Tour guide in Miami Ileana M.

I grew up in a cheerful, hospitable culture, open to visitors. Exploring and discovering was my hobby as a child in the seaside town where I grew up with my brothers looking for dolphins in the waves. I dreamed of one day being a boat captain, but my life took another course on dry land and I became the writer and the educator that I am today. This year I decided to create my personal tour company with the message "Fall in love with Miami and South Florida by discovering what it hides in each season and by living experiences like a local". I am also the creator and host of the travel TV series Discovering Stories, filmed in several cities around the world including Miami and broadcast on CNN in Spanish and Mundo Fox. During production, I worked in England (London), Switzerland, Belgium, Panama, Portugal, Spain, and the USA with the most prestigious tourist guides and National and Regional Tourism Authorities. The experience I have acquired has served me to organize private tours, gastronomy itineraries, adventures, and logistics. I organize each tour according to the needs of my group, having their preferences and interests in mind. I am more than willing to help make the experience memorable in any way I can. After filming the episode Discovering Stories Miami, I studied South Florida history with Dr. Paul George at Miami Dade Community College. I never saw Miami the same way again thanks to his history classes, guided walks through Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Downtown Miami, and trips along the Miami River and Biscayne Bay. I have written numerous reports documenting nature, habitat restoration, wildlife migration, and the Florida Keys (The Florida Reef) art, gastronomy, and local architecture. I've also focused on the Everglades National Park. I studied Performing Arts and acquired a degree in art. In the 90s, I founded a magazine in the Art Deco District of Miami Beach, where I documented the cultural transformation that was beginning to emerge. Today I continue to write and one of my favourite columns is the Art of Living. I love the trail, but I enjoy driving and discovering new scenic routes along the coast of Florida. In South Florida specifically, I collaborate with various local organizations and groups to support the mission of Protecting Dark Skies and the welfare of wild animals. I have worn many hats in my life, but today I am most happy to teach others about the greatness of nature, wildlife, and the cultural identity of Florida.