Schantz of FIU at South Beach

My dad spent his entire childhood living in South Beach and all my life has referred to South Beach as “the back of his hand”. He watched the city grow from the late 60’s to the early 90’s and he grew with the city. I spent many vacations staying at my grandparents house on the bay side of South Beach, but learned the city very quickly as a child and get to learn it and love it more now as an adult living in Miami. My word association with South Beach will always be nostalgia. Every part of the city brings back memories, not only for myself, but my whole family and I believe the art deco buildings, the colors, and the general vibe heavily contribute to the nostalgia and that feeling of being transported back to a different place.

South Beach holds a lot of history that may not be apparent to the naked eye. My family is Jewish and has lived on South Beach for over 50 years now and something they appreciate is the large jewish community in the city. The history of the jewish community in South Beach is unfortunate. Carl Fisher and Henry Flagler, two of the main developers of Miami Beach, discriminated against Jewish people and tried to push them out of the up and coming city. From the time Jews began settling in Miami Beach in the 1930’s, there were signs posted on businesses and hotels explicitly stating that they were not welcome. There was a rule for many years that jews were not allowed to live north of 5th street on South Beach. Beth Jacob was the first synagogue built on Miami Beach in 1929 between 3rd and 4th street in compliance with the rule. In 1986, the synagogue was transformed into the Jewish Museum of Florida to commemorate and celebrate the rich history of the Jewish people in this country. The building is consistent with the Art-Deco design of South Beach. The original stained-glass windows and bimah still exist inside. The shift from discrimination to now pride of the Jewish people in South Beach is a beautiful thing and encourages thriving diversity.

The eclectic vibe of South Beach and Art Deco design features, such as neon colors, glass bricks, and porthole windows, can be found in every corner; restaurants, clubs, hotels, and even religious sanctuaries and history museums.

Deering Estate as Text

“Miami’s Hidden Gem” by Molly Schantz of FIU at the Deering Estate

The Deering Estate is the epitome of what tourists and visitors wouldn’t expect to find in Miami. This historical landmark was once the home of Charles Deering, but before that the land belonged to Tequesta tribe. The current state of the estate is reminiscent of the 1920’s, but some areas of the land date back 10,000 years to when the Tequesta people lived there. The Tequesta Burial Mound and the Cutler Fossil Site are two examples of places within the Deering Estate that hold historical value that goes much deeper than any other place you could visit in Miami.

The Deering Estate features the Richmond Cottage and the Stone House which are architecturally intriguing, but I think the most interesting part of the Deering Estate is all of the natural areas that lay within the boundaries of the estate. It does cost money to take formal tours and to see the homes, explore Tropical Hardwood Hammock, tour the Nature Preserve, and watch the manatees at the Boat Basin, there are opportunities to see Miami in all its glory for free.

The Deering Estate is on the coast of Biscayne Bay, giving visitors perfect access to the water and away from the city life that we associate with Miami. The People’s Dock is open to the public and a great place for fishing or just experiencing the bay in whatever way one feels is best. The dock is located near the Visitor’s Center. There is a lack of access to Biscayne Bay all throughout Miami, but the Deering Estate just happens to have multiple points of access, making a visit even more desirable for locals and tourists alike. The other public access point is Deering Point. Deering Point is located at the very southernmost point of the property and is open for non motorized boat launch, kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and more. There is free parking, public restrooms, and first come first serve shade pavilions. I feel so fortunate to have places like the Deering Estate within a 20 mile radius of anywhere in Miami. There are stereotypes about Miami, that it is a city of skyscrapers and nightlife and wealthy people partying and while, yes, sometimes that is true, Miami should be known for its deep history within the native Americas and the beautiful environment and natural spaces at every corner. The Deering Estate is a perfect place to capture the true essence of Miami, before the skyscrapers and nightclubs ever existed.

History Miami as Text

“History that will Never be Forgotten” by Molly Schantz of FIU at HistoryMiami Museum

The HistoryMiami Museum was founded in 1940 and has since then prided itself in sharing the true and raw history of South Florida. As the largest history museum in Florida, HistoryMiami has artifacts and exhibits that highlight people, groups, and events in history that may often be pushed aside or simply forgotten and shed light upon the real history of Miami and beyond.

HistoryMiami starts at the very beginning. Visitors are able to see artist renditions of what native settlers looked like when they first discovered South Florida. These settlers were Pre-Columbian and important to highlight the fact that European settlers were not the first people to come across land in America. They also have tools that were excavated from the Cutler Fossil Site at the Deering Estate. Fast forward through the museum and through artifacts from different stages of immigration, settlement, and development in Miami and you get to artifacts relating to Cuban settlement. For many of us, this is the type of immigration in South Florida that we think of and what shapes Miami today. The photo above is a model of the makeshift boats that Cubans and Haitians would take on their voyage to America. These boats became very common in the 80’s when Fidel Castro opened the Port of Mariel for anyone who wanted to leave the island and go to Florida. HistoryMiami shows hundreds of year of history of the people who made Miami what it is today.

When we think of Miami today, we tend to forget the rich history that came before the art in Wynwood, the skyscrapers in Midtown and Downtown, or the nightclubs and party culture. We are lucky to have a place like the HistoryMiami Museum which allows us to discover our roots as a city and truly know where our surroundings came from. Learning the important history of Miami helps us appreciate where we live and maybe hold different stereotypes about Miami as a whole.

Italia-America: Legislative Structures

In today’s fast paced world, it is easy to get lost in the moment, forget about the past, and neglect the future. This post aims to do the exact opposite by creating a connection between the Roman Republic and the United States – two of the greatest civilizations to have ever existed. This post will place special focus on the legislative systems of each great society, allowing the reader to understand the roots of the concepts and institutions often taken for granted.

The Roman Republic’s and the United States’ legislative systems, though hundreds of years apart, bear considerable similarities while being discernibly different. Both consist of a multi-tier legislative system with some form of executive overseeing it all. The Roman system consisted of the Assemblies, the Senate, and the Consuls and other magistrates with veto power.[i] The American system consists of the House,[ii] the Senate,[iii] and the President[iv] and his cabinet. Unlike the Roman system in which any one of the institutions could create and pass laws,[v] the American system has a hierarchy in which laws start in the House of Representatives, move to the Senate, and then are approved by the President.[vi] Needless to say, the United States took a myriad of the concepts first used by Romans in their government and applied them in theirs.

To fully understand how any legislative system works, it is crucial to understand how each position is filled and who is responsible for filling it. Therefore, it is best to explain it from the grassroots to the elite, from elected officials to appointed ones, from the Assemblies to the Senate.

Roman Assemblies & American House of Representatives

The Assemblies in Classic Rome were made up of the people, they indirectly elected the magistrates, accepted or rejected laws, administered justice, and declared war.[vii] It is important to understand that for the Romans, at least initially, this was the most important branch of the legislative, as they selected a number of officials with substantial veto power. When discussing the role of these assemblies in the legislative structure of Rome there are three that must be discussed: the Centuriate Assembly, the Tribal Assembly, and the Plebian Council. Each of these had a key role in the creation and adoption of laws and was composed of different sections of the populace.

One of the most powerful institutions of Rome was the Centuriate Assembly (Comitia Centuriata). This committee, as its name suggests, was originally composed of all Roman citizens, which at the time were soldiers, divided into groups of 100. To reach a decision, each group of 100 would vote within itself and the decision from each group would be recorded, each group received 1 vote and whenever a side received a majority of the vote the matter was settled, and voting was no longer necessary. The Centuriate Assembly was so powerful because it was the one that selected and empowered the highest-ranking Roman Magistrates, including: Consuls, Praetors, and Censors, who were crucial in the legislating process.[viii] After a while, the groups were no longer divided into 100 Roman citizens but rather they were divided by social status and wealth, meaning that those in the upper rungs of society had a disproportionate effect on the outcome of elections.[ix]

Another important Assembly was the Tribal Assembly (Comitia Populi Tribute). This committee worked very similarly to the Centuriate Assembly when voting on legislative issues. It was composed of all Roman citizens divided into Tribes, each one of the 35 tribes would vote within itself and then report the majority of the vote; each tribe had one vote and whenever one side of the matter received a majority of the votes it was no longer necessary to continue. The Tribal Assembly was noticeably weaker than the Centuriate Assembly because it did not elect any Magistrates and its decisions could easily be vetoed by a number of other actors. [x]

Lastly, the Plebeian Council (Concilium Plebis) must certainly be discussed when talking about Rome’s legislative structure. Unlike any of the other Assemblies listed above, the Plebeian Council was composed exclusively of the commoners also referred to as plebeians. This Council was originally not very powerful, but slowly grew to be one of the most powerful institutions in Rome. It could adopt laws which applied only to Plebeians at first, but later to all Roman citizens, it elected a number of key magistrates with veto power, and could try specific judicial cases.[xi]

As explained earlier, the American system employs a number of ideas from Roman times. A very clear example of this is the multi-tier legislative system. Like the Roman Assemblies which divided the people into sections, asked them vote within those sections, and report the majority votes to decide the outcome of several decisions. The American founding fathers employed this very same system as the basis for the American voting system and later on the election of House of Representative members.[xii] Like in Roman times, American voters are divided into equal groups based on censuses done every 10 years; each group gets to vote for a representative in the House of Representatives.[xiii] This way – one could argue – the people are indirectly choosing which legislation they support and which one they oppose by voting for someone with similar ideals to theirs. Separately, and very similarly to Roman Assemblies when electing Magistrates, [xiv] these sections of voters play an essential role in legislating by electing who will run the executive and have veto power on a series of matters.[xv] Unlike Romans, who selected each Magistrate separately, Americans select only the President, who then has leeway to choose his Cabinet.[xvi]

Roman Magistrates & American Executive

Now let’s move to analyze the Magistrates of Rome and their role within the policymaking structure. Generally, Magistrates in Rome were elected by the citizens of Rome to rule in their name and held a series of powers over certain religious roles, the military, the judicial system, and could call assemblies to vote and preside over them.[xvii] Some of them played a very important role in the legislating structure of Rome, namely the Consuls, the Censors, the Plebeian Tribunes, and in extreme situations the Dictators. These offices, except that of the Censors, are essential in legislating because of the veto power they hold. This means that unless they agree with a proposed law being passed, the law will never come into force. Among these, special attention must be brought to the Plebeian Tribunes who were elected by the Plebeian Council and whose role was to protect the interests of the plebeians by vetoing any legislation that was likely to be negative for them.[xviii] Lastly, the Censors had a special role in legislating. Aside from conducting the censuses and censoring public behavior, the Censor’s role included appointing the members of the Senate in the early Republic – this role was then overtaken by the Consuls. The power of appointing Senators allowed the people to indirectly select who would be part of the Senate and implicitly what the future of Rome would look like.[xix]

The American system’s counterpart to the Magistrates would be the Executive, but like in Rome, the powers that these elected officials hold is substantially limited. For starters, only one actor – the President – is elected and has veto power over legislation, and this power is not absolute as that of Roman Magistrates as it can be undone with a supermajority of the Senate or by Judicial decisions.[xx] This branch of government definitely shares most of the roles and powers that Roman Magistrates had, but with regards to policymaking its power has become more limited.

