A Place in the Sun: South Beach, Miami

“Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight.” ~Benjamin Franklin

During this gloomy recession, I had to get away to a bright, warm place where the sun greets me each day. To South Beach I went!

After three hours of monotonous flying time, I was greeted with congestion and chaos (if you have ever been to Miami International Airport, you know what I’m talking about). But as soon as I made it outside, a warm breeze and a winter-dry humidity feathered me. Immediately, I felt at ease.

Soon after, sitting in the back of a cab, I began to notice the sky; it was bright, clear, and beautiful. What a difference a ray of sun makes! With the striking direct light, I saw the contour of building surfaces very noticeably. The sun’s intensity manipulates the shadows cast over the facades, and these shadows become a part of the architecture, inspiring designers to regionalize the quality, subtly and eloquently.

I could not help taking pictures of the neighborhood’s vibrant characters, even after having visited numerous times before. I snapped not only classic Art Deco styles, but more modern themes, colorful people, blue-green waters, and white-sand beaches.

After a day in the sun, all of the worries and woes of our country’s present state of affairs faded away, and I began feeling positive energy surge back into my soul. I soon came to the conclusion that it is not Art Deco styles or the candy colors and pastel hues, but the intensity of sunlight that makes me feel inspired while traveling in South Beach. If only we could all get away and find our own places in the sun.

All images by D.B. Kim.