Key West, Florida

Now that I have made it back to the colder climate I can reminisce on the warmth of this weekend. I shall wrap myself in these memories like a warm blanket.

Key West was gorgeous! I would highly recommend it to those who like sun and relaxation but be warned downtown is a cruise ship stop and filled with vendors selling overpriced wares and tourists shopping.

Things to see/do?

If you want to relax :There is a small area with sand and ocean you can lie out on.  There are tons of bars you can sit in partake in a beverage and people watch. Or you can sit on a bench in the sun ( benches tended to lack shade) and watch the gulf (and the tourists)

If you want history: you can visit Hemingway's home, the grounds are home to many a cat. The lighthouse is also neat you can walk up it and get a nice view ( no you can't see Cuba but it is only 90 miles away). There are several museums, if you are into wrecks I recommend the shipwreck museum.

Touristy stuff: other than the obvious shopping? There is a big rock denoting the southern most spot you can walk to in the continental united states there is a queue for photos. Sunset boat cruise, or you can spend sunset at Mallory square watching street performers and buying local wares (or drinks).  Eat a key lime pie or key lime cookies or really anything Key limey (so tasty).

For me? We took the relaxed approach wandered walked around until we got tired than sat in the sun with a drink and people-watched until the sunset.

Florida - Sea world

Yesterday was spent enjoying the sights and sounds of sea life! Sea world, Orlando was rather pricey yet worthwhile if you take in account a day of entertainment and some stunning shows.

The weather was overcast a bit chilly especially after going on Atlantis, the water ride. In retrospect wearing pants would have been more comfortable but who would have thought I'd need pants in Florida?

The Manta ride was awesome! You soar around on your stomach like a manta ray. When you flip over onto your back around a loop you experiance this weird sensation that I just can't quiet explain. I will just say "wow" try it sometime but don't eat first and empty your bladder.

I also got to pet some ray's, go through a shark tunnel, and live through the life of a sea turtle. However, the shows were what really made the day!

The Shamu killer whale show was awesome. The sheer size of the whales leaping and twisting out of the water on cue was spectacular.

The A'lure show was a feat if acrobatics and gravity defying stunts that momentarily made me feel like I was watching an underwater ballet. And the costumes were stunning.

Lastly and by far the best the dolphin show was a breathtaking combination if the other two shows. Acrobatics over and in a pool of dolphins. I don't think I blinked once!