Roman Senate & American Senate

Lastly, the most important and most powerful institution in the Roman Republic was the Senate. This institution evolved, as did all others, from being composed entirely of patricians to being composed of plebeians as well.[xxi] Senators were appointed for life, first by the Censors and then by the Consuls, and in theory they could only advise the Magistrates and indirectly propose legislation. However, the Senate’s advice was followed, making them the de-facto leaders of Rome. Separately, the Senators controlled the finances and foreign policies of Rome, allowing them the most control over the lives of Romans. Furthermore, the Senate had the exclusive right to appoint a Dictator for a short period of time and could suspend civil government and rule Rome by itself.[xxii]  

The American system has its own Senate, but it is definitely different than the one seen in Rome. First of all, American Senators are elected, though they do serve long terms in office in what seems to be a lifetime position, they can be removed if the people will it so. Secondly, the American Senate has a larger influence in legislating since they are one of the two chambers of Congress that need to approve every law by having a majority vote in favor. Lastly, American Senators alone do not control the finances or have power to elect a dictator, though they can vote to remove a sitting president from office and must agree, alongside with the House of Representatives and the President, on the country’s budget.[xxiii]

Roots of the Systems

Both systems have the same underlying root of anti-monarchical sentiment but have adapted to remain practical. Romans had overthrown the last king of the Roman Monarchy and were determined to never have another totalitarian ruler;[xxiv] this is the reason they had such a strong and effective checks and balances system.[xxv] Separately, Romans used a rough idea of what would later be known as federalism when they conquered new lands and allowed them to maintain fragments of their own culture and often many laws.[xxvi] Nonetheless, they realized that a system of checks and balances would be impractical when dealing with war and other urgent matters – this is the reason why the Romans created a way to consolidate power into one individual, a Dictator, to effectively deal with the situation at hand.[xxvii] Romans also realized that the prestige, wealth, and power of its elite families could be used for the benefit of Rome and therefore allowed them to wield influence over policymaking and foreign policy by being part of the Roman Senate.[xxviii] Lastly, to combat monarchy, Romans created the Assemblies in which the people indirectly voted on laws and elected Magistrates as describes above. It is in this way that the Roman legislative structure took the best from monarchies, oligarchies, and democracies in order to work efficiently.

Similarly, Americans had declared their independence from the British Monarchy and won their Revolutionary War. Like the Romans, the founding fathers sought to never have the United States ruled by a monarch and they did so by instituting very similar checks and balances to that of the Romans and used the principle of federalism in which each state could have its own set of freedoms which included choosing a religion and enacting its own laws.[xxix] Similarly to the Roman system, the American one sought to be democratic with a concealed oligarchy by restricting who could vote and be part of government.[xxx] Nonetheless, as the system has evolved, it has become markedly more democratic and liberal.

Functional Checks and Balances

Ancient Romans and Americans both discovered that the best way to prevent tyranny and totalitarianism was to distribute power to prevent any one person or branch of government from becoming too powerful. Both systems achieved this through a complex system of checks and balances. The Roman system had twelve veto players: any of the ten Plebeian Tribunes could veto legislation unfavorable to the Plebeian class[xxxi]  and the two Consuls could veto any legislation as well.[xxxii] The power was balanced among the institutions named above in which each was responsible for a section of any process, ensuring that no institution grew too powerful.[xxxiii] An example of this can be seen within the legislating process: the Senate can only advice Magistrates on what legislation they believe should be passed, these in turn take that advice to the Assemblies and call for a vote, then a number of other minor Magistrates must enforce it if it is within their scope of power.

The founding fathers faced a similar concern, they feared that if they did not establish a sound system with effective checks and balances they would soon be back to monarchical rule.[xxxiv] Loosely basing the system on Rome’s, the founding fathers balanced the system by dividing it into three branches (Legislative, Executive, and Judicial) with equal power and different roles in every government action. They also gave these branches veto power, allowing them to veto any legislation they thought was in violation of the Constitution.[xxxv] Another distinction between the systems is that of the Judicial branch; unlike in ancient Rome where either the people via Assemblies or Magistrates were in charge of administering justice, the founding fathers created a separate Judiciary to ensure that laws were applied to all equally.[xxxvi]

Something that makes both systems stand out in very similar ways is the practicality of its legislative systems. Early on both realized that the effective checks and balances would likely yield the best laws and policies for the people and the state but failed to work efficiently in times of crises. For this reason, both Romans and Americans were very pragmatic and had a solution in place for this very problem. The Roman Senate could appoint a Dictator – the highest office in Ancient Rome – until his task was complete or for 6 months, whichever came first. This individual would be given 24 fasces which meant he had supreme authority over all matters regarding the problem he was assigned to solve (usually it was war) – including capital punishment without trial – and all other legislative institutions were only allowed to veto his actions in very extreme cases.[xxxvii] The American system has something similar in place, whenever the country has found itself in times of war or economic troubles, the executive has been given almost unchecked power in order to solve the issue with the legislative bodies cooperating and rarely vetoing the President’s actions. This is evident when the roles of the American President are analyzed: the office holds the power over all foreign policy and can deploy a limited number of troops anywhere in the world without Congressional approval.[xxxviii]

This individual would be given 24 fasces which meant he had supreme authority over all matters regarding the problem he was assigned to solve (usually it was war) – including capital punishment without trial – and all other legislative institutions were only allowed to veto his actions in very extreme cases.[xxxvii] The American system has something similar in place, whenever the country has found itself in times of war or economic troubles, the executive has been given almost unchecked power in order to solve the issue with the legislative bodies cooperating and rarely vetoing the President’s actions. This is evident when the roles of the American President are analyzed: the office holds the power over all foreign policy and can deploy a limited number of troops anywhere in the world without Congressional approval.[xxxviii]

Social Status

Another similarity that both systems have is the social statuses of each position. In the Roman system, like the American one, each position in the legislative structure brought with it an implied status. In both systems there was an implied idea that the legislative system, as well as the political one, was akin to a ladder with each position being a rung which would allow the individual to climb socially and politically.

In the Roman system, Senators were definitely the ones with the highest status: they were appointed for life, were usually rich or became rich via their position, and usually their families were part of the elite or became a part of the elite after their appointment as senators. Senators were usually chosen from previous consuls, who in turn had been Praetors, Aediles, and Tribunes before having the position. It was rare to see someone being appointed Senator without either a family history of Senators or a long history of public service as elected Magistrate.[xxxix]

Similarly, in the American system, there is a generally agreed upon norm where people climb up the metaphorical ladder. Like in ancient Rome, Senators are the most respected ones and tend to either be wealthy or become wealthy during their tenure in office. These usually come from the House of Representatives or from high state offices such as Governor. The system is quite similar within each state with the slight difference that it is seen as the beginning of a politician’s career rather than its climax. However, unlike in Rome, the highest office is arguably that of President. Past Presidents have historically climbed up the ladder and been elected public servants or military generals before being elected into office.[xl]

The Evolution of the Systems:

The government and especially the legislative structures of Rome evolved like those of no other civilization before it. They overthrew the monarchy and established what can only be classified as an early Republic, guaranteeing great liberties, protection, and civic participation to its citizens.[xli] By today’s standards it was by no means democratic or liberal but at its time it was incredibly forward thinking. Rome was the hegemon of its time, a civilization all other civilizations have studied and will continue to study for millennia to come. That is not to say that they were a flawless civilization. The Roman Republic was plagued by issues which became evident as it evolved. The most noticeable one was the disproportionate amount of power the aristocracy had. Whether it was because they were the original members of the Senate or because nothing was ever done without them knowing about it, one thing is certain – they were simply too powerful. This issue came to its climax when Julius Caesar declared himself dictator for life and effectively ended the Republic and though most legislative institutions continued to exist they were only a façade to keep the people from overthrowing another king.

If looked at in a timeline, the Roman Republic existed for 464 years according to most historians, and once it morphed into the Roman Empire it lasted an additional 430 years ruled by emperors. The United States has existed for less than 250 years. This begs a series of questions, where is America headed? Will the United States give in to authoritarianism? Will its carefully designed system of institutions persevere and keep democracy alive forever? What is the future of American democracy? As similar as the United States is to Rome and as many great empires have fallen in the past foreshadowing a very ominous future for the United States, I believe that the home of the free and the land of the brave will never stop functioning in such a democratic way, if anything, its slow and gridlock-prone legislative system will build a better future for all in ways we are currently unable to imagine.

