Key West … around the town (March 2009)

There’s lots of things to do during the daytime while you are waiting for the evening sunset. Lots of old historical buildings and homes, attractions and museums, shops and stores, and street vendors. Foods, drinks, island nick-nacks, everything and anything… everywhere. The best way to get around is by scooter or bicycle…. parking is at a premium and not always where you want to be. Simply ride your bike (or rented one) everywhere you want to go… and to stop at unexpected places along the way (you will do this a lot)… lock your bike to anything that doesn’t move and that isn’t already taken… a fence, street sign, pole, bench, and the occasional … empty bike rack… oh my god… an empty spot. Lock your bike and go off on foot… just remember where you left it. Just get a map or follow the signs…

well, forget the signs, they might not really help… get a map. Just go into any of the visitor welcome centers and get a map that shows you all the things on the island and where they are… than petal off… you are on your way! This guy didn’t bother to get a visitor map… thought he’d just bring his own… and he forgot where he locked up his bike…you see how that worked out for him.

So whatever fits your fancy…

you’ll probably find it somewhere here… no doubt easier with a map. Oh look… there’s a place that has those pineapple-coconut-rum-frozen drinks… you need to know where these places are so you don’t get dehydrated. The sun is very hot… and yes, don’t forget the hat & sunscreen… unless you need a new $25 hat or $15 sunscreen. Follow that rooster… he knows where the good places are. It’s rumored that certain saloons, as they are called here, have specially trained roosters that will lead you to the best known saloons. It’s also rumored that the more drinks you have… the more stuff you buy. Just remember… you are on a bike… just how much stuff can you carry? A good rule of thumb… if it can’t fit into your pocket or camera bag (with the camera) … it’s too big to bike back with… of course unless you can wear it. You also have to remember… despite the pineapple-coconut-rum-frozen-drink … that you need to have a plan for where whatever you buy can go in the Rv. My plan is to take pictures of it … I can see it anytime I want… have easy storage… and it saves me lots of money that can be use for burgers, fries, wings, ribs, crab legs, mahi-mahi, and more pineapple-coconut-rum-frozen-drinks… the ones with the big chunk of fresh pineapple attached to the rim. No thanks… I don’t need the collectors glass or want to try the conch fritters. You can also rent an electric car if you feel that age is a safety factor for riding your bike in the traffic… but than you need to find someplace to park it… but you can carry more stuff that you bought… after you had too much to drink… so choose wisely. Of course if you are planning to visit Key West and buy us gifts… by all means… have lots of the pineapple-coconut-rum-frozen-drinks and rent the electric car for the added space! Have fun and see you soon!