| Page Views: 1,643 Last Visit to Key West: August, 2003 | OLD KEY WEST by starship - last update: Feb 29, 2008 |
We arrived in Key West under a blazing sun and extreme humidity which was a shame because it really hampered our sightseeing! For anyone not use to intense sun and humidity, you may find yourself dashing in any place that offers shade, hopefully air-conditioning and a cold drink!! You'll wonder if you're visiting Florida or the SURFACE OF THE SUN!
Besides being mesmerized by the beautiful blue ocean, there are quite a few things you can do in Key West in just a couple of days or even in 5 or 6 hours. Key West has an interesting history. For instance, you might be surprised to discover how shipwrecks off the Florida reefs once provided a robust economy for people in Key West. From Mallory Square or the cruise ship piers, you can walk to a number of cultural or historic places and museums, shop, sample Cuban food and seafood, listen to music, watch the sun set, or visit Ernest Hemingway's house. Don't forget fishing, boating and everything else the ocean has to offer!! |
|  | Seeing What Condition My Condition is In Without being judgmental, Key West seems to be the kind of place where alot of people are still trying to relive the 1960s, where the quintessential "beach bum" sleeps in a hammock strung up somewhere, and Cuban immigrants open restaurants. Everyone is trying to eak out a living while maintaining their own particular lifestyle. There are plenty of quirky characters here to go around. The rich live here too, but maybe they are not so visible; at least not to those of us who spend their time in the tourist areas. Perhaps they are more secluded from the prying eyes of those considered less worthy.
You'll notice the somewhat shabby appearance of old neighborhoods, where the houses are so close together you can hear your neighbor sneeze. Although the architecture is quaint, you'll notice that the paint is peeling, screen doors are torn, and there's virtually no grass; chickens scratch in the dirt because they really don't belong to anyone and no one takes care of them. Large trees do a good job of shading little rundown bungalows where it seems nothing is meant to be permanent because you expect its occupants will return to college in the Fall--or not.
The famous writer Ernest Hemingway had quite a magnificent home here and President Truman had his "Summer Whitehouse" here too---these occupants, one a literary giant and adventurer and one a powerful world leader & history maker, showcase the contrasting characters that once made up Key West then and the same may be said for now.
Key West is the "end of the road" and also the beginning ---see the booey labeled "mile post zero." You can book a not so inexpensive charter fishing trip, or pretend to live in Margaritaville. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
All this being said, I found the people here to be extremely friendly and helpful and other than a fantastic sunset and cooler temperatures, I couldn't ask for more from Key West. Afterall, it's legendary and I'm glad I visited here!! |
| | Don't Miss A Key West Sunset!! Whatever else you do in Key West, don't miss the spectacular sunset that seems to be especially beautiful from Mallory Square! It is an especially beautiful & memorable way to end your day while visiting Key West. The accompanying picture, sadly, was taken just a little too late for you to get good idea of just how beautiful it is. But anyone you talk to will rave about the sunsets in Key West! |
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starship's Key West Travel Tips
| Overview | Things to Do
Tips: 7 - Photos: 11 | | | Restaurants
Tips: 3 - Photos: 2 | Hotels & Accommodations | | | | Nightlife | Off The Beaten Path | | | | Tourist Traps | Warnings Or Dangers
Tips: 1 - Photos: 1 | | | | Transportation | Local Customs | | | | Packing Lists | Shopping | | | | Sports Travel | General Tips |
 starship's Key West Travelogues | | | |
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 Comments for starship about Key West | | | | |
kutchiepelaez Sun Nov 1, 2009 01:54 UTC
Captain Tony was Very Good old Friend of mine back in old Key West. He will always be missed. One of a kind! Sail-on Captain Tony Forever. your pal, Kutchie Pelaez Kutchie's Key West south Asheville, NC | MalenaN Sat Oct 31, 2009 09:15 UTC
Key West looks like a lovely place to visit! I once were on my way, even had a bus ticket and had paid for accommodation (non refundable), but couldn't go in the end. | olja1234 Sun Sep 27, 2009 11:53 UTC
Key West seems to be a place worth to visit. Your page about it is fantastic. I enjoyed. | csordila Fri Oct 24, 2008 18:47 UTC
Since long time I have not been on Key West, nice pages bringing back nice memories. By the way, I read everything, which Hemingway wrote, I think it at least. Thanks for Florence rating. Best. L. |
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