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• [i] Wasson, Donald L. “Roman Government.” Ancient History Encyclopedia. Ancient History Encyclopedia, 29 Nov. 2015, https://www.ancient.eu/Roman_Government/.
• [ii] U.S. Constitution. Art. I, Sec. 2.
• [iii] U.S. Constitution. Art. I, Sec. 3.
• [iv] U.S. Constitution. Art. II, Sec. 1.
• [v] Bringmann, Klaus. “Rome and Italy: The constitution of the classical Republic.” A History of the Roman Republic, Cambridge, Polity Press, 2007, pp. 37-48.
• [vi] Schoolhouse Rock! “I’m Just a Bill.” YouTube, written by David Frishberg, 27 Mar. 1976, https://youtu.be/FFroMQlKiag?t=15.
• [vii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. V: The Assemblies.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 40-65.
• [viii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. V: The Assemblies.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 49-61.
• [ix] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. V: The Assemblies.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 61-63.
• [x] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. V: The Assemblies.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 49-65.
• [xi] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. V: The Assemblies.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 49-65.
• [xii] U.S. Constitution. Art. I, Sec. 4-5.
• [xiii] U.S. Constitution. Amend. XVII.
• [xiv] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VII: The Higher Magistrates and Pro-Magistrates.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 94-105.
• [xv] U.S. Constitution. Art. II, Sec. 1.
• [xvi] U.S. Constitution. Art. II, Sec. 1.
• [xvii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VII: The Higher Magistrates and Pro-Magistrates.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 94-105.
• [xviii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VIII: Tribunes, Aediles, and Minor Magistrates.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 121-129.
• [xix] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VI: The Senate.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 65-72.
• [xx] U.S. Constitution. Art. I, Sec. 7.
• [xxi] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VI: The Senate.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 65-72.
• [xxii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VI: The Senate.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 86-89.
• [xxiii] U.S. Constitution. Art. I, Sec. 1-3.
• [xxiv] Cornell, Tim J. “Ch. 9: The Beginnings of the Roman Republic.” The beginnings of Rome: Italy and Rome from the Bronze Age to the Punic Wars (c. 1000 – 264 BC). Oxford: Routledge, 1995, pp. 215-236.
• [xxv] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. XI: The Balance of the Constitution.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 191-214.
• [xxvi] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VII: The Higher Magistrates and Pro-Magistrates.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 104-121.
• [xxvii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VII: The Higher Magistrates and Pro-Magistrates.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 109-113.
• [xxviii] Byrd, Robert C. “Ch. 8: Erosion of Senate Authority,” The Senate of the Roman Republic: Addresses on the History of Roman Constitutionalism. Washington D.C.: U.S. Government Printing Office, 1995, pp. 93-105.
• [xxix] Hamilton, Alexander, or Madison, James. Federalist No. 51: The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments. New York Packet, 8, Feb. 1788.
• [xxx] Crews, Ed. “Voting in Early America.” The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. Spring 2007, https://www.history.org/Foundation/journal/spring07/elections.cfm.
• [xxxi] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VIII: Tribunes, Aediles, and Minor Magistrates.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 121-129.
• [xxxii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VII: The Higher Magistrates and Pro-Magistrates.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 104-121.
• [xxxiii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. XI: The Balance of the Constitution.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 191-214.
• [xxxiv] Hamilton, Alexander, or Madison, James. Federalist No. 51: The Structure of the Government Must Furnish the Proper Checks and Balances Between the Different Departments. New York Packet, 8, Feb. 1788.
• [xxxv] U.S. Constitution. Art. I, II, III.
• [xxxvi] Madison, James. Federalist No. 47: The Particular Structure of the New Government and the Distribution of Power Among Its Different Parts. New York Packet, 1, Feb. 1788.
• [xxxvii] Lintott, Andrew. “Ch. VI: The Senate.” The Constitution of the Roman Republic. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1999, pp. 86-89.
• [xxxviii] Edelson, Chris. “Exploring the Limits of Presidential Power.” American Constitution Society. 2, Dec. 2013, https://www.acslaw.org/acsblog/exploring-the-limits-of-presidential-power/. 
• [xxxix] “Roman social and political structures.” Khan Academy, Khan Academy, 27, Dec. 2016, https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/world-history/ancient-medieval/roman-empire/v/roman-social-and-political-structures.
• [xl] Makse, Todd. “Foundation of American Democracy.” Florida International University, POS 2041, 21-28 Aug. 2017.
• [xli] Cornell, Tim J. “Ch. 9: The Beginnings of the Roman Republic.” The beginnings of Rome: Italy and Rome from the Bronze Age to the Punic Wars (c. 1000 – 264 BC). Oxford: Routledge, 1995, pp. 215-236.

Victoria Carlucci is a junior at the Honors College at Florida International University majoring in International Business and Management. Expecting to graduate in Spring 2021, she plans to continue her education by pursuing a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. She was born and raised in Venezuela and moved to Miami in 2017 to attend college. Since little, she has been passionate about traveling, coming from an Italian-Venezuelan family and raised with traditions from both nationalities, exploring new cultures and experience the diversity that the world has to offer has been her favorite plan.

Vizcaya As Text

“European Villa located in Miami” by Victoria Carlucci at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

The Vizcaya Museums and Gardens has always been on my bucket list of things I must visit meanwhile I live in Miami. For some reason, I hadn’t been there until my Honors Study Abroad class scheduled a class in the museum.

 An European inspired villa located in Miami, that’s how I would describe the Vizcaya Museums and Gardens. It’s architecture style, landscapes, designs and elements make you feel at some villa in Italy, meanwhile you’re in Miami. It is a mix of styles between Italian Renaissance and Miami landscapes and lifestyle.

This European inspired villa was owned by James Deering, an American businessman who in 1910 inspired by the Mediterranean style begun working on the design for the villa. The buildings were inspired by the styles from Italy, Spain and France. Those three traditions can be found in the architecture, landscapes, gardens and buildings. Overall it is an expensive construction that needed an important amount of the people living in Miami at that time to build.

The Vizcaya Museum and Gardens serves as an example of what Miami is. For many years Miami has been inhabited by people from all over the world, meaning that different cultures arrive to this city. Cultural appropriation is an important factor in Miami history, since it has many people that have different nationalities, each one trying to make Miami their home. Vizcaya represents that, how in the gardens, buildings or architecture you can admire the different styles that they used as inspiration.

Vizcaya is the perfect representation of Miami, a place where there is people from all over the world, trying to make some of this city theirs and you can perceive harmony and sympathy between the different cultures and styles.

MOAD As Text

“The exile” by Victoria Carlucci at the Freedom Tower

Leaving, leaving your family, leaving your loved ones, leaving your friends, leaving your house, leaving your neighborhood, leaving your country, leaving is often a hard experience that people go through.
But imagine how hard it must have been for kids between the ages of four and sixteen and leaving all of those previously mentioned because of a political regime. Furthermore, leaving your country thinking that you will return but truth is that they never came back.

The Pedro Pan program was an agreement between the U.S. State Department and Catholic Charities of Miami to send children to the United States because of the political situation that Cuba was going through. Fidel Castro was gaining more and more power and his ideas were disagreed by the parents of these children. As a result, more than 14000 children were sent to the U.S from 1960 to 1960 in search of a better future.

As a Venezuelan, I understand this since the political situation that my country is going through is similar to the Cuban. Every day, many families are divided because they can’t stand the instability, unsafety, low life quality of the country and as a consequence, they have to leave the country. Leaving without knowing if you’ll come back, leaving without knowing if you’ll see your loved ones again, leaving without knowing many things that make the exile profoundly hard.

It is hard when sending your children to a different country by their self-it’s the best option you can to have a better life. Political regimes don’t know the harm they do to families, the scars they leave on everyone that has to go, the sadness of their families back home, the moments of loneliness, the uncertainties, the challenges that people have to overcome. In the end, all of those situations experienced make us stronger, braver, wiser, and capable of overcoming obstacles.

Deering As Text

“Preserving Nature and Promoting Art” by Victoria Carlucci at the Deering Estate Walking Tour

It is hard to believe that the Deering Estate is located in Miami. Nowadays, we are so used to think of Miami as a vibrant, urban city, with many buildings and businesses that we forget how much natural, archaeological, architectural and historic legacy this city has to offer.

The Deering Estate located in South Miami in the village of Palmetto Bay has evidence of humans that used to live 10,000 years ago in this land. Founded by Charles Deering, Deering Estate was inhabited by the Tequesta and Paleo-Indians natives. Additionally, African American and Afro-Bahamian were in charge of working and building this place.

Art is an important topic in the Deering Estate. Something that called my attention from the virtual tour was that the Deering Estate offers a residence program for artists, where they have the opportunity to work on their projects, develop their ideas, network with other artists meanwhile they are in this historic place. I couldn’t think of a better place for an artist to develop its ideas, I think this can also serve as inspiration for moments when an artist may experience “Artist’s Block.” Moreover, visitors the Deering Estate sometimes may have the opportunity to access to the studios and appreciate their masterpieces. Also, the Deering Estate hosts events that are an incredible opportunity to engage and learn.

The Deering Estate offers an awesome view of the best landscapes Miami has. For instance, from the Deering Estate Boat Basin, you can appreciate a wide variety of marine life such as manatees, sharks, turtles, rays, and dolphins. Preservation of natural areas is key here; you can see this variety of marine animals because no watercraft of any type is allowed there so they are not disturbed by human activities. The Deering Estate is also a good spot to see the Biscayne bay from the Peoples dock, and the Island of Chicken Key, which is located one mile offshore and was formed by the deposition of quartz and limestone sands by ocean currents. From the tour, the one that I liked the most was the Deering Point.

Through the online tour, I was able to get to know the Natural Preserve in the Deering Estate and learned that you can see the flora and fauna as it was many years ago. Other interesting facts I learned were the historic remains in this place such as the airplane that crashed in the Deering Estate and how its story is still under urban myths and mystery, Likewise, the Tequestial Burial Mound, where there’s evidence of the Tequesta living in there because of the hundreds of shell tools found there.

Even though I have never been there, I think it’s a unique place here in Miami, where people can appreciate the most beautiful landscapes, connect with nature, appreciate the work of artists and enjoy different events. After the quarantine is over, I would like to go to the Deering Estate and get to know this beautiful place by myself.

HistoryMiami As Text

“Learn from the Past” by Victoria Carlucci at the HistoryMiami Museum Walking Tour

Located in the center of Downtown Miami, the HistoryMiami Museum, shows the former times of Miami, revealing its positive and negative aspects. History is shown in this museum through exhibitions, artistic endeavors, tours, researches, collections, and publications. This museum demonstrates the history of Miami from its first arrivals and first archaeological founds.

When it comes to how the past shapes the present or the future, I like to think about a quote I learned years ago that says, “Those who do not learn history are doomed to repeat it”, from the philosopher George Santayana. This quote came to my mind when on the walking tour I read about the discrimination, racism, and, human intolerance that Miami residents were going through some years ago. What astonishes me the most is that these actions weren’t from many years ago, it was from the 1920s. In the Museum there’s a representation of the Buena Vista Trolley from that year that discriminates people because it has a sign that says, “State Law: White Passengers Seat From Front.”

The thought of being “superior” to a different race is simply absurd, atrocities are made to one another just because one person felt better based on their language, skin color, nationality, characteristics, beliefs, and many factors that somehow determine or shape a person.

Since little for me, racism has always been difficult to understand, I think it is because I come from a country where most of the population is a mixture between Europeans, Africans, and Americans, so our ethnicity is pretty diverse. With that perspective, they believe that race can make some people feel superior to others is illogical to me. In the end, we are all the same, and as it is cited in the Catholic Bible, “we all come from dust and all will return to dust.”

