I have to admit that in the United States, airplanes are not much different from buses.
In the U.S., people primarily travel in two ways. The first is self-driving, as all national highways are free of charge. There are some toll highways, but they are usually privately funded, such as those leading to affluent areas like New York and Los Angeles. The cost of fuel is relatively low, making driving an economical and enjoyable option for shorter trips between nearby states.
The second most popular way to travel is by airplane. In the U.S., planes are akin to domestic buses. Ticket prices are very affordable, and during sales or with discounts, flying can even be cheaper than taking a bus.
Buses rank third in popularity, while trains are the least preferred mode of transportation. Trains in the U.S. are not only expensive but also slow, offering the lowest cost-to-performance ratio among all public transit options—a stark contrast to China. Unless someone wants to take a scenic train journey, few people opt for this method of travel.
Although Boston and Miami are both located on the eastern side of the United States, their geographic locations are vastly different. Miami is in the southernmost part of the country, while Boston, though not at the northernmost tip, is quite far north. Beyond Boston lies Alaska, which is separated by overseas territory. Flying from Boston to Miami spans nearly the entire eastern seaboard, a distance comparable to traveling from Ice City to Hainan in China. The only difference is that Jiang Hai and his friends booked first-class tickets, making their journey faster and more comfortable.
Once Jiang Hai decided to visit Miami, he wasted no time. Knowing that overthinking might lead to hesitation, he booked plane tickets for the next day and began making arrangements at Tainlong Manor. Edward Anderson was assigned to oversee marine affairs, while Robbins Garcia managed ranch operations. With planting completed at the vineyard, Dulles Gerard and O'Connor Murphy were left in charge there. After ensuring everything was in order, Jiang Hai informed Aphra and the others of his plans.
The group prepared overnight, and by the next morning, everyone had a small travel bag ready. With Burke Dahler, Philemon Turner, and Tommy Charles driving, they quickly reached Boston Airport. After a brief wait in the VIP lounge, they boarded their flight to Miami.
Now, a quick gripe about domestic flights in the U.S.: the flight attendants are generally older. To Jiang Hai, even the youngest among them seemed to be in their forties, including those in first class. Fortunately, Jiang Hai was surrounded by beautiful women, which made the journey far more enjoyable. Along the way, many men couldn't help but stare enviously at Jiang Hai and the women accompanying him.
After a flight of just over three hours, the group landed in Miami.
Miami isn't necessarily the most ideal city for living in the U.S. Its relatively small area is dominated by the ocean, leaving limited room for heavy industry. The city's economy relies heavily on tourism. Miami, the second-largest city in Florida, is a world-renowned resort destination, nicknamed "God's Reception Room." It attracts wealthy retirees who move there to enjoy their golden years, contributing significantly to the local economy.
In 2009, Miami was ranked as the richest city in the U.S. and the fifth richest globally. To cater to its affluent residents, Miami was also named the cleanest city in the U.S. in 2008. Despite its modest size, Miami is one of the most densely populated cities in the U.S., with a metropolitan population exceeding 5.59 million. It's the largest metro area in the southeastern U.S. and the fourth largest nationwide, ranking just behind New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Being near the border, Miami has long been a hub for immigrants. In addition to white and Black residents, the city is home to many Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and other immigrant groups. According to a United Nations survey, Miami has the highest percentage of foreign-born residents of any city, with Toronto in second place.
This diverse cultural mix, combined with a lack of industry and an abundance of wealthy retirees, gives Miami a unique vibe. However, the city also has a darker side. It is a major gathering point for South American drug cartels in the U.S. During the 1980s, Miami became the largest drug transshipment hub in the country, with shipments from Colombia, Bolivia, and Peru bringing tens of billions of dollars into the local economy. These funds fueled the construction of luxury buildings, car dealerships, five-star hotels, and bustling nightclubs, transforming Miami into a vibrant metropolis.
The U.S. government eventually cracked down on these activities, and Miami became one of the most heavily policed cities in the eastern U.S. Its allure has also been boosted by American pop culture, including the hit TV series Miami Vice and the video game Grand Theft Auto: Vice City, which was inspired by the city.
While Miami experienced periods of chaos due to drug wars, hurricanes, and other events, it has improved significantly over the past decade thanks to rigorous governance. For many people in China, Miami is best known through movies or the NBA's Miami Heat, a consistently strong basketball team.
Jiang Hai's impression of Miami was primarily of its sun, beaches, and the Heat. As he and his group of ten women exited the airport, they drew stares from men nearby—whether travelers, workers, or onlookers. Some even whistled, much to Jiang Hai's annoyance. He frowned slightly and instructed the group, "Let's move quickly. I've rented a car."
The ten women, experiencing their first plane ride and visit to a southern city, were both excited and nervous. The warm climate and different scenery left them curious and eager, but Jiang Hai remained their anchor. Staying close to him, they quickly found the GMC MPV Jiang Hai had rented and set off for their hotel.
Driving in Miami felt natural for Jiang Hai after his experience in Boston. Following the GPS, the group soon left the airport behind. As they traveled along the highway, the coastline appeared on their right. The golden sands and sparkling waters under the sun created a breathtaking view.
"The beach here is so calm," Darlene murmured from the passenger seat. Indeed, Miami's serene beaches contrasted with the more rugged beauty of Jiang Hai's fishery back home. The other women, intrigued by the sight, gazed out the windows with curiosity.
As the city of Miami came into view, the group marveled at its lively atmosphere. Fortunately, Jiang Hai had chosen a hotel on the outskirts of the city, right on Miami Beach. It was a luxurious five-star resort, and according to the GPS, they were almost there.
(To be continued.)