Have you ever considered solo travel? We have a friend who has traveled 69.1 percent of the world, solo. Listen to my podcast this week and learn more. Ever since Eliot and I joined the Baptist Health Foundation, we get invited to all kinds of cool events, some of which I can bring Tomatoes to. Let me know. With hospitals like Baptist Cancer Institute, Miami is becoming a leading healthcare destination.  Israel artist Ruth Patir, whom I had the pleasure of meeting in 2023, has shuttered her art exhibit at the Venice Bienelle Art Show, in protest.

The Solo Traveler

We have a young, male friend who lives in Miami. We love being with him even though he’s rarely around. Avi Ivan (pronounced Yvonne) travels all over the world by himself. He’s gone for months, then he’s back for weeks, then gone again.

Avi has traveled to 69.1 percent of the world.   He loves exploring new places and meeting new people. However. He doesn’t like to travel with anyone. He feels it slows him down. Every time he has tried it, it doesn’t work out. Most people who travel a lot want to do things their own way. They have trouble making compromises.

I’m writing this piece because most of my readers, 99.9 per cent females probably would never consider solo travel. They never tried it, nor would they want to. I feel the same way.

Then I did this podcast with Avi and learned a lot. It’s all about what you get used to. There are travel agencies dedicated to single travelers. It will surprise you how many people prefer the company of themselves. Before you scream, “never,” listen to Ari explain it all. There is a new sense of freedom you never knew anything about.

Listen to episode 13 of the Art Lovers Forum podcast here or wherever you listen to podcasts.

A New Source for Miami Entertainment 

Earlier this year, Eliot and I joined the Baptist Health Foundation. Its mission is to provide the best patient care from the Florida Keys to Palm Beach. Through their donors, they are providing the next generation of healthcare. We are hoping that through our generous donation they will help us to get good health care in our old age.

Meanwhile, they are proving a big social life for us. I can’t invite you to everything, but I can get you into certain events. Some are during the day; others are at night. We were recently invited to a cocktail party in a donor’s mansion on Star Island. (See below.) Pretty cool. We get invited all the time. We would love to take friends with us. Check in with me from time to time.

Miami Leading Healthcare Destination 

I just want everyone to know that Miami has become a leading destination for health care. As patrons of the Baptist Health Foundation Eliot and I were invited to honor Dr. Michael Zinner, the Founding Chief Executive Officer & Executive Medical Director of the Miami Cancer Institute. The event took place on Star Island. There are many good hospitals in Miami, but the Baptist Cancer Institute is recognized as one of the best cancer programs in the nation, in the top 10% for treating the most complex cancer cases.

It is considered a high-performing designation in colon cancer surgery; leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma; lung cancer surgery; and prostate cancer surgery. The Eugene M. & Christine E. Lynn Cancer Institute, part of Baptist Health, at Boca Raton Regional Hospital, also received the High Performing designation for colon cancer surgery. Additionally, Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute, which has neurosurgeons with dual appointments at Miami Cancer Institute, is now ranked among the top neurology and neurosurgery programs in the country.

Israeli Artist Shuts Her Venice Biennale Show in Protest

The New York Times, and the Times of Israel, have reported that artist Ruth Patir has shuttered her exhibit ‘(M)otherland,’ at the Venice Biennale Show. She says she’ll open her exhibit, once an agreement has been reached to bring the hostages home and end the war in Gaza. Pro-Palestinian activities tried to convince the Venice Biennale to ban Israel from this prestigious international art exhibit. Ruth decided to turn the tables and locked the doors of exhibit on the first preview day.

Watch this video I took of one of her pieces of art.

Video

I’m proud to say I met Ruth Patir when she was a resident at Fountainhead Arts in September 2023. I’m sorry now that I didn’t buy her art. Thank you Ruth for your intelligence. Visit her website.