People often tend to think that money, bank accounts, ethnicities, properties, or power make them different and for some reason “better” than others.  Selfishness is what divides us. For that reason, we should all learn about the facts, history, see what actions had negative consequences, and stop doing them to not to repeat old mistakes. Racism must be condemned, but we should never forget those who went through and still go through hard times because of selfishness and acts of discrimination. No one deserves to be judged by who they are, everyone has a different background, history, morals, beliefs, and that it’s what makes every one of us unique.

Miami Beach As Text

“Getaway Plan” by Victoria Carlucci at Miami Beach Walking Tour

I have always felt a sense of belonging to the beach, maybe it is because I where I grew up the beach was just 30 minutes away from home. Or maybe because my parents love the beach and since I was little the beach was always their favorite place to go. Every weekend, my parents and I used to wake up and think about doing something and our plan always ended up in going to the beach. Vacation trips, weekends, birthdays, it doesn’t matter the occasion, or if we were celebrating something or not, the beach is always our favorite getaway plan.

Going to the beach turned into a necessity for me and my family, we like to go as many times as we can because for us going to the beach is something that gives us energy, recharges us in some way, and makes us think, reflect, enjoy nature, the sounds, landscapes and escape from the chaos for a while.

A huge factor that influenced my decision to attend college here in Miami was its closeness to the beach. Somehow, it would make me feel at home because I could go any day I wanted, and it wouldn’t be a long trip. My parents told me to enjoy everything the diversity of nature. With that I mean to enjoy every landscape I was able to see and think about what aspects I like the most about the beaches we went to. For instance, in Venezuela, I appreciate the contrast between the mangroves and the crystal-clear water. I do that appreciation reflection here in Miami too. It’s incredible to see the contrast between architecture and nature. I like the style of the streets In Miami Beach, how even though everything is modern, its buildings and its art-deco architecture make me feel in Gianni Versace’s times walking around south beach. I also enjoy watching the cruises arrive and leave the Port, the diversity of tourists wandering around the area, and how when the sun sets it transforms into a vibrant cosmopolitan nightlife area with restaurants, bars, theatre, and clubs.

All in all, I enjoy living in this city for many reasons, but one of them is its nearness to the beach. Going there and enjoying a good day of sun with friends, family or by myself has become like “therapy” for me.

Background

I am an aspiring lawyer who is pursuing dual bachelor degrees in Political Science and International Relations from Florida International University. During the Grand Tour Redux, I thoroughly enjoyed and was likewise fascinated by the masterpieces we saw and the cultures we interacted with – so much so that I am definitely taking courses in art history and appreciation in order to gain a deeper appreciation for the fine arts. Nevertheless, I felt drawn to analyzing most – but not all – of my experiences in the grand tour via a political lense. Some of the approaches to the cities are definitely a result of this perspective – the rest are simply observations and reflection on general life as I saw it through my indescribable perspective.

Ultimately, this project allows me to reflect on the past and connect it to the present, which is what I will attempt to do by drawing parallels as well as distinctions between the places we saw and the United States today.

Roma

From lamp posts and trash cans to ornate buildings, paintings, and sculptures – SPQR adorns it all. Senātus Populusque Rōmānus is an eerie reminder of what once was the greatest empire known to man and no longer is.

From greatness to downfall. Nothing makes this contrast from greatness to mediocrity than the Roman forum. From it, power exuded, the vast region that Romans amassed over years of war was ruled from this single spot. Crammed between the Capitoline and Palatine hills were the most powerful men of antiquity. The exuberant palace atop the Palatine hill, the myriad of temples all adorned with the finest marble to worship all gods, the imposing basilica of Maxentius, the Senate all were forgotten suddenly after the collapse of the Roman empire. So forgotten that the only reason we know about it today is because it was deemed so unimportant that cows were allowed to graze there, atop the dirt that covered it all.

One cannot ignore the resemblance that the United States bears to Roma. Their history is practically the same: both rebelled against the monarchy and established a radical form of government hoping to never be ruled by an individual with unlimited power. Slowly both expanded their territories by brute force – either conquering, decimating people or driving them off their land. Similarly, the executive gradually grew more powerful and its power had fewer checks in what it could do. Culturally they are also very similar. Roma was the melting pot of Europe with citizens from all over as well as their respective religions, foods, and unique perspectives. The United States is likewise home to people from all over the globe, a country of immigrants as its very own founders migrated from Europe to seek greater freedoms; this all results in a myriad of languages, ethnicities, and most importantly perspectives to be present in it. They even share the way they project their power: always leading with soft power while having the military to back any action. If one simply described Roma and the United States they could often be mistaken for one another.

The main difference between the United States and the Roman Empire is that the former has only been around for around 250 years, a mere fourth of what the empire lasted. Another notable difference is that they have existed in very different time periods: Roma in antiquity and the United States in the age of interconnectivity and globalization.

This all leaves one to wonder, will Washington D.C. be nothing more than a cow pasture in 800 years?

This is a question that has been debated by nearly every historian, and there seems to be no clear consensus. Most scholars agree, however, that the study of history aids us in predicting outcomes of similar situations as well as to avoid negative ones. The case of the United States is precisely that one with regards to Roma. The Roman Empire fell because of a couple of factors agreed upon by scholars; namely overextension and wealth disparity. Looking at the United States today one may fear for the same outcome given that the upper class keeps getting wealthier whereas the middle class is disappearing or merging with the lower class which has not improved in decades. Another sign of worry is the overextension of military and diplomatic envoys all over the world. With the rise of China and the United States endlessly trying to counter it they are attempting to have a say in every country’s foreign policies while keeping stable relations as well – something that is impossibly difficult if not impossible.

These two factors are dangerously similar to those that were seen in ancient Roma, so is history going to repeat itself? I fear it might unless some drastic measures are taken to rectify what was explained above. The United States has enjoyed the hegemony for quite some time and though it may pain it and its politicians, they may have to learn to live in a world that does not bend at their will – literally like every other nation in the world. With regards to the wealth inequality, laws and policies can be pursued that will focus on the people rather than on the businesses. Greater safety nets, higher minimum wages, more apt unions, higher taxes on the uber-wealthy, these are all measures that can be done to slowly raise the lower classes without irreparably damaging the upper ones. Otherwise the United States may not last half as long as Roma.

Firenze

Michelangelo Buonarroti, Leonardo DaVinci, Dante Alighieri, Donatello, Filippo Brunelleschi, Giotto… all masters of their craft, all changed the world, all Florentines. One wonders what was in the water that made all of these people so brilliant? There were artists from all over the world, why were these so much better than the rest? Why are these the masters?

There are a myriad of reasons that explain this. Some may argue that they were simply better genetically suited at whatever is required to be an artist. That may explain one or two of them, but certainly not all. Others will more accurately argue that it was their environment that allowed them to truly explore what they needed to in order to be great artists – this may explain it better. Firenze was the perfect place for artists: the Medici, the political motives driving art, the sexual freedom, the lack of religious restrictions – it all combined to make Firenze the birthplace of the Renaissance.

This all makes one ponder upon a couple of things: for once, how many artists could have been great that never were, simply because they were not in the right environment? Secondly, and most importantly, it allows one to think about social restrictions and their effect on people.

States must regulate private conduct to the degree that it affects others and government, but when is that regulation too much? Until relatively recently in the United States contraceptives in the marital bedroom were banned, is that too much restriction? Is restricting a woman’s right to choose whether or not to carry a pregnancy to term something that should be restricted? These questions and many more were the ones that passed through my head as I experienced Firenze. I was astonished by this utopia – a society in which people were free to do as they wished free from social constraints, free from over-restriction.

Is it right for governments to control the lives of its people? Some may argue it is a necessary evil, whereas other zealously oppose it. I could only think of Orwell’s 1984 where the government controlled everything and people would grudgingly bear it. That would be one end of it, the other would be utter anarchy. Firenze is so special because it reached the perfect balance between freedom and restriction – it seems fitting that the Renaissance’s perfect balance was born here.

Though government and the restrictions that come along with it are necessary, they must certainly have a limit that allows enough civil liberties for society to function. What is this limit has been a hard-fought debate for nearly all of recorded human history. In the United States for instance, at first only land-owning white males had full rights, then it slowly expanded to the state it is in today. The same process happened with nearly every right Americans have – abortion, free speech, bear arms, and the list can go on. Even today there is no agreement on how much restrictions is too much. I personally think that liberties are extremely necessary and the only way to safeguard them is to have an efficient and unbiased judicial branch. If this is not followed and achieved soon we may face a notable reduction in our rights and liberties as Americans. The United States – and any government for that matter – should emulate Firenze in that aspect, allowing the people to have freedoms without burdening them – maybe that way we will see another phenomenon like the one of all the Florentine masters.

Cinque Terre

What happens when the world stands still? That is a question that poses a great deal of difficulty: for starters the laws of physics say it is impossible unless one travels at the speed of light – which is definitely not happening in the Cinque Terre – but somehow it seems as though in the Cinque Terre time stands still. It is no surprise then that those who went on the Grand Tour before me would go to the Cinque Terre to reflect on what they had experienced before continuing on – a way to be able to digest the amazement and astonishment they had for the masterpieces they just saw. We used the Cinque Terre in a similar manner, a way to allow us to reflect and truly realize how amazing what we had experienced was – in the span of three weeks we had seen works by all of the great masters and those who came after them, we had seen more of the world than most people see in a lifetime.

In Cinque Terre I also came to a realization, one that I think is important and will guide my life from now on. I realized that no matter how fast life moves, how busy one gets, or how overwhelming life becomes, one must find their Cinque Terre, their place to reflect and relax, their place where time stands still and they are happy.

The United States often prides itself on having Protestant work ethic and allowing its people to chase the American dream – this simply means that one works too much and is never truly happy with their life, always seeking to have more things and reach the unattainable goal of being happy.

Without somewhere like the Cinque Terre in everyone’s lives, the world continues being driven by stress and thoughtlessness, but with the Cinque Terre it all improves. As idealistic as it may sound, the world could be substantially better for all if people were able to devote some time reflecting and relaxing, be it in a room in their home, in a park nearby, or anywhere else that allows the individual to break with society’s fast pace and slow things down enough to reflect.

