Miami. The city of pastel buildings and Cuban cuisine. The city where speedos are worn more than pants. The city where the cars are worth more than your life and you feel awkward for having real boobs…

There is only one way to really experience this city and gain some understanding of its craziness, and that is by befriending some locals. I was lucky enough to meet Erica and Ana, two amazing travellers based in the Sunshine state, who invited me to have a genuine ‘Miami’ experience. Obviously aboard a private yacht; surrounded by beautiful girls and great alcohol.

We arrived just in time to board the girls’ friends’ yacht. The house incredible and everyone was having way too much fun for 11am on a Sunday morning. After joining in on the pre drinks we piled onto the yacht, ready for an afternoon of sun, awesome views and flyboarding.

I had landed in Miami fresh from Iceland, so it was definitely one of the palest points in my life. Everyone was extremely concerned. I think most people stopped listening to my introduction somewhere between explaining that I lived in Iceland but was from Australia. I started to be called an ‘eskimo’ and taught how to use sunscreen, which was a combination of painfully politically incorrect and completely unnecessary. But everyone was extremely nice so I went with it.

The day was completely ‘Miami’ and like nothing I had ever experienced before. Some main topics of conversation were plastic surgery and rich husbands’ money, which could be taboo subjects anywhere else except Miami. One girl was very proud of  her aspiration of starting an animal rescue centre once she had found a rich husband. Her genuine good intentions and positivity caused me to disregard the irony of the idea.

Miami is a completely different world, and until I had the opportunity to spend an entire day with locals I had been very cynical about the entire place. But gaining an insight into the lives of people from this crazy city made me gain appreciation for it. Because everyone really does just want to have fun.

So don’t be intimidated by the fast cars and fake tans. The people of Miami are just out to have a good time, and with the right attitude and enough Patron, you might just become a little fond of the craziness.