Disco balls, sequins, calico flowers, plastic palm trees, red vinyl seats, plastic table cloths, fake leopard skin dresses, high heels, pink fur, spot lights, short skirts, glitter, low tops, loud music, dim lighting, stage, big boobs, flashing lights, dance club atmosphere, low burbling voices, laughter, smiles, dollar bills, exclamations of "oh, honey!" warmth, friendship.

This is Lips. From the outside it looks like a tacky strip club with pink fluorescent lighting and darkened windows, but on the inside there is a very different story to be told. Inside you will find a restaurant that offers a dinner-cabaret with many charming ladies as your waitresses and entertainment. The only difference is that these women are men. When the sun sets, the suits are put away and the sequins are unpacked and by dinner time the transformation is complete, from man to drag queen. Lips calls itself the "best drag dining" and says that it is the place where the "men are boys and so are the girls." Walking into the restaurant you are overwhelmed by the interesting mix of tacky and up-market décor. The waitresses are all dressed in flashy, sequined and glamorous outfits (and don't forget the heels!) Our waitress for the night was called Miss t*** Le Roux. She was wearing an amazing outfit of blue glittery material with huge white curly hair. And she makes all here costumes herself - hair included! Each drag queen was both waitress and performer. When everyone was seated and served, the show began. And what an amazing show, filled with singing and dancing and tips for the performers! The food was great, the waitresses friendly and the show was good, but what stood out most for me was the atmosphere of warmth and acceptance that I felt throughout the night. Everybody was filled with happiness and laughter.

This was the culmination of two days of American cultural experiences. The night before, I had gone to a gay bar called Rosies. The atmosphere was jovial and rustic and everyone was very welcoming and warm. I loved it! From gay bars to drag cuisine, I have seen a great representation of the alternative culture of America. Florida has a beautifully diverse culture.