at the southernmost point in the continental USA
I’m not sure if it was soft white sand and turquoise waters, or the diversity of the island’s nightlife or the awesome people who welcomed us into their community there, but something made Key West one of our favorite spots so far.
the view from Alan's patio
We were only planning on staying in Key West for a couple of days and ended up there for almost two weeks. This is due largely to two different houses that took us in thanks to www.couchsurfing.org. We had an extra room in a beachfront condo with a beautiful view and a Jacuzzi.
We spent our days on the postcard perfect beaches and our nights hanging out in town with Eric and his friends. I know that most people think of Key West as being very touristy with nothing but t-shirt shops and bars, but Alan showed us a different side of the island. We ate in little local Cuban cafes and hung out on some of the beaches not open to tourists.
I guess I’m a sucker for the romantic, but one of my favorite moments in Key West was a sappy one I’ll probably get flack for writing about…
One evening we found our way to a rooftop patio where the locals go to watch the sunset and avoid the crowds of Mallory square. We watched the sun soak the buildings below as a musician sang above the light hum of conversation. Just as the sun touched the water with the most amazing sunset I think I’ve ever seen, we stood and danced as the singer broke into “At Last”* and I felt like Key West was romancing us to stay.
One evening we found our way to a rooftop patio where the locals go to watch the sunset and avoid the crowds of Mallory square. We watched the sun soak the buildings below as a musician sang above the light hum of conversation. Just as the sun touched the water with the most amazing sunset I think I’ve ever seen, we stood and danced as the singer broke into “At Last”* and I felt like Key West was romancing us to stay.
• If you know Ryan and I you might know that this is ‘our song’ and we have a rule that no matter where we are we have to drop everything and dance together if we ever hear it.
If you want to see more pictures from Key West (including pictures of Ryan and Eisley chasing roosters) click here. -Lane