Do not misunderstand what I mean when I say that everything works slower in the Cinque Terre; everyone works as much if not more than Americans, it is the way they do it that makes their lives and those of all around them different. Unlike in the United States, in the Cinque Terre people genuinely smile and chat with one another, they enjoy their lives thoroughly and it must be at least partly because of the atmosphere in this place. I could not help but think of Albee’s Death of a Salesman – the retrace to make the most and fulfill the capitalist dream is not something that matters in the Cinque Terre, people are happy with whatever little or lot they have and they work to live, not the other way around.

I believe that they have it right, we in the United States have a skewed concept of this. Working is only a part of living, it is not however, life. This is an important concept that everyone should at least be aware of so that they can live a happier a fuller life, detached from material possessions.

Venezia

Since 1648 people have no longer been able to be stateless, the place one is born is forever with them. We not only receive a first name and a family name but also a nationality. We all effectively belong to a country and some to two. But why does this exist? Does an agreed upon imaginary line truly make people different from one another?

Nationalism emerged shortly after nation states emerged, it resulted in people with a heightened sense of patriotism who were willing to do what was good and right for their nation – that in itself is a very subjective idea. Recently in the world we have seen a rise in nationalism. Whether it be in Europe, Asia, or in the Americas there is one thing in common: people are giving substantially larger importance to the imaginary lines of states. This is not the first time we have seen this happen and is likely not going to be the last. Napoleon was one of the early adopters of nationalism in order to enlist thousands of people into his army, claiming the greater purpose to help France. Some other famous adopters of this powerful movement who were able to harness it were Hitler, Mussolini, and recently Trump as well as many politicians alongside him. In Venezia it is possible to see early nationalism at work.

Venetians were and still are a proud people, they became the most powerful city in the world, and as such they were willing to defend their number one spot against all threats. This is eerily similar to the United States today.

Venetians stole, lied, and fought wars to improve Venezia. The main attraction in Venezia is proof of that: St. Mark’s body was stolen from Alexandria, taken to Rome and placed in the cathedral there. The cathedral itself is adorned with stolen horses from Venezia’s then ally Constantinople and with a myriad of columns and sculptures from all corners of the earth. For Venezia, Venetians would do anything. Today’s is rise in nationalism is worrisome because the different nationalities are vying for power and seeking what is best for their own country, other countries will be upset by it and conflict could ensue. Unlike Venetians who fell because their nationalism made them expand over their capacity into the mainland, citizens of today must be aware and reflect on their country’s actions – they must not be led astray by nationalism. It is our duty, one that is often neglected or clouded by nationalism, to know the good and bad things our countries do and to see issues from the multiple perspectives that are always involved. Doing this allows us to judge current and last issues from the least biased perspective. Ignorance is the worst thing that can happen to a society, and it is up to each of us to stop turning a blind eye on the questionable actions of our countries.

Michelle Muñio is a junior in the Honors College at Florida International University majoring in Psychology and minoring in Chemistry. Following her graduation in the spring of 2021, Michelle plans on attending Medical School to become a neurologist.

Michelle loves learning new things, and although Miami is where she was born and raised, she is excited to gain a different perspective of her home. She appreciates art- food even more- and people the most. She is very much delighted to share her unique experiences in the adventures that await in this course.

VIZCAYA AS TEXT

“The Magic City” by Michelle Munio of FIU at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens

Tourists visit the City of Miami for a number of reasons, whether it be for the weather, the beaches or the parties, all tourists share a common mantra “let’s have a good time.” This was exactly what James Deering was thinking more than a century ago when he designed the alluring palace known as Vizcaya.

The attitude of Miami is illustrated immediately upon entering the gigantic house. There is an immense sculpture of Dionysus, God of wine and ecstasy greeting your arrival, then a short path leading you to an open space in the center of the house. Spanish caravels (official symbol for the Vizcaya villa) are hung from the ceiling, reminding me of disco balls in a nightclub with the open space serving as the dance floor.  Like many of the Miami tourists, James Deering loved to show off his status and wealth. It’s exhibited in the house décor with marble, a luxurious adornment at the time, plastered all over the tables, walls and even floors. His sense of grandeur is further demonstrated with the words “J’ai dit (I have spoken)” written on top of the north staircase.  

The picturesque greenery behind the villa was another characteristic of Vizcaya that really stood out to me when I visited. Whenever I hear the word “garden” I think of naturally growing plants and colorful flowers over a large green area. The garden in Vizcaya however, had a lot more structure to it- the foliage was cut in sharp lines with perfect angles. Again, this green space was designed to show off his rank, since having the ability to control nature in turn made you seem more powerful and wealthy. Miami’s eventual gentrification of the most visited neighborhoods (i.e. Miami Beach, Wynwood, etc.) mirrors this unique cultivation of nature, and with that I say Vizcaya as “The Magic City” embodying the true essence of Miami before we had any idea of what it would become.

MOAD AS TEXT

“The Beginning” by Michelle Munio of FIU at Museum of Art and Design (MOAD)

The Freedom Tower is as much of a staple of Miami culture as tapas are of Spain. It represents the diversity of the people who arrive and the determination of the ones who stay. At the time that it was a processing center, this building meant so much to the locals that the government would refer to the Freedom Tower as the ‘Ellis Island of the south.’ Immigrants would come from all over the world, especially Cuba to get their paperwork done before they went on for the rest of their life as citizens. In a way you can see this tower as the beginning of a new journey. A journey including endless possibilities, unlimited opportunity and resources galore. This building signified a new home for my family, who were processed here while my grandmother was pregnant with my mother’s older sister.

In 1925 the Freedom Tower was built by the Miami News. This was  a time of huge industrialization, as new technologies were being invented, people, resources and ideas were being developed all throughout the world. This was symbolized through the Guttenberg press that is illustrated on the walls of the building’s entrance. As you proceed through the museum, there is a very romanticized and immense mural of Ponce de Leon coming to Miami that cannot be missed.  The artist was trying to depict the Columbian Exchange, a significant period of interchanged ideas, technology and  culture between the Old World (Spain) and New World (The Americas). It’s a beautiful painting consisting of Spanish galleons, clear seas and adorned Tequestas; however, what the mural showed more of, was the attitude of the conquistadors at the time. They claimed Native American resources as their own, using religion as their purpose and reason. They used gold embellishments innocently worn by the inhabitants to wage wars on other lands. To them, just like the Freedom Tower would be centuries later, America was a place of endless possibilities, unlimited opportunity and resources galore.  An obscure beginning for conquerors, inhabitants and immigrants.

DEERING AS TEXT

“Self-preservation” by Michelle Munio at Deering Estate

As a student majoring in psychology, the trait of the Deering estate that seemed most eminent to me was the effortless beauty of it self-preservation. Self-preservation… defined as an instinctual act of behavior that organisms do in order to ensure their survival. We do this all the time without even noticing- whether it be exercising, sleeping, learning, the list goes on. But what James Deering and his employees (with a little help from nature), executed so perfectly was to transform the land of the estate into a self-preserving world of its own. No wonder it has been standing tall and mighty for more than a century!

The cement walls and coffered ceilings led a sturdy foundation for the Mediterranean stone house, with a boat basin creating a symbiotic community between nature’s inhabitants (including manatees, turtles, birds) and residents (like Charles Deering and S.H. Richmond) whom made this place their home. The nature in the Deering Estate seemed the most eminent to me as keeping the community not only alive still but flourishing after a century. Solution holes emerged to protect one of the rarest plant communities in Florida, tropical hardwood hammocks. The plants and luscious ferns were another self-preserving feature which also became to be a picturesque view of the cutler creek bridge. In addition, the cutler fossil site which contains hundreds of bones of extinct and/or endangered species became a protecting site for its hidden gems through its concealment and elevation. Finally, there’s Deering Point which became a place where people, nature, and the sentiment of the Deering Estate collided to preserve the land’s spirit.

Miami Beach as Text

“Art Deco Aesthetics” by Michelle Munio at South Beach

Walk to Ocean Drive and the first thing you’ll see,
are the many buildings abiding to the clever “Law of Three;”
according to city codes elevators were not required,
so buildings with more than three stories were undesired.

Just like colossal cruises you pass on the drive,
are porthole windows in buildings specially designed.
Even if you arrive through the Miami-Dade transit,
You’ll recognize SoBe art as abstract and oceanic.

With the sea to you left and buildings to your right,
you’ll observe plentiful white walls with pastel highlights;
to reflect the environment in which they exist,
of clouds, breeze, and an ambience you really can’t resist.

Buildings were made with uncommon geometric shapes,
like rectangles or trapezoids in a pyramid landscape;
ziggurat rooflines made up the Art Deco impression,
merging ancient designs with modern technological progression.

Inside the hotels are picturesque terrazzo floors,
many patterns and colors like movement of ocean shores.
The geometry and symmetry are apparent in design,
with glass bricks welcoming the dazzling sunshine.

Soon you will detect a common theme in the Art Deco structure,
white accents and curved edges making up its unique conjuncture;
long horizontal shades resemble balconies of white,
comparable to eyebrows squinting in the bright sunlight.

Breakwater, Tiffany, The Carlyle and more,
make this the perfect area to effortlessly explore;
the Betsy Poetry Rail is one more place I had to mention,
since it features poems influenced by Miami’s expression.

Go at night and the view will not end,
for neon lights allow the party to blissfully extend;
not only to reflect 1930 cosmopolitan sophistication,
but to make it the ultimate place for an unforgettable vacation.

History of Miami as Text

“A Motley of People” by Michelle Munio

Many Miami natives like myself like to joke around and refer to Miami as a state apart from the rest of Florida. This is because Miami is so unique in its culture, people and ambience from most western cities in the country. Even with just a 5 hour drive up north, the disparity of culture is so prominent. After participating in the History of Miami Museum tour, I have noticed that the diversity of Miami has always been evident. According to the most ancient artifacts found, Miami’s diversity all started with the Pre-Columbian  “First Arrivals” of South Florida. Bones and shells were used as tools for survival, aged at over 2,000 years-old. Tequestas, as they were called, developed the first-known society in Miami, as seen through the ‘Miami Circle’ holes built for ceremonial and political reasons.

After the Americas were discovered, different types of people began to explore and inhabit Florida. “The Creek Migration” was one of the first migrations to Miami, in which creek tribes were forced to migrate south to escape genocide. Other creek tribes migrated to search for fresh fields to plant crops. Their descendants, known as the Seminoles , became known as one of the first Florida Indians.

