Sunset over the Riviera

Sunscreen-clad, I leaned forward to let the last rays of sunlight touch my face. For a few minutes, it felt good, warm. With something by Bon Iver crooning in my ears, lyrics at the tip of my tongue, I closed my eyes against the sun.

From the small square kitchen window in our apartment, I could see across to Sunny Isles Beach, also known as Florida’s Riviera. I had been inside for most of the day, so looking out the window was a trigger. I wanted to leave the house. When the last plate in the sink was washed, I headed to my room to change into a green halter neck top and denim shorts. I didn’t plan on getting into the water, so I skipped a bathing suit. The 20-minute walk to the beach felt shorter than usual, probably because it was late enough in the day that the sun wasn’t scorching. At one of the entrances to the beach, I switched my flip-flops from my feet to my hands and made my way closer to the ocean to set down my bedsheet. In less than fifteen minutes, the sky was already turning shades of pink. I sat up to watch.

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Florida’s Riviera is the quintessential tourist destination. The pristine beach stretches for miles, the road (Collins Ave) is lined with beachfront hotels, expensive restaurants, and the signature palm trees. Surprisingly, the beach itself doesn’t get crowded which is why I go often. Where have you watched the best sunsets?

As always, 

thank you for reading. 

All photos shot and edited on iPhone 8+

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Same footprints, Different Sands