pa42 :
I don't know about anyone else, but your post raised my eyebrow a notch, if I've interpreted it correctly.
Even though your experimentation was "cautious", did you not have the services of an instructor available to you ? And as for the night thing - if you're operating off a runway then f/w = heli, but an engine failure at night is a different proposition - what would you have done then ? And if you're in a confined area at night then f/w definitely <> r/w.
anichels :
Personally, I'd train wherever's convenient and the price is right. If you get the opportunity during later stages of training, or after you've got your ticket, then ask to go somewhere with mountains - I know Miami is on a par with Holland for high spots, but I'd recommend you train at high DAs with someone who knows what they're doing.