Something quite magical about the sun-kissed shores of Miami draws you in, a promise of serenity and rejuvenation that you just cannot ignore. As my daughter Issa, with her ever-present sense of adventure, suggested a weekend getaway to the Miami Marriott Hotel in Biscayne Bay, I knew that we were in for a treat. I was reluctant at the beginning, though, but she insisted, and I relented. My sentiment quickly turned into an effervescent anticipation of a weekend with my daughters, Issa and Yasmin, my grandchild West, and our beloved dog, Bentley. It seemed almost too good to be true.

We were welcomed by the warm embrace of our hotel room, its balcony offering a stunning view of the bay, the ocean shimmering with an aquamarine brilliance that stirred my soul. The evening beckoned us to indulge in the exotic flavors of a Peruvian restaurant called Suviche, a culinary experience that felt like an intimate dance of cultures. As we savored the delicate harmony of the Ceviche Suviche, a bold blend of Peruvian tradition and Japanese spices, the Aji de Gallina, the tender chicken bathed in a rich aji amarillo cream sauce, and the Arroz Chaufa, a playful nod to Cantonese-style fried rice, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the vibrant tapestry of life that had led us to this moment.

The morning sun gently nudged us awake, and we began our day with a generous breakfast. My bagels and lox, a comforting classic juxtaposed with Yazzy’s hearty plate of bacon, scrambled eggs, and potatoes, and Issa’s earthy mushroom omelet, reminded me of the simple pleasure of sharing a meal with those you love. As I sat there, watching my family smile and laugh, with Bentley snoozing at our feet, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of contentment, the kind that comes from life’s unexpected moments of pure, unadulterated joy.

* I would like to extend my gratitude to Chat GPT, whose invaluable assistance saved me a ton of time crafting this piece.