On Reading Books

I picked up an interesting bookmark at the 24th Annual Miami Book Fair International November 4-11 from the National Endowment for the Arts: "You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them" - Ray Bradbury.

Miami Book Fair International - Day 11

Tuesday, November 13 – I caught the Super Shuttle at 3:00am but it was nearly 4:00am before we were on our way to Miami Airport. I flew to Portland International Airport via Chicago. The seat belt sign was on almost the entire flight from Chicago to Portland. We were jolted around almost continuously. I will NEVER fly coach again! I arrived at PDX about 12:30pm. It was very cold standing outside the terminal waiting for my ride but I was so glad to be home again!

Miami Book Fair International - Day 10

Monday, November 12 – Even though I still did not feel well I ventured forth. I had the complimentary breakfast at Tapas & Tintos of green tea and pastry.

I caught the “H” bus north to 163rd and Biscayne Blvd. (Hwy 1). I walked north passing a market where I bought a banana. I visited The Cloisters of the Ancient Spanish Monastery at 16711 West Dixie Highway.

I explored the museum where I saw the Hymnarium, Pope’s Cabinet, and 150+-years old Chasuble. I wandered through the doors where I watched several raccoons feeding near the patio. I passed through the original iron gate that was set in front of the walls leading into the monastery. It is hand-wrought and weighs over 200 pounds. I walked through the garden taking several photos of the exterior of the monastery. I entered The Cloisters of the Spanish Monastery which is officially listed in the Register of Historical Sites. I explored the interior courtyard and The Chapel--originally the monastery refectory (dining hall). There were two large statues in the courtyard: King Alphonso VII and Alphonso VIII (grandson of Alphonso VII). I walked back to the museum where I saw two “tuxedo” cats on the patio, waiting to be fed. I was given a long-stemmed rose which I took back to my home in the Pacific Northwest.

I walked several blocks to the bus stop. I rode it to 55th Street on Biscayne Blvd. I searched for a house at 5200 Biscayne Blvd. for a Waymark Category but there was just an empty field. I rode another bus to OMNI station, and rode the Metromovers to Bayside station.

I purchased fruit & cheese plate and a drink at Starbucks at Bayside Marketplace (disappointed that they did not have any shortbread cookies). I caught the “S” bus to Lincoln Road. I wandered along the eight blocks of Lincoln Road pedestrian mall with its artist shops, art galleries, boutiques, shops and sidewalk cafes. The central mall was adorned with quirky tiled fountains. I ventured into the Britto Central Miami Art Gallery. I still did not feel well so I was glad to return to my hotel room. I ate dinner while I watched television. I finished packing and slept soundly until 2:00am.

Miami Book Fair International - Day 9

Sunday, November 11 -- I had the complimentary breakfast at Tapas & Tintos of green tea and pastry. I traveled by “C” bus to the OMNI Metromover station and rode the Metromover to MDCC.

I heard Erica Jong on “Writing for My Life” and Sena Jeter Naslund on “Marie Antoinette”. I went to the session on “The Changing Face of Journalism”. I heard Tom Hayden on “Ending the War in Iraq” and Craig Unger on “House of Bush”.

I suddenly became quite ill. I took the Metromover (I took a photo of the book fair from the platform) and “C” bus back to my hotel where I was sick for the rest of the day. Luckily my flight home did not leave until Tuesday morning.

Miami Book Fair International - Day 8

Saturday, November 10 -- I skipped the complimentary breakfast at Tapas & Tintos of green tea and pastry. I caught the “C” bus to OMNI Metromover station. At OMNI station I rode the Metromover to MDCC. I ate a bacon, egg and cheese biscuit at McDonalds.

I heard “American’s Cultural Obsession With the Law” at 10:00am, “The Making of The Joy Luck Club and its Legacy” at 11:00am, Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson in conversation at 12:30pm, Jeffrey Toobin on the secrets of the Supreme Court” at 2:00pm, and at 3:00pm “Traveling with Good Books”.

The Rock Bottom Remainders concert was held at 5:00pm at the MDCC Student Life Patio. On stage were Dave Barry, Sam Barry, Ridley Pearson, Scott Turrow, Kathi Kamen Goldmark, and other musicians and authors including Jeffrey Toobin.

