The Conch Republic

Here we are, finally on dry land and on the last leg of our vacation. Early this morning we arrived at Fort Lauderdale (like, 6 am!) and had our last "usual breakfast" on the ship. We then lined up to disembark and go through customs. We were in a cab on our way to the car rental place by 8am. We rented our car and immediately started out for Key West, which ended up being about a 3 and a half hour drive. As we arrived in town, we stopped at the Winn Dixie supermarket to pick up some milk. Did you know you can purchase chum for fishing here? Yep, it's located in the freezer aisle, right next to the ice cream! Who knew?? Anyway, we finally arrived at the Avalon Bed and Breakfast, our home base for the next few days. We walked around the downtown area for a bit, stopping to grab some conch fritters for lunch (yum!). On our way back to the B&B, we tried a slice of key lime pie, dipped in chocolate. Oh my, that thing was dangerous. Mom, if there was a way to bring some home, I would. You would love it! We checked out the pool area and said hello to the resident cat (aka, world's fattest cat. I couldn't tell if he was purring when I pet him or if he was having breathing problems due to his weight) Today we've noticed that we are simply exhausted. I don't know if it's from the month of traveling, and knowing we are in the home stretch or what, but we needed a nap this afternoon. Our initial impression of Key West is that it's a party town, which made us more exhausted. I guess we aren't as young as we used to be! After our nap, we showered and set out for a mile long walk to a neighborhood Cuban sandwich place that was supposed to be the best. On our way there we walked down Duval Street which is the main drag here, and full of bars, restaurants and shops. You know how they say you haven't lived until you've heard a flamboyant, intoxicated man sing JLo songs in a karaoke bar? Well, Jim and I can say after tonight that we've lived. (Ok, so maybe they don't say that but how else was I supposed to work that into the blog? It was too good to not mention!) We arrived at our sandwich place just as they were getting ready to close at 7 and ordered a meal to share. We took a quieter route back to the B&B (no JLo karaoke) and ate dinner on the covered porch. Now, we are exhausted and full so that seems to be a good combination for sleep. Goodnight, and sweet karaoke dreams!