When the Chrismas break arrived during my year of studies in Philadelphia, I was ready for more adventure, and for some warmth and sun. With a couple friends, I decided to head South - on a student budget, by Greyhound bus. The non-stop trip to Miami took over 30 hours, with only occasional restroom and fast food stops... Passengers and drivers changed, we stayed on... 

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Seeing the sunrise from the bus after a day and night of traveling was quite eerie.

Greyhound bus from Philadelphia to Miami32 hour of bus non-stop to get to Florida... sunrise on the bus!

Our last bio-break stop was in Jacksonville, Florida. The dominant building there had a particular resonance for us.

Jacksonville, FloridaOne last hop off the bus for McDo / toilet break... in Jacksonville, Florida

A few more hours on the road and we finally reached our destination: Miami Beach. The ocean on the horizon and the warm air on our faces were the best Christmas present we could dream of after this trip (a shower and a bed followed very closely on the list 😊)

Miami BeachArriving in Miami Beach! we can see the ocean!

The pristine white sand beach felt like a dream to us.

Miami BeachMiami Beach, just before Christmas. Warm air, warm sand :-)

This being the US, colorful character abounded... Like these two, looking for gold, in one form... or another!

Miami BeachLooking for treasure    Miami beachMiami Beach Santa Claus on the prowl...

I had never seen a tropical Santa Claus before...

After this nice beach break, a couple days camping in the Everglades enabled us to reconnect with a different kind of wildlife.

Everglades National Park, FloridaCamping in the Everglades national park

... while still staying at a relatively safe distance.

Everglades National Park, Florida

Time was short, and soon it was time to hit the road again - almost literally...

Florida Next stop: New Orleans, Louisiana!

More to come, stay tuned!