As people migrated to South Florida, they had to adapt and learn from the land. Thus, friendships were born between Indian inhabitants and new settlers. Seminoles taught them how to cultivate crops like comptie to feed and sell, developing a community of their own. Black men were also a huge part of the growing society in Miami, as they helped build businesses such as the Royal Palm Hotel during the second Industrial Revolution. Last but certainly not least, the makeshift boats created by Cubans and Haitians propelled migration to Miami. Especially after the Mariel Boatlift of 1980, an estimated 125,000 Cubans migrated to South Florida in search for a better life. Miami services, schools and resources could almost not sustain the huge influx of people, but fortunately with the perseverance and spirit of Miami, migrants and inhabitants became well-adjusted and helped establish the diverse and inclusive community that Miami is today.

Hi! My name name is Sofi Aviles and I’m currently a Junior at Florida International University. I’m a part of the Honors College and am pursuing a Bachelors in Finance with a certificate in International Trade and Investment. This summer I will be visiting France as a part of Bailly’s Study Abroad 2020 class.

Vizcaya as Text

“Hidden Treasure” by: Sofia Aviles of FIU at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens on 1/31/20

Growing up in Miami, I have always thought of the city as a bubble. Separate from the rest of the United States with its own distinct melting pot culture, Miami as a city has a personality of its own with its strong Latin American influence and partying culture. However, I have also for most of my life, noticed the strong desire within Miamians to “fit in” and give off illusions of grandeur. Vizcaya is its own bubble within Miami. 

Secluded and hidden in the mangroves, Vizcaya transports you to Europe as you take the long walk along the fountains to Deering’s grandiose mansion. Dionysus welcomes its visitors at the door, encouraging them to indulge in all of life’s luxuries and serves as a representation of Miami’s partying culture. When you walk outside, there is an incredible view of the ocean and just next to it, the expansive gardens. Vizcaya has its own distinct features that make it very much its own like the sea shell mosaic in the outside gardens. Additionally, it replicates Miami’s diversity with its mix of Spanish, French, and Italian paintings and art styles throughout the property. As elaborate as the estate is, Deering is no exception to the ideal of wanting to “fit in” and putting on a mask of wealth and riches. While Deering wanted walls of marble, it would have been far too expensive so he opted to simply paint the walls, maintaining the illusion of marble. He even built his very own arc de triomphe, while having won no battles. Deering continues to show off with a built-in phone booth room within the mansion. He wanted to ensure that he left his mark and that his voice was heard, j’ai dit.

MOAD as Text

“Off to Neverland” by: Sofia Aviles of FIU at the Freedom Tower on 2/21/20

I come from a family of immigrants and growing up in Miami heard all kinds of stories from my family and my friends’ families coming to the U.S. for a better life. My mother was born in Porto Viejo, Ecuador in 1967, and did not grow up in the best part of town. Her parents got divorced early in her life, with my grandfather gaining full custody. However, my grandmother did not handle the divorce well and kidnapped her own children. She snuck my mother and my tía through Mexico and eventually got their citizenship granted. 

The Freedom Tower, the “Ellis Island of the South”, served as a beacon for the Cuban refugees fleeing Castro’s communist regime. The U.S. government had a program called Operation Pedro Pan which helped bring Cuban children to the U.S. From December 1960 to 1962, more than 14,000 unaccompanied children were sent from Cuba to Miami. These children became known as the Pedro Pan kids, reminding them that although they were leaving so much behind, they were off to “Neverland”, a place that had limitless possibilities and opportunities to achieve whatever they wanted. Between 1965 and 1973, Pan American World Airways began “Freedom Flights”, which kickstarted a massive influx of Cuban refugees bringing in over 175,000 Cubans. The first stop for all Cubans coming to Miami was to go to the Freedom Tower to receive aid in paper processing and relocating. 

Although the Freedom Tower is a symbol of Cuban heritage in the heart of Miami, it also serves as a symbol of hope for all immigrants. Dropping everything you own and know to move to an entirely different country is terrifying and daunting. Most immigrants face a multitude of challenges from language barriers to financial struggles to societal oppression. They battle all of these obstacles in the pursuit of just a single opportunity for themselves and their children. It often times is never easy, but immigrants constantly prove the value of determination and going after what you want.

South Beach as Text

“Evolution of South Beach” by: Sofia Aviles of FIU at South Beach

The only constant we all have in life is change. Everything around us is constantly growing and evolving. Change can be good for us, providing new ideas and perceptions. South Beach is the perfect example of a city that has been ever changing since its inception.

South Beach has not always been the glamorous tourist destination that it is today. Before its founder, Carl Fisher, South Beach was essentially a mangrove covered wasteland. He wanted a vacation destination and went to work building luxury hotels along the beach. Fisher marked one of the first major changes to the city, demarcating whites from blacks. The change he brought was great for the economy and publicity for the city, but hurt the community, especially the black community. As Fisher intended, South Beach became the popular destination for beachside resorts. The iconic Art Deco drew in crowds to admire the pastel colored architecture. However, this trend soon grew old and eventually the city turned into a retirement destination. Since then many different populations have occupied the city, most currently the Jewish community.

One thing that has remained constant throughout all the years of growth has been the preservation of the Art Deco Style. The style characterized by curved edges, window eyebrows, and vibrant colors is still reminiscent of the 1920s. This historical preservation could not have been done without Barbara Baer Capitman’s activism. She and Leonard Horowitz worked together to found the Miami Design Preservation League that has worked hard to maintain the iconic buildings of South Beach. 

South Beach has experienced lots of change in the last 100 years, so sometimes it is nice to be able to appreciate the history and what has made it so iconic. It is amazing to know that the bike rides I take down Ocean Drive are just like the ones my dad used to take when he was younger and hopefully will remain the same for years to come.

HistoryMiami as Text

“Remembering Miami” by Sofia Aviles of FIU at South Beach

The history of a city is integral in truly understanding it. Although Miami may not be renowned for its extensive history as a city by others, the city’s story is unique and important. Some parts of the city’s history are not great, but it is crucial to reflect upon so that it doesn’t happen again. 

The HistoryMiami Museum takes you through Miami’s timeline chronologically starting from the beginning with fossils found in the Archaic Period to the Mariel Boatlift 1980. The Tequesta were the original inhabitants of Miami for a long period of time. Eventually, they were effectively taken over by the Spaniards. However, the Tequesta weren’t the only ones forced from their homes. The Seminole inhabitants faced genocide and were forced into leaving their sacred lands and migrate. Another particularly hard piece of Miami’s history is the period of segregation and discrimination. In the museum, there is the list of 12 names of black men that essentially built Miami. They were the only of many that were given voting rights before having to return to their usual discrimination. Additionally, there is an exhibit of a Buena Vista trolley from the 1920s that has a sign stating “State Law White Passengers Seat from Front.”

Unfortunately, a large portion of Miami’s history has consisted of dishonoring the people that came before us in the pursuit of industrialization. While these things cannot be changed, it is vital that we start making the effort to educate ourselves and others on why these things should not happen again or keep happening.

Deering Estate as Text

“Discovering Miami’s Roots” by Sofia Aviles of FIU at South Beach

Prior to the Deering Estate Walking Tour, I had assumed Deering Estate only consisted of the Boat Basin. There are Deering’s former houses like Stone House and Richmond Cottage. I learned about all the wildlife on the property through the virtual Nature Preserve Tour.

Deering Estate is a part of Miami that removes you from the typical urban city life and allows you to embrace nature and a piece of Miami History. While on tour, you can learn about Miami’s oldest inhabitants, the Tequesta and paleo natives. Unfortunately, there is not a lot known of them as they were taken over by the Europeans. However, the tour takes a look into some of the tools they have uncovered as well as the burial mounds that they built. Additionally, you can learn about the fossils of some of the animals that used to roam the property long ago like dire wolves, saber tooth tigers, and mastodons. Also, during the tour is a large abandoned plane commonly known as the Cocaine Cowboys Plane. It crashed in the 1990s, but is still the center of myths about how it ended up in the mangroves of Deering Estate. Throughout the tour, it is important to be mindful about the solution holes throughout. These are common in hardwood hammocks and fill with water to protect itself from potential fires as well as provide homes for animals like alligators. 

While I wasn’t able to experience all of Deering Estate in person, I was still able to learn a lot about the property and will make sure to visit post-quarantine! The Deering Estate is the perfect escape from “typical” Miami. You can appreciate the nature and wildlife that they have worked hard to preserve. Also, you can take an in depth into the history of Miami that is not talked about enough. It is important to learn about the roots and history of where you come from. 

“Ruins, Beauty, and Water” by Marco A. Linares at Tivoli, Italy. 13 May 2019.

Tivoli has proven to be one of Italy’s most amazing places. Unlike in hectic Rome, the people are calm and proud, the air is clean, and serenity fills every void – after experiencing it, there is no doubt why Hadrian chose Tivoli as the perfect escape from Rome.

In his villa, Hadrian showed me that pleasure and knowledge can (and should) go together. His lavish baths, his towering libraries, and his expansive grounds make him akin to a deity, but at the same time, his temple idolizing his deceased lover and the idea of closing himself off to the world – in essence being antisocial – to study and learn humanize him. Hadrian’s villa makes you feel like you can understand one of the greatest emperors that ever lived, making you wonder whether your perception of any great leader is correct or simply biased by their status.

Afterwards, Cardinal Ippolito II d’Este perplexed me with his lavish villa and made me rethink water and its function. I realized that it is not simply a necessary fluid – as I naively believed – but also something that can be harnessed and turned into art that calls you and makes you wonder if it is the most beautiful thing in the word. If I had been one of the cardinals being brought out there and showed those dramatic views, d’Este would have gained my vote and would have become Pope – there is a reason I am not a cardinal.

Lastly, the hike down into the valley of hell tests one physically and mentally. 100 meters down surrounded by nothing but pristine nature and cascading water. The absolute beauty numbs your senses and even a while after returning to civilization everything does not live up to the natural beauty of this valley. If that is what the descent into hell looks like I would not mind going there after all.

Tivoli is a must see place for all those seeking to truly understand Italy. Off the beaten path, it allows one to realize that though all roads lead to Rome, there is a lot of beauty to see on the way.

“Unanswered Questions” by Marco A. Linares of FIU at Pompeii, Italy. 15 May 2019.

