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If I could live anywhere we have been so far I think it would be here. It is beautiful. From the old houses to the friendly people Key West has been so very warm, sunny and welcoming. The drive down was a bit of a trek. Our compact car ended up being a smaller model than we thought we were getting and the boot was not quite up to the task of three large packs, a suitcase and all our Disney purchases. Tara and I ended up sitting in the back seat with my suitcase. And not much leg room either. It was worse than flying. We really needed the rest stops just to get out and stretch our legs. But once we hit the Keys the view from the car was spectacular. Islands, ocean and sunset. We managed to make it in 8ish hours and the owner was nice enough to leave a list of restaurants that were open late. We headed a couple of blocks away for some pasta. The B&B itself is very quaint and cosy. Emma and I are staying in the Kirkwood room. I get my own bed for a couple of nights which is nice. I had a good giggle when I saw the 'pool'. More like spa. There is also a very friendly cat. I left the door open this morning and it wandered in and was sleeping on the floor. I gave it a pat and decided to hop up on the bed with me and take a nap. We put it out while we were having breakfast and it wandered into the room next door. But soon enough it was sitting at the door starring at Emma through the slats. She let it in and quick as anything it was back on the bed.
But anyway....Christmas Day. It was breakfast and present swapping to start the day and then off into town. First up was a wander down Duvall Street (the main drag with all the tourist shops and over 100 bars. After getting ice cream for lunch we decided to take a 'Train' trolley ride around old town. We had a 90 minute tour of all the famous historic sights in the area and got to see much more of the area than we ever would have on foot or driving ourselves. The houses are so beautiful. And so many have had Christmas decorations up. There were many inns and B&B's all around which really shows you how much of tourist place it is. The people are so friendly and there was always a Merry Christmas from someone. Emma and I decided to go to the shipwreck museum and have a look around. It was very interesting and had some cool things in it that had been salvaged. Apparently Key West used to be the richest area per capita in all the US when they used to salvage boats that wrecked on the coral reef that surrounds the key. Maritime law meant that salvager's could take half of the goods recovered (after they rescued the people from the ship). It was a dangerous but lucrative job. There was a tower on top of the museum that you could climb to look out over the Gulf of Mexico (and just see the Atlantic Ocean). It was a spectacular view. So worth the admission. We were also treated to a mini show by some of the 'characters' at the museum. Then it was off to dinner at the Hogsbreath. Second Hogsbreath to ever exist and definitely not like the one at home. In fact I would go as far as to say the one in Northbridge is better than the one in Key West. After dinner it was off to the sunset celebration at Malory Square to see the sun set and have a look at the little stalls and street performers. It was a lovely sunset and there were some very interesting performers (and a slightly enthused crowd). What else to do but go for a drink at Sloppy Joes where Ernest Hemingway was known to hang out when he lived in Key West. The band that was playing was very good...had some classic grooves and some new stuff, but overall a very relaxed sound. Drinks were ok, but not the best. It was getting late and time for our Ghost Tour of the island. YES, WE ARE THE DOOMED! We went all over old town to various haunted sights. Although the only place we went in was the East Martello Fort. Here we got to meet Robert the possessed doll. It was a creepy looking doll I will give you that, but nothing paranormal really happened. They had given out EMF readers (all good ghost hunters need one) and there were a few spikes. The most interesting one was close to Emma's leg. But the scariest thing about that was the old guy holding it trying to get close to Emma's leg! Overall there were some interesting tales, but nothing paranormal. Then home to bed after a long day as we had an early start...or did we.
That's right...out trip to the Dry Tortugas to visit the fort and do some snorkling is cancelled! Apparently it gonna get very windy (which I believe judging form the sounds outside). While I really want to go snorkling I don't want to do it in the freezing cold. So are money is being refunded and instead I have time to update the blog and hopefully get some photos up! Hope everyone else's Christmas was great! Bye.
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