Patti Does KW

I’m writing this blog entry on my last afternoon in Key West. I thought I’d share some of my thoughts while here on this beautiful and laid-back island paradise.

I came to Key West via Ft. Lauderdale. The plane they use to fly here is a twin prop. There is a single of row of seats on each side of the plane. Yes, they still fly those types of planes. Who knew?

First things, first. Key West in July is hot and humid. Unless you are on the water, plan to be back in an air conditioned room by noon and don’t leave again until 6 pm or so. The good part about coming to Key West in July is you pretty much have the town to yourself. Just you and the locals.

Plan on two outfits a day as you’ll sweat. A lot. Even if you are not a person that typically sweats, you will here. Oh and make those outfits 100% cotton. Polyester and rayon were not made for Key West. The good news is the dress code is very casual here. Even calling it a dress code makes me chuckle. Dressing up here means you are wearing flip flops that match your outfit.

If you have long hair, bring hair clips and pony tail ties. Keeping your hair off you neck is a good thing. I also learned that visors are best since they let your head breathe. If you wear a hat, you will sweat even more.

Girls, do not plan on wearing any makeup. You look ridiculous here wearing it and it only melts off your face anyway.

I’ve read that baby powder helps as well, but all I can picture is the powder mixing with the sweat and turning into a type of Paper Mache. Ick.

Being in old town Key West means you will do lots of walking. Be sure you have comfortable sandals and if wearing flip flops, make sure the piece between the toes is fabric as the plastic ones give you blisters on your first day here. They do have lots of bicycles you can rent as well as scooters and electric cars. But parking them can be tricky. Also remember, you will be drinking alcohol. I saw more than one person wearing neck braces. I can’t be sure this is why, but …

The Royal Poincienna trees are stunningly lovely; bursting with bright orange flowers. They were the first thing I noticed as we came in for the landing. Yes, they are messy but who cares? They are just beautiful.

You would be hard pressed to visit every bar here in a single week. If you plan to try, bring a large bottle of Advil with ya, because you’ll need it. My favorite bars so far have been Schooner Wharf where the old timers and locals go and bring their dogs. Amazing bands perform here as well. The Chart Room is a teeny tiny bar tucked into a hotel that has the ashes of several legendary locals imbedded into the bar itself. They serve hot dogs and popcorn and the bartender does amazing card tricks. Even if I had not been drunk, I would have been very impressed. I also had Key Lime Martinis for the first time and am hooked.

They have a thing for web cams here. A lot of the bars have several web cams set up so you can drunk-dial your friends and show them how drunk you really are! The Hemingway House actually has a web cam set up so you can watch the cats on the property. Cracked me up!

The food here is really great; lots of fresh seafood and food with a Cuban influence. They even sell a Reuben sandwich made with fish instead of corned beef. Almost every single restaurant offered smoked fish dip and it is much yummier than it sounds. They also serve COLD pie on a stick. A piece of key lime pie dipped in chocolate and frozen. Yum yum. I was shocked to learn they don’t grow Key Limes here!

The Mel Fisher museum is simply amazing. The pieces the divers have found … I got to hold a 5 lb solid gold disc, an 8 ft. gold chain, a gold bar and hold a captivating emerald. It’s hard not to get the treasure hunter fever! I even read an entire book on it while was here.

Tom and Myrla’s new friends are wonderful and welcomed me with open arms. A few of them are a bit quirky, but I mean this in the nicest way. As you can probably tell on your own, the people who live here come here to live an unconventional life. As Myrla says, when I get off work each day, I’m on vacation. I could not say it better.

Today is July 4th and its almost 6 pm. We are off to Schooner’s to see the gang and watch fireworks. There may be rum involved.

Did I mention I’m really sad to be leaving? I will be coming back.