The ATA Chronicle - May/June 2023 - 10

Surf and Sun
Welcome
to the
Magic City!
By Itzaris Weyman
Work hard at ATA's 64th Annual Conference but take the
opportunity to experience what makes Miami a Magic City!
As excitement builds in Miami's translation and interpreting community for ATA's 64th
Annual Conference, October 25-28, I felt inspired to share my favorite things to do
in the Magic City.
Although I was born in Panama and have lived in several countries, I've called
Miami home for almost 30 years. My family and I have entertained many visitors
from various countries during this time. ( " Everybody wants to come to Miami! " they
tell us.) As savvy travelers ourselves, we know it's not easy to please different age
groups and interests. However, Miami will surely not disappoint! Whether you're
coming just for the conference and only have a few hours to spare or plan to extend
your trip and make it into a vacation as well, Miami has something for you!
The " magic " of this cultural melting pot is rooted in its vibrant history and
multicultural residents. In the 16th century, the Spanish Conquistadors claimed this land
from its original Native American inhabitants, the Tequesta people. The Miccosukee and
Seminole tribes, African American slaves, Bahamian wreckers, and Miami's founding
pioneer families converged here in the 19th century. The extension of the railroad by
Henry Flagler laid the foundation for the city of Miami. Today, Miami's residents still
hail from many backgrounds and cultures. From Little Havana to Overtown to Little Haiti
and Little Venezuela, Miami has become the gateway to the Americas. In the words
of historian Arva Moore Parks: " Now no longer at the end of something, we have
become the center of everything-the connector of the Americas, the center of the New
World. Today, Miami is rapidly emerging as a world-class, 21st-century city. "
10 The ATA Chronicle | May/June 2023
" Miami and the Beaches " are
the words you see plastered
on every billboard driving
from the airport. While
there's more to Miami than
its beaches, if that's what
you love, Miami boasts
amazing beaches near the
conference hotel! Clearly, the
most famous one is South
Beach, south of 17th Street in
Miami Beach-a beach to see
and be seen. Start your day
with some surf and sun and
then head over to Lincoln
Road Mall and get a bite to
eat (and people watch), shop,
or catch a show. Sip cocktails
overlooking a stunning
view of the city at Juvia, an
iconic rooftop restaurant!
If you crave shows and
entertainment, check out
the program at the small but
beautiful Colony Theatre, an
art deco gem. Alternatively,
head to a concert or movie
at the world-renowned New
World Symphony Center,
home to promising young
musicians from across the
country! Peruse their online
event calendar and you might
even be able to catch one of
their (totally free) WallCast
Concerts! These concerts
are held in the Miami Beach
Soundscape on an enormous
projection wall with a
surround-sound system.
You can even take (or order)
picnic fare to enjoy while
listening to glorious music!
If trendy isn't your style
and you're just looking
for a beautiful beach in
a more tranquil setting,
head out to Bill Baggs
Cape Florida National Park
in Key Biscayne. Explore
the lighthouse and relax
and enjoy lunch at the
Lighthouse café!
www.atanet.org
https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/things-to-do/history-and-heritage/a-look-back-at-miamis-pioneers http://www.atanet.org
The ATA Chronicle - May/June 2023

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