After the concert I rode Metromover and then the “S” bus to Miami Beach. The traffic was so bad that I got off the bus and walked the last eight blocks to the 2007 Authors’ Party at The Raleigh Hotel, 1775 Collins Avenue. I got a chocolate chip cookie at the nearby Doubletree. The setting was beautiful at The Raleigh’s outdoor patio but not very functional. I sat with a woman from Miami Beach in small groups around a campfire and never mingled with other people much less saw any authors. I walked several blocks back to the hotel.

Miami Book Fair International - Day 7

Friday, November 9 -- I went across the street to Tapas & Tintos for a complimentary breakfast of green tea and pineapple pastry and mini palmiers. I caught the “C” bus to OMNI Metromover station. I got a couple good photos of the Flagler Memorial from the bus window. At OMNI station I rode the Metromover to Miami Dade Community College (MDCC).

I visited the colorful red, green, yellow, and blue book booths where more than 200 exhibitors and publishers sold thousands of books to thousands of people. I purchased “The Everglades River of Grass” by Marjory Stoneman Douglas. An impressive lineup of approximately 300 authors will be participating in lectures, panel discussions and book signings on Saturday and Sunday.

I had lunch of BBQ chicken, beans and rice. I went to the presentation of “Book, Script and Action” but was soon deeply bored. They missed the point of the discussion plus it was in French which had to be translated.

I wandered through the three tent exhibits in the International Village. There were a lot more exhibitors two years ago. I purchased a fruit & walnut salad at McDonalds.

“An Evening with Caroline Kennedy” was held at 7:30pm in Chapman. Unlike Jenna Bush there was standing room only. She talked about her book "A Family Christmas". Afterwards I purchased fruit & cheese plate, drink and shortbread cookies at Starbucks at Bayside Marketplace. I caught the “C” bus to South Beach. I ate dinner while I watched television.

Miami Book Fair International - Day 6

Thursday, November 8 -- I woke about 7:00am, and went across the street to Tapas & Tintos for a complimentary breakfast of green tea and pastry. I purchased bottled water. I rode the “C” bus, Metromover, Metrorail and bus #252 to the Miami Metrozoo. It seemed to take forever to get there! I should have rented a safari cycle near the zoo entrance as there was just too much walking in the hot sun. I only saw the Asian Exhibits where I watched the tigers being fed meat (see photo) and neither the Australian Exhibits nor the African Exhibits. I had a chicken croissant for lunch. I saw the short Wildlife Show. I caught the bus and Metrorail back to Government Center.

I checked my e-mails at the Miami Library. I got a crispy chicken sandwich and fudge sundae at McDonalds. “An Evening With Nikki Giovanni” was held at 7:30pm at Chapman (Bldg. 3, 2nd Floor). She talked about her most recent book, "Acolytes". She spoke out against Bill Cosby who stresses the importance of education, respect, and proper parenting. I purchased fruit & cheese plate, drink and shortbread cookies at Starbucks. I caught the “C” bus to South Beach. I ate dinner while I watched the news on television.

Miami Book Fair International - Day 5

Wednesday, November 7 - I woke about 7:00am, and went across the street to Tapas & Tintos for a complimentary breakfast of green tea and pastry. I also ate a banana that I had bought at a store. I purchased a bottle of water about 9:20am. I rode the “C” bus and OMNI Metromover to College North. I got a bacon, egg & cheese biscuit at McDonalds. I went across Biscayne Blvd. to Bayside Marketplace where I got the coordinates for the carousel. I took the Metromover to Government Center. I caught the Metrorail south to Douglas Station.

I rode the trolley to the Village at Merrick Place. I looked at the jewelry in Nordstrom and had a yogurt parfait in their E-Café. I took the trolley, Metrorail, and then the bus #56 to the Mediterranean-style Biltmore Hotel located in the heart of Coral Gables. I had Champagne Afternoon Tea under the vaulted ceiling of the hotel's magnificent lobby. The server informed me that I had seventeen teas to choose from. I choose my favorite Earl Grey. The first course was a half-dozen tea sandwiches paired with fresh fruit. A guitarist strummed his guitar in front of the nearby fireplace. I had a warm scone with clotted cream and jam, and a ragulah. The last course was an assortment of small pastries (see photo).

