I never knew that living 2 minutes away from a very well known and respectable hospital would be a privilege but on this day that is how I felt. The long awaited sneak peek of the brand new West Kendall Baptist Hospital was welcomed by the West Kendall Community on April 17. It seemed like all of West Kendall attended this event. As one began to enter the premises a Romero Britto inspired West Kendall Baptist Hospital bag was given to everyone. Several tented stations served water with chips and healthy snacks to the public. I never know that West Kendall was all land for Strawberry picking.

For the little ones, there were inflatable rides as well as mechanical ones. A carnival like atmosphere took place. A stilt walker was greeting the attendees as well as the FIU Mascot giving hi-fives to everyone. As the kids where enjoying themselves, the parents were quenching their thirst and fanning themselves with the West Kendall Baptist Hospital fans. The weather was a bit cooperating as there were times that the sun came out and then a bit of rain was pouring from the clouds.

Everyone had the opportunity to enter the hospital but only to a certain location as the hospital was not fully ready for patients yet. The lobby was luxurious and spacious. One could see from inside the cafeteria and stroll around the outer foyer area in the lobby. Maps of the interior of the building were fully displayed for the attendees to inform them how big the hospital really is.

Back outside, the dance performances from the Sunset players and the Sunset Quartet delighted the crowd. As sunset became apparent, the festivities ended in a fireworks display. It was a truly informative and fun afternoon.

Photographs by Betty Alvarez copyright 2011