Pompeii was a lively Roman town, bustling with trade due to its proximity to the sea. In 79 BCE it was covered and abandoned as a result of the eruption of Mount Vesuvius and forgotten for nearly 1500 years. Once the King of Naples decided to begin excavating it, it proved to be the best preserved Roman town ever discovered, shaping our idea of how Roman life was like no other.

Technology and advancements in techniques have made exploring Pompeii easier and more efficient. We are able to reconstruct buildings, create renderings, and scan the ground before breaking into it. Every once in a while, news break out about another section of Pompeii being excavated and new information being unearthed. Every discovery allows experts to zero in on what life was really like, but despite every new discovery some questions shall remain unanswered for eternity.

Who were these people? What were their names? What did they like? What were their dreams? What was their favorite food? They were homo sapiens – that we know – but what made them human? That we will never know.

Pompeii is an incredibly important archeological find, but it is also a town of thousands of humans who were never able to live life fully and were ultimately forgotten by society, so forgotten that now archeologists are forced to rename everything in the town using nothing more than what they find near it.

Pompeii is a draining experience, one that leaves you with more questions than answers. Casts of the dead are everywhere, waiting to be cataloged and displayed. Some are merely shaped like humans, others have gruesome facial expressions and body language that show how much pain they endured in their final moments, making one wonder, who were you? How can I remember you?

“Are they different after all?” by Marco A. Linares of FIU at Rome, Italy. 15 May 2019.

Melting pot of civilization – that is the most apt description of Rome.

Ancient Romans romanticized about the Greeks. Their art and knowledge was something that astonished Romans and led to them to claim being Greek descendants. Furthermore, as they idolized them so, Romans appropriated their culture in an attempt to be more like the ideal society that was Greece. Romans took heir columns, their gods, and their civic structures. All borrowed and adapted to fit their needs.

Romans were also amazing politicians and masters at public relations. No matter what, Romans always managed to bring the conquered under the Roman banner in the most unique ways, eventually leading to the pax Romana, something unheard of since then. Was religion a dividing issue? Bring your own gods and worship them in your temple. Was Roman citizenship an issue? Come become a citizen. Feel like you are too far from Rome? Come to the capital free of the constraints of an immigration policy. No matter the problem, the Romans had a practical solution. But Rome eventually fell, and its position as the hegemon of antiquity was filled by the church.Christianity added to the melting pot of culture that is Rome, creating an incredibly unique mix of devotion, power, and unrivaled leadership. It must be noted how much the church took from Rome in matters of practices as well as structure. Everywhere in Rome one can find the holy see adorning facades of churches and a variety of other buildings. Much like the Romans, the church took over old temples and repurposed them as catholic churches (often destroying the temple and building atop it), the church took Roman basilicas and replaced the judge’s seat with the cross – implying that the judge was now God, it even took some pagan structures and statues and preserved them by bringing them into the catholic fold – though a large number were destroyed. For a while, and for some to this day, the catholic church has been the most powerful institution on the world, commanding armies, waging war, and certainly enjoying the spoils.

In recent times the church has moved away from its aggressive practices and history, but the question remains, is the Papacy that different from the Emperors of ancient Rome?Christianity added to the melting pot of culture that is Rome, creating an incredibly unique mix of devotion, power, and unrivaled leadership. It must be noted how much the church took from Rome in matters of practices as well as structure. Everywhere in Rome one can find the holy see adorning facades of churches and a variety of other buildings. Much like the Romans, the church took over old temples and repurposed them as catholic churches (often destroying the temple and building atop it), the church took Roman basilicas and replaced the judge’s seat with the cross – implying that the judge was now God, it even took some pagan structures and statues and preserved them by bringing them into the catholic fold – though a large number were destroyed. For a while, and for some to this day, the catholic church has been the most powerful institution on the world, commanding armies, waging war, and certainly enjoying the spoils.In recent times the church has moved away from its aggressive practices and history, but the question remains, is the Papacy that different from the Emperors of ancient Rome?

“Realization” by Marco A. Linares of FIU Honors College at Firenze, Italy. 27 May 2019.

Inactively active. Inanimately animate. Inhumanely human. Michelangelo’s David is all this and much more, inviting reflection and eventual realization of social truths.

David’s story is the epitome of humanity. Upon hearing the insults his people are subject to, he first wonders about the rewards to be had for defeating this insulting giant; then he bravely volunteers to fight him, despite having never fought before. David masks his actions under religious zealotry, but this act is driven by nothing more than pride and greed.

Life is an insurmountable and endless obstacle course – a gauntlet no human has ever survived. David, like all of us, confidently faces it unarmed, inexperienced, and alone – all under the promise of a better life with fewer obstacles in the future, regardless of the danger it poses.

Michelangelo embodies us all as we go through life like nobody else in his famous David. Somehow the solid marble captures how we jump at the opportunity for betterment, disregard all threats, and proudly step into the field naked and unarmed. What is even more impressive is that it also manages to capture how, on sight of the challenge ahead of us, at least for a second, we are afraid and hesitant; for a bit we realize that our future may not be as we expected it, and we doubt ourselves and every decision we made up to that point.

This duality is perfectly captured by Michelangelo and his chisel. When looked from his front, David is brave and ready to face the challenge that lies ahead without any regard for the consequences. However, when looked from his left, as he sees what he is about to face, the doubt and hesitation becomes prominent in his perched eyebrows and worried gaze.

Michelangelo’s colossal David may have been made out of a block of marble, but it is a perfect reflection of humanity and maybe even of the author himself when he took on this project. Intentionally or not, Michelangelo’s David comments on society at an incredibly intricate level. Lastly, I think Vasari put it best when he stated when referring to the David that “whoever has seen this work need not trouble to see any other work executed in sculpture, either in our own or in other times.”

“A city made for people, not cars.” By Marco A. Linares of FIU Honors College at Siena, Italy. 27 May 2019.

Long winding roads, open plazas scattered at random, and people – people everywhere, walking on the streets, naturally, in their city.

Siena was the first European city to ban cars from its historic center – a bold step to take – but definitely one in the right direction. Cars pollute with their exhausts, lowering the life expectancy of all those who inhabit the city. Emissions from cars also damage artwork and structures, wearing away at them and gradually reducing our cultural heritage. Cars are also the worst enemies of architecture because the vibrations they produce can permanently damage and sometimes destroy unique and essential buildings in learning about our history. By banning cars from its historic centers, the Sienese became the first to avoid all of these negative effects of cars in an extremely progressive way. Aside from this all, Siena’s regulation allows the people full access to the streets and plazas. This is essential for a society to become interconnected and properly coexist. People walk and stop to greet one another or to walk into a shop, they sit in groups in plazas for lunch, and people seem substantially happier.

Across the ocean, however, there is the land of the free and the home of the brave. So free that they are entirely dependent on cars to go about their daily lives. So free that when they want to enter a store or greet a friend they must first find parking and then walk to their destination. So free that they cannot go to work if their car breaks down. Streets are expanded and constructed constantly in America, but never considering the pedestrian, only the automobiles. Money is poured into infrastructure to accommodate more cars and further drive a wedge between people.

One is a city made for people, the other for cars. One fosters human connections, the other servers them before they can be created. One allows true freedoms, the other one restricts them.

The land of the free and the home of the brave has quite a bit to learn from Siena, lodged far from large cities, this cozy hill town knows what it needs to do to keep society functioning. Hopefully the United States looks to Siena as a model to follow before irreparably changing the way that its society operates.

“Refuge” by Marco A. Linares of FIU Honors College at Cinque Terre, Italy. 29 May 2019.

How can one describe the Cinque Terre? Some will simply say they are a tourist destination. Others will say that they are the most picturesque places in all of Italy. Others will say they are small, quaint, and colorful villages in the Italian hillside that have resisted the forces of capitalism and remained as original as possible. Though these are not entirely wrong, I disagree with these definitions because they fail to include the essence of the Cinque Terre.

Hidden amidst mountains, these villages could easily be missed if not for their colorfully painted buildings. Fishermen once were and can still be seen as the backbone of these societies as every city has a port and a myriad of fishing boats anchored there. Aside from this, one can see how resistant these towns have been to global capitalism, not a single McDonald’s or any other giant chain store is present in any town. Their terraces allow them to be as self-sustainable as possible, allowing for small, family owned businesses to thrive. The people are so proud of their originality that they made it a UNESCO world heritage site so that the towns would remain the same way for generations to come.

Knowing these facts surely makes one more aware of the history and importance of the Cinque Terre, but it is not until one truly experiences and immerses into them that the essence becomes revealed.

Compared to Roma, Firenze, Venezia, Siena, Pisa, or Assisi, the Cinque Terre are distinct. It is difficult to put into words how a sense of serenity is accompanied by the utter beauty of the landscapes and overwhelms its visitors, offering a refuge from the world. Laying on its cliffside beaches, trekking through its trails, or simply sitting in one of its cafes feels surreal – almost like one has left everything one knows behind. There is nothing in the Cinque Terre that reminds one of the troubles of life – quiet and peace fill this refuge. Out of all the places in the world, this one must be one of the most peaceful ones in existence. The Cinque Terre allow and almost prompt reflection; no person can experience them without leaving a changed person.

“Per Venezia, qualsiasi cosa” by Marco A. Linares of the FIU Honors College at Venezia, Italy. 8 June 2019.

Venezia is an astonishing city. It is the embodiment of human willpower and determination. After countless barbarian raids, a group of us were fed up and made the bold move to erect a city in the middle of a lagoon. From the sea this city rose atop istrian pine and stone – growing beyond the wildest imagination of any man. Slowly we grew to be masters of the sea and became the only bridge between East and West – the bridge through which all trade must pass. Venezia became the birthplace of modern day capitalism.

I am a Venetian and as such I will lay my life down for Venezia if I need to. What does it need? A body so it can cash in on the pilgrimage of thousands of Christians? I shall steal the body of St. Mark from under the noses of Muslims and bring it back. Does it need priceless pieces of art so that it can grow in opulence and display its power? I shall attack our allies and pillage their city, and I shall bring back countless pieces of art and treasures unbeknownst to man. Does it need to maintain the monopoly over glass blowing? We shall build a town to contain our master glass blowers and keep them there with their secrets. Does it need sailors to fill its merchant ships? I shall go and enlist hundreds of drunkards at the local pubs and make sure they are manning the boats by dawn. Per Venezia, qualsiasi cosa!

My name is Nicolas Tomaselli, I am pursing a degree of Business Administration in Information Systems. I am currently the FIU campus intern for CDW, hoping to learn as much as I can about the technology industry. I am also looking to blend my future career with as much cross-country travel as I can as traveling is one of my many passions.