I rode bus #56 back to the station where I took the Metrorail back to Government Center. I rode the Metromover to college station. I got a fudge sundae at McDonalds. “An Evening with Richard Russo” was held at 7:30pm at Chapman (Bldg. 3, 2nd floor). He talked about his most recent book, “Bridge of Sighs”. I asked him questions about his creative process at the Q&A. I purchased fruit & cheese plate, drink and shortbread cookies at Starbucks. I rode the Metromover and “C” bus to hotel. I ate dinner while watching the television.

Miami Book Fair International - Day 4

November 6 – I woke about 7:00am, dressed, took a photo of a view from my balcony and went across the street to Tapas & Tintos for a complimentary breakfast. I walked south on Ocean Drive. I talked to a sidewalk vendor who made things out of palm fronds i.e. baskets, fish, etc. I could not find the benchmarks that were supposedly located between 12th & 13th on Ocean Drive. I got photographs and coordinates at the mansion of the late fashion designer Gianni Versace (1946-1997). In July 1997, Gianni Versace was gunned down by Andrew Cunanan he slid his key into the scrolled gate outside his South Beach mansion.

I took photographs of the Blackstone Hotel Clock (Benchmark: AC3538). The hands of the clock are gone. The Blackstone is an apartment building now. I rode the “C’ bus across the MacArthur Causeway. I photographed the Flagler Memorial several times during the week through the bus window, trying to get a decent shot.

I caught the OMNI Metromover to Government Center. I visited the Miami-Dade Cultural Center—a complex of three Mediterranean Revival Buildings. I ate a Waldorf chicken salad for lunch at the Top Hat. I used the computer terminals at the Miami Public Library to check my e-mail before visiting the Historical Museum of South Florida and the Miami Art Museum. I liked the Opera exhibit so much that I saw it twice.

I walked east on Flagler to the Miami First Trust Co. (Benchmark: AC3521). The building is being renovated. I walked to MDCC campus. I had a fruit & walnut salad at McDonalds. “An Evening with Jenna Bush” was held at 7:30pm at Chapman (Bldg. 3, 2nd Floor). She talked about her book, “Ana’s Story”. Jenna Bush did not take any questions. What can you say when you are advocating the improvement of children’s lives while your father vetoes health care for children.

Afterwards I visited the Bayside Marketplace. Overlooking Biscayne Bay, the tropical, indoor/outdoor Bayside Marketplace is like an international carnival, teeming with stalls offering cute (if largely useless) merchandise, a wide variety of stores, cafes and restaurants (Starbucks!), and music performances. I got photographs of the carousel however I forgot to get the coordinates. I purchased fruit & cheese plate, orange drink and shortbread cookies at Starbucks.

I rode the Metromover to OMNI station and caught the “C” bus to South Beach. I ate my Starbucks dinner while watching the news. The Channel 7 (Fox News) reporter said there was standing room only for Jenna Bush. Actually there were only about 300 people in that huge auditorium.

Miami Book Fair International - Day 3

November 5 – I woke about 7:00am, dressed and went across the street to Tapas & Tintos for a complimentary breakfast. About 11:00am I had a late breakfast at McDonalds. I walked north to Benchmark: AC2263 at the base of a flagpole. I used the computer at the library to check my e-mails. I did not find Benchmark: AC2262 even though I looked all over the top of a sewer pumping station.

I caught a bus to the south end of South Beach. I could not find any of the benchmarks! I had a tangerine and pineapple sorbet at Dolce Vita Gelato. I rode the shuttle to 11th & Alton Road. I walked a couple blocks to 11th & Lenox Avenue at Flamingo Park--Benchmark: AC2261. I walked east on 11th to Benchmark: AC2259. I walked back to my hotel room.

I rode the “C” bus to MDCC campus where I had a crispy chicken sandwich at McDonalds about 6:30pm. "An Evening with Robert Pinsky" was held at 7:30pm in Chapman (Bldg. 3, 2nd Floor). He talked about his new book of poetry, “Gulf Music”. Afterwards I rode the Metromover to OMNI station and then caught a “C” bus to South Beach.

