A Passion for Travel | Where It All Began

Astrid at the Singapore Hotel in the 1960s

When my sister, Gina Abraham sent me this photo last week, it immediately brought me back to the place where the photo was taken: the swanky Singapore Hotel located on Collins Ave. in Miami Beach. In the early 1960's, this hotel was the only family-oriented hotel in the area. My family visited The Singapore Hotel when I was only 9 years old. One of its unique features were parrots in the lobby-something I do not remember, and only discovered upon researching the hotel’s history. What I do vaguely remember was riding around on this rickshaw. Maybe this wonderful hotel and that "rickshaw ride" was the beginning of my desire to travel to exotic places!