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“Rome in Miami” by Nicolas Tomaselli of FIU at Vizcaya Museum & Gardens

Our visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was an eye-opening one, to say the least. Before our visit, I had little to no knowledge of its existence let alone the history surrounding it as well as its founder James Deering. Deering was discreet about his private life, to say the least, never marrying while being referred to as a lifelong bachelor. With no reports of romantic interest in women as well as his time hosting many homosexual men as well as the openly gay Paul Chalfin, it is speculated that Deering may have been gay.

Deering was able to create The Vizcaya Mansion with his money generated from his massive inheritance of his family’s agriculture equipment company, Deering Harvester Company. Deering was obsessed with European design, architecture, and culture which led to the design of the estate. While traveling through Europe over the years with Paul Chalfin, the designer of the mansion, he gathered ideas and began acquiring pieces of art for his vision which became Vizcaya. The architect attributed to the beauty of the construction of the Vizcaya Villa was the American born architect Francis Burrall Hoffman who perfectly encapsulated European influence in his design for the mansion. Construction of the estate began in 1913 and finished on Christmas Day of 1916. Despite the colossal size of the villa, construction finished only three years after its start date since about ten percent of Miami’s population, mostly Bahamian workers, worked on the Vizcaya construction site.

Deering was very wealthy and enjoyed flaunting that fact. Whether it be showing off expensive pieces of art, his personal telephone room, or the text written atop the staircase “J’ai dit” which translates to “I have spoken” as well as doubling for his initials, JD. Despite his attempts to flaunt his wealth and intellect, Deering had little to no knowledge of the land he was building on, showcased by the moat surrounding the villa. At first, he attempted to fill the moat with water which was quickly drained due to the porous rock that it rested on. Afterward, he tried lining the moat with cacti which also failed to work for similar reasons.

Speaking of the Vizcaya grounds, the massive gardens of the villa were designed by the Colombian landscape designer Diego Suarez. Suarez mimicked the style of Italian Renaissance gardens as well as features from French Renaissance gardens. In my opinion, the gardens of Vizcaya are the most breathtaking due to the fact that the view of the mansion is spectacular while being viewed from the foliage of the gardens atop the fountain staircase (picture below). One of the most interesting as well as just funny historical facts of the villa is the history of the design of the woman on the barge of the ship used as a breakwater. The American sculptor of the woman, Alexander Stirling Calder, initially created the sculpture with breasts that weren’t to Deering’s liking. Deering then demanded Calder to reduce the size which he refused until further payment was decided upon.

Overall our visit to the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens was a spectacular experience in the history of the City of Miami as well as the cultural appropriation of European culture and its effect it can have on a design of such a spectacular villa.

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“Two Waves of Floridian Immigration” by Nicolas Tomaselli of FIU at The Museum of Art and Design

Our visit to the Museum of Art and Design was an eye-opening one, to say the least. Before our visit, I had little to no knowledge of the cultural significance it has over Cuban heritage and the wave of immigration that began during the 1960s. The building itself symbolizes not only the freedom Cuban immigrants gained when coming to the United States but more importantly the belief in freedom for all that our country is based on.

The piece that drew my attention more than any other has to be the collage display of young Cuban immigrants photographed when they arrived in The United States (picture above). This showcases more than anything what the parents of these young immigrants would do to give their children a better chance at life. The incomprehensible struggle it must be to send your children to a foreign country with aspirations that they can create a better future for themselves takes an immense amount of hope. Art pieces like this displaying the American dream as well as how much the United States truly is a melting pot built by immigrants are the ideals that the United States is built on and is something we should never forget. The Museum of Art and design being that it is located where countless Cuban immigrants walked through does an amazing job of being a sign of those ideals, making sure we never forget.

Another great aspect the Museum of Art and Design encompasses is the initial discovery of Florida by Ponce De Leon as well as the rest of the New World by other European conquistadors. The piece that best showcases this has to be the New World Mural depicting Ponce De Leon alongside the Tequesta chief (picture below). Behind them is the map of the new world and between them is a quote praising Ponce De Leon for discovering this beautiful land. This comes across very ironic due to the way the Native Americans were treated by the Europeans, being forced to convert their religion, leave their ancestral land or even die of diseases brought by the Europeans. After Ponce De Leon initially discovered Florida he sailed back to Spain where he was then appointed military governor and ordered to sail back and colonize the land. Ponce De Leon, as well as many other European conquistadors of his time, were ruthless when it came to colonizing the Native’s land. Europeans looked down on the natives as subhuman and savages while conquering the new world in a way to think of themselves as the rightful owners of what truly was not theirs to take.

Overall our trip to the Museum of Art and Design was an amazing experience into not only the history of Cuban immigration into Florida but the initial wave of European immigrants into The Americas as well.

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“surrounded by natural beauty” BY NICOLAS TOMASELLI OF FIU AT THE DEERING ESTATE

Prior to reading the Deering Estate Walking Tour, I had little to no knowledge of the natural surroundings and the history of the area that surrounds the estate. This virtual tour showcased all the different aspects of the estate’s natural beauty as well as the history that came before the estate was even built. The two structures the Richmond Cottage and the Stone house were built in 1896 and 1922 respectively. The Richmond Cottage was built upon in 1899 transforming it into a local inn until Charles Deering purchased it and renovated it for a winter home in 1915. The stone house was designed in a Mediterranean Revival style by Phineas Paist, the architect that designed much of the City of Coral Gables in the same Mediterranean style. The two structures surrounded by some of Miami’s most beautiful natural scenery make up the Deering Estate.

The Deering Estate is a perfect escape from the crowded fast paced city of Miami. The tour of the estate takes you back in time and puts on display some of the most beautiful nature there is in South Florida. Sitting on the shores of Biscayne Bay and only one mile away from the island of Chicken Key, The Deering Estate’s connection with the aquatic life of Miami is extremely apparent. The estate’s ties with the aquatic life continue when Charles Deering had the Boat Basin built in 1916-1918, which has become home to an extensive marine life. Visitors of the estate get to experience the extensive aquatic life surrounding the estate, filled with various marine animals such as: manatees, sharks, turtles, and dolphins. The Deering Estate also sits on top of the Miami Rock Ridge, a limestone formation that was formed more than 120,000 years ago. The estate is also covered with beautiful natural scenery showcased in the tropical hardwood hammocks. Many of the trees in the hammocks originated in the Caribbean and are no where to be found farther north, making the tropical hammocks of the estate one of the rarest plant communities in all of Florida.

The history of the Deering Estate goes back more than 500 years, before Ponce de Leon found his way into Biscayne Bay in 1513. The site on which the estate was built was home to The Tequesta, a native american tribe. On the estate, The Tequesta Midden has evidence of hundreds of Tequesta tools scattered around the surrounding area. The estate has also been found to have a Tequesta Burial Mound one of only two unearthed burial sites said to have 12 to 18 Native Americans buried in a circular pattern.

Unfortunately, I was unable to visit and experience all that the Deering Estate had to offer in person. However, I did learn all about the history of the estate as well as all the surrounding natural beauty the estate has to offer. I cannot wait until I will be able to visit the estate in person and truly absorb the history it truly has to offer.

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“The Transformation of Ocean Beach” By Nicolas Tomaselli of FIU at South Beach

The origins of South Beach stem back to automobile pioneer Carl Fisher when he found what was known as Ocean Beach in 1910 while on vacation. Fisher envisioned the 3,500 acre landmass as a tourist resort and as a vacation spot for himself and his industry friends. The myth surrounding Ocean Beach told throughout the years was that the natural island was a mosquito infested wasteland that no human had ever set foot upon. This story is of course just a myth, the island which was known as Ocean Beach was a mangrove barrier between Biscayne Bay and the Atlantic ocean.

In the early days of Miami, it was a multicultural small town where whites and blacks happily lived together. The residents even dubbed the natural island Ocean Beach and would spend afternoons boating to the island for picnics and baseball games. This all changed when Fisher began developing Miami Beach in 1910. African Americans were banned from public beaches, beginning the segregation in Miami for years to come. Then 1913 John Collins constructed the first bridge connecting Miami Beach to the mainland followed by Carl Fisher’s development of the island as a tourist resort.

Over the years Miami Beach became an iconic destination drawing tourists in with their gorgeous beaches and luxury resorts. One of the biggest factors that molded Miami Beach into such an iconic vacation spot is the use of the Art Deco Style. Most apparent on Ocean Drive the designs of the buildings can be characterized as having vibrant colors, geometrical symmetry, curved edges, and machine-like architecture. Miami Beach stands alone as one of the most beautiful tourists attractions pack filled with history and gorgeous design.

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“The true history of Miami” by nicolas tomaselli of Fiu at HistoryMiami Museum

The HistoryMiami Museum located in the heart of Miami, just a few blocks from the intersection of Miami Avenue and Flagler Street, has been spreading the true history of the city of Miami since 1940. While sometimes the storyteller of history tends to gloss over the unfavorable aspects of its story, The HistoryMiami Museum shines an equal light on both the good and the bad. This approach they take puts all the aspects of Miami on display to both tell a story and to remind us of the things that history tends to forget.

One of the first things that you see when entering the HistoryMiami Museum are various wooden tools and artifacts of the first inhabitants of what is now Miami. Visitors can also see artist renderings of what civilizations would have looked like for the early inhabitants based on the archeological evidence found and displayed throughout the museum. The museum then showcases the mysterious and interesting history of the Paleo-Indian tribe, The Tequesta. One of the biggest mysteries about the Tequesta is what is known as the Miami Circle. On a construction site in 1998 archeologists discovered circles of deep holes in bedrock spanning 38 feet, to which some archeologists believe was used for ceremonial or political purposes. None the less, archeologists dated this site back 2,000 years only adding to the mystery of the Tequesta tribe.

The HistoryMiami Museum then tells the story of the first pioneers to migrate to Miami. During this time the only way to reach Miami was by boat, thus isolating the settlers from easy access to the outside world. Being isolated with little to no knowledge of the land surrounding them, settlers began forming relationships with the natives to learn how to cultivate crops and live off the land. The museum then goes into more detail highlighting some of the stories of the first settlers who came to Miami in search of a better life. These settlers are credited with creating the foundation for Miami to blossom into what it is today. Unfortunately, I could not visit the museum in person however I look forward to a time when I can see in person the incredible history of the city I call home.