24th Miami Book Fair International - Day 2

November 4 – I woke about 7:00am, dressed and went across the street to Tapas & Tintos for a complimentary breakfast. I purchased bottled water at Art Deco Supermarket. I caught the “C” bus to OMNI Metromover station.

I attended choral service at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral for awhile. I walked north on the west shore of Biscayne Bay on Bayshore Drive to the Womens Club Building formerly the Miami Public Library. I took several photographs. I walked northwest to the City of Miami Cemetery. The hurricanes of two years ago had absolutely devastated the landscape. I was pleased to see the tree canopy was restored. I took several photographs both outside and inside the cemetery. I did “Veterans & Pioneers” Geocache.

Walking back to the OMNI Metromover station, I passed the Doubletree Hotel where I got a warm delicious chocolate chip cookie. I found Benchmark: AC3191 at the entrance to the loading dock of the Miami Herald Building. I photographed the Octagonal-shaped Sears Roebuck Co. Tower Benchmark: AC3557. I photographed the front door and Benchmark: AC2184 at the Freedom Tower. I photographed Benchmark: AC3539 Miami First (Central) Baptist Church.

I picked up a Miami Book Fair program at Miami-Dade Community College. I was told that I needed the free tickets that had been given out on-line. I said that I was planning to be a “Friend” of the Fair. I was told that I would be able to get the Evening Presentation tickets which turned out to be a bit of a problem to get all of them. I think that the entire ticket thing was a fiasco.

I went across the street to McDonalds for a fruit salad with yogurt. I had the chocolate chip cookie from Doubletree for dessert. I walked to Bayside where I photographed “The Torch of Friendship” and the Hard Rock Café. The guitar was blown off the Hard Rock Cafe roof during Hurricane Wilma, spearing a nearby luxury yacht.

The Miami Book Fair International is the largest book fair in the country. It was initially called Books by the Bay way back in 1984. This year it was being held November 4-11.

I became a book fair “Friend” however I later found out that did not entitle me to visit the VIP tent during book fair weekend as it had in years past. I attended the Inauguration Celebration at 5:00pm of the 24th annual book fair at Miami-Dade Community College (MDCC), Wolfson Campus. I attended the reception at the 5th floor terrace, Bldg. 3. Good food, good wine but the music was way too loud drowning out conversations. I heard Rosie O’Donnell in Chapman Auditorium discussing her new book “Celebrity Detox: (the fame game)”.

I rode the bus back to South Beach. I purchased ham & provolone sandwich, Lays BBQ chips and Hershey chocolate bar at CVS/pharmacy for late dinner about 10:00pm. I got the Sunday Miami Herald.

24th Miami Book Fair International - Day 1

November 3 – I left the house at 6:00am for the Portland International Airport (PDX). I went through check-in and security rather quickly. I read David Baldacci’s “The Collectors”. The flight left on time at 8:36. I had requested an aisle seat over the wing. I had a window seat in the next to the last row. I could see Mt. Jefferson and the Three Sisters to the south as we left PDX. I arrived in Denver at 12:03pm. I had almost a four-hour layover. I ate lunch of ham & brie panini with chocolate chip cookie. I saw a statue and bronze plaque: John L. “Jack Swigert, Jr. 1931-1982 Astronaut Apollo XIII Congressman elect 1982.

I arrived in Miami at 9:33pm. It took about half hour to get my suitcase. It took two hours to get to The Clay Hotel via Super Shuttle. Located in the heart of South Beach, The Clay Hotel is 80-plus-year old Spanish Mediterranean-style hostel/hotel that has been a popular setting for TV series and movies, such as “Miami Vice” and “The Specialist”. I took my luggage to my room, walked to San Loco Taqueria to get chicken enchilada for a very late dinner and purchased a can of diet coke in the hotel lobby. I watched the night life on Espanola Way, an authentic Mediterranean calle, from my open room window as I ate a very late dinner. It was quite noisy outside but I was so exhausted that I slept soundly.

Miami Book Fair International November 4-11, 2007

I will be attending the Miami Book Fair International from November 4-11, 2007 for the sixth year. It is the largest book fair in the United States. I will be posting photos and writing about my experiences when I return. To learn more about the book fair: www.miamibookfair.com.