Key West

We arrived in Key West at around ten o'clock in the morning mid-November via cruise ship. The temperature was in the low 80's with clear sky's. I remember feeling as though the entire island had let out a collective yawn and went about the business of ....opening for business. The prevailing tone was one of casual indifference. There were no aggressive salesman pandering wares to be found anywhere. Instead business owners and staff payed little attention until you engaged them. Most shops and restaurants were open to air and it was very easy to simply stroll in and out of any shop. As a matter of fact.. chickens wandered in and out of shops several times while we were there and no one batted an eye.
                                                                             

You can't help but feel at ease in Key West. I got the feeling that any celebrity could have a seat at Captain Tony's ... the bartender would pour him a drink then resume the conversation he was having with the old regular on the other side of the bar.

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Key West is pretty... its clean... but most of all it is calm. The beaches are rocky for the most part as the island is mostly coral but the water is clear blue and warm. Walking the streets of Key West one never knows what you might encounter. Spider man...a wookie or a juggler on a unicycle may be right around the corner.

                                                                                   
You may pass a tavern and see a line of ladies dancing on the bar... or find yourself trying to decide if you want to enter a clothing optional establishment....
                                                                                 

or stop to listen to an old man selling cigars sing to his own delight.... Maybe get some tips from a barkeep about how to take alcohol back onto the ship if you dare.
                                                                        
                                                                               

Key West is rich in history and I recommend everyone do some research about the island before you go. Almost every where you turn has some historical significance and its much more fun to know about it while you're there.

                                                                             

If you go to Key West... walk slow... take it in and just be.