It is Wednesday morning, and after last night’s lightning and thunderstorm, I have no idea what to expect when I open the shades. It is sunny! Bob comes through the door after a 6 mile run on the beach (over-achiever). He showers, dresses and we co-ordinate on the day’s schedule. A few things need to be done before we head our separate ways, but nothing earth shattering. I upload my pictures from yesterday and work on my blog. The doorbell rings. Breakfast is here. “Would you like it on the balcony?”. Well, who wouldn’t? We set up the table and I nibble on a pastry basket and sip on a latte, cold pressed juice and a little guava-banana smoothie shot, compliments of the chef. It is good, but the croissant cannot compare to the ones I will have in France. And there will be more than one. Breakfast is moved inside when two crows land on my railing and start trying to intimidate me. Sorry, wrong girl. Yet they are persistent. And annoying. And I can't see my computer screen. Time to go inside. I get all but the butter in, and then one of them starts going at it. He likes it. Oh well, I was not using it anyway. He gets three bites and then I bring it in. Enough already.

After finishing yesterday’s blog post, it’s time to get some more pictures of the property, and maybe a little history. Opened as a hotel by Lady Caroline Astor in 1904, she designed her version of her hotel so that it felt like a private mansion, and entertained extensively. She began the champagne-sabering at 7:30pm for her guests, and the St. Regis has revived this tradition in her honor (see previous post), as well as afternoon tea and an extensive Bloody Mary menu, all creations of Lady Astor that the St. Regis continues. It was converted into the Sheraton Bal Harbor at some point, and then re-opened as the St. Regis in 2012, having been completely torn down, re-designed and re-built. It boasts 244 rooms and suites, and 255 residences, each designed to have an ocean-facing view. There are several restaurants including the St. Regis Bar, Wine Vault ad Sushi Lounge, Atlantikos, a Greek-themed indoor/outdoor restaurant, the BH Burger Bar, and La Gourmandise, a coffee shop/patisserie, offering breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea in the spacious lobby. I snap a few pics of each and then head outside.

The second I step out by the pool I realize that a blouse and capris are not appropriate. Back to the room for my suit, hat and a cover up. I get my chaise by the pool and settle in. I have 1.5 hours to relax before headed to the spa to shower, get my hair styled and leave, perfectly coiffed and relaxed for London. It will be an 8 hour flight, leaving Miami at 6:00pm and arriving in London at 7:00am Thursday. These flights are killer! But I believe our room will be ready for us and dinner reservations are made.

The pool is a beautiful area with umbrellaed chaise lounges, some private cabanas, a pool bar/restaurant and a beach shop offering beach-y kind of things. There are bikes that hotel guests can use, as a wide path hugs the beach all the way from Bal Harbor to Miami Beach itself. Many people are walking, jogging and biking. After quickly checking things out, I head back to my chaise lounge. Some woman is playing with her grandchildren in the pool. It is endearing but she screams at the top of her lungs. A loud talker. Megaphone lady. I think I am becoming intolerant of others. Time to take a stroll on the beach.

The beach sand in Bal Harbor is soft and white and the St. Regis offers chairs, umbrellas and staff to take care of your every wishes. I am wishing for peace and quiet and it is very tranquil here. I stroll along and stick my feet in the water. It is delightful. After a quick respite, I head back to the pool as my purse, room key, etc are currently unattended. All is well and things are quieting down. 45 minutes left. A woman comes by with a tiny cup full of frozen grapes. Yum . Time for a swim.

The water is amazing, it must be at least 87 degrees. I happen to have a pool and I know these things. I lazily paddle around the perimeter a few times, tread water for a bit and then head back to my chair. It is pretty relaxing here, even with loud woman! Two cute little kids make friends and interview each other. It is pretty adorable.

Bob’s meeting is out and he joins me by the pool. In a dark suit. The jacket comes off pretty quickly. We chat for a bit, then sadly, it is time for me to head to the spa for a shower and a quick blow-out. I hate doing my own hair. I get bored after three minutes. The parts I can see always look good, but I don’t know what’s going on in the back of my head. Best leave it to the professionals.

The hair is done and the body is clean, so up to the room to gather the bags and head to the airport. Miami traffic is horrendous, but then again all traffic is horrendous by definition. We board the plane and on cue, the lightning starts. We sit at the gate for an extra 1.5 hours until it is deemed safe to fly. And we’re off. I hope I get some sleep. Isn’t travel glamorous?