Tim and I were in our rented Chevy looking for some fun when we realised Key West (the southernmost part of the United States) would be the perfect place for us. You don't have to be crazy to enjoy this seaside town, but it helps.
Key West was once home to Ernest Hemingway and a whole lot of pirates, so we knew it would be a cool and kooky place to visit. Plus, we'd heard the key lime pie there was off the hook.And to add to its appeal, the drive down through the huge network of Florida Keys was so beautiful that I had a whopping grin on my face for the entire journey.
As we entered glamorous Key West we were greeted by immaculate homes with fresh coats of paint, tree-lined streets, King Kong sized SUVs and gleaming new European convertibles.
We walked past mobs of rich kids whinging to their parents because their holiday in Key West was somehow not up to scratch. Pre-teen girls were clad in belt skirts, caked in makeup and talking like Paris Hilton about how much shopping they wanted to do on Spring Break.
Lunchtime had barely passed but already people were stumbling down the street, just-married couples hooned past in bridal cars, people sipped margarita slushies from huge cups shaped like pineapples.By the time darkness fell the whole of Duval St, the main drag, was one huge and hilarious party. Live music blasted from bars, girls were jelly wrestling in front of the bands, college guys were chugging beer in their Spring Break 2008 tees and the older, richer lot were settling into posh French restaurants.
To cut a long night short, there was clearly something for everyone in Key West and I loved the place even before seeing its more famous sights. Although a dog dressed up like a pirate surely has to be counted as a sight.
We finished our night down on a marina with yachts lying low beneath a gondola shaped bar and twinkling fairly lights.
A one man band was covering classic rockers like Neil Young and we were drinking fruity cocktails. I was positive that it would be nearly impossible to be unhappy in Key West.
Next stop: We hit the Key West roads on bicycles and try not to be hit by Hummers.
Check out more photos from my trip in my Flickr album.
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Read more of Kelly's blogs.
