Sept 7: Republic of SoFla

The nice thing about South Florida is that it's so close to the United States. Heh-heh. I'm hardly the first person to say this, of course. But there is something true about it - in a good kind of way. To me, this means that we are unique. Special. As indeed we are. Our culture, our climate, our vibe all combine to create a distinctly different part of the world. The Republic of SoFla, if you like. I'm not quite sure where the United States begins as you drive north from the Keys. Maybe just the other side of Palm Beach, and certainly by the time you hit Orlando. I've been to Orlando many times, at first by choice, later by necessity. Now I only go there if I'm forced, which thankfully isn't often. Not my favorite place.

But South Florida? We're so far south that we're not anything like the American South. In some ways, SoFla really does feel as if it's a separate country. We're even different from other heavily Latin areas of the U.S. such as Southern California or Texas.

That's why time spent here is delightful, I think. I mentioned the culture, so let's start with that. These days, we're flavored with much more than only Latin American and Caribbean influences. Asian, including Indian, populations are an increasing part of the cultural mix, along with more Europeans and even a smattering of Africans. At least this is what I find as I go around Greater Fort Lauderdale. Their music and food and drinks, their attitudes and traditions become part of the stew that is South Florida. As for our climate, it brings us sunshine and endless summer, obviously, and wonderful beach weather year round. And an extraordinary blend of wildlife and plant life - unique not only in this country but in the world. For instance, the Everglades is the only spot on earth that has both alligators and crocodiles. When you're here, as a resident or tourist, you feel all this somehow. You see and hear the people, you watch the sunlit waves and listen to the squawking wild parrots. And after a time, you begin to dial into that vibe I mentioned, the special atmosphere that makes South Florida what it is. You get some sense that you're in a place that's not like anywhere else, not quite the same ol' United States of America. But close. If you really feel the need to go to more conventional spots in this country, Orlando is just a three hour drive. Why on earth you'd want to do that is another question altogether.