A Month's Departure ...



“The reason it hurts so much to separate is because our souls are connected. Maybe they always have been and will be. Maybe we've lived a thousand lives before this one and in each of them we've found each other. And maybe each time, we've been forced apart for the same reasons. That means that this goodbye is both a goodbye for the past ten thousand years and a prelude to what will come.”

Nicholas Sparks

THE NOTEBOOK

We are departing today for a month's stay in my favorite Old Town in Key West (of course Florida).  Russ and I have traveled to St. Thomas, Hot Air Ballooned in Fairbanks, then an Alaskan cruise, New Orleans, a few monthly trips to Hawaii, and numerous trips to Key West.  Even though my trips to Hawaii have been spiritual journeys, Key West remains my favorite! 

We walk everywhere ... to the harbor, the  port for cruise ships, Bahama Village, most Southern tip of the island, and of course the main drag, Duval Street.  There are museums, art galleries, an outstanding butterfly garden, an aquarium, the Hemingway Home, and an intriguing old cemetery.  There are old cathedrals, a library with beautiful outdoor settings, musical entertainment, and great shopping for unique gifts and funky clothes! We try to avoid the tourist traps and late night drinking at the Hog Breath Saloon or Sloppy Joe's. We will be attending the Waterfront Playhouse, the Red Barn Theater, and a benefit concert by (Noel Paul Stookey) Paul from Peter, Paul and Mary.  The Willie Nelson concert is already sold out! 

Every night at the Sunset Festival there will be mimes, jugglers, the cat man, gymnasts, magicians and various other performers.  Many vendors will be selling anything from popcorn to margaritas.  A variety of artists will be offering their original jewelry, pottery, clothing, paintings, photos, with even a psychic or two.  The list really is endless.

There are so many places to eat, but we have our favorites that typically serve outdoors in garden  areas.  There is Blue Heaven, Pepes, B.O.'s Fish Wagon, Harpoon Harry's, Turtle Kraals, Mangia-Mangia, Michaels, Sarabeth's, Bagatelles, Conch Republic Seafood Company,  Louie's Backyard, Seven Fish, and Abbadonza's, to name just a few. The ferry will take us to an island to dine at Lattitude's or we drive to Stock Island to eat great food at a bar named  Hog Fish.  My favorite Cuban sandwich is a carry out from Five Brothers.

To use one word to describe Key West, it would be diversity.  It is a splendid mix of people from all different paths of life.  It offers history and a culture all of its own.  As you can tell, there is a wide variety of activities to choose from.  I am hoping the open air yoga studio is back  (it wasn't last time) and I have a gift certificate for the Pra Na Spa.  Mid-afternoon we will be relaxing (napping, reading, writing) from our excursions by the edge of our small heated back yard pool.  The little home we have secured offers a wonderful back porch with an over hang and comfy lounges  for day dreaming and planning our next adventure.

And nothing makes a return visit better than friends.  We will once again be visiting with Sandy and Bill who live on the neighboring island key, Sugar Loaf.  They are wonderful co-conspirators and we will explore everything from Key West Home Tours to Big Pine Flea Markets.  We are able to enjoy the 'local' atmosphere and out of way places with their expert guidance.  Besides, they really are fun folks!

My this all sounds overwhelming and yet I know the month will unfold slowly, casually, and mixed with rich opportunities.  It is a very laid back community and we plan on fitting right in.