A Day in Key West . . .

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All over the news these days is the swine flu outbreak. This past week the CDC put out a travel advisory for travel to Mexico which of course effects us on ships. I’m not in a position to comment into detail about the company’s approach to the entire thing - if you’re interested you can find out through proper channels like the company’s website, or chat with me on a personal level. But I can say that our regular itinerary has changed. Which cause some chaos on a planning and organizational level a couple days back. But now that the cruise is actually happening, we’re just enjoying our changed run.

We already regularly stop in Key West. But usually we set sail by 2pm which is always a bit of a let-down because it’s such a short day in port. However, our altered itinerary doesn’t have us sailing until 5pm so we really get a full day there now!

Key Lime Pie is one of my all-time favourite desserts. I’ve written before about going out to enjoy the fabulousness of it here in Key West. One of the girls I work with Alycia, is also a big fan of key lime pie, but I learned she had yet to try it in Key West! So I insisted on taking her out to the best place to get it. We also had some gift searching to do for another friend who is leaving next week. So today was a day for pie and shopping.

My sister, Melanie, and her best friend, Jess, are coming to cruise with me in a couple of days. (!!!!!!!!!!) I’ll be out doing lots with them while they’re here, so I’m meant to be saving my money for that. But I kind of did quite a bit of shopping today . . . but they were all good purchases and I don’t do much shopping to begin with, so I’m forgiving myself.

After we did our shopping and errands, we headed to the Blonde Giraffe, the shop that wins the people’s choice award every year for the best key lime pie in Key West. Alycia and I each got a piece of key lime pie on a stick (literally a piece of key lime pie on a stick, then dipped in chocolate and frozen!) - and another piece to go.

Then we decided to do a bit of exploring - after all, we did have the whole day now! We ended up wandering down this one street and stumbling onto the historic harbour walk. It’s just a boardwalk all along the harbour where sail boats and tall ships are all docked. There were lovely little restaurants and bars and a market selling fresh sea food. Alycia’s home is Nova Scotia and it reminded her so much of home. It’s so lovely out there - we decided next time we’re here we need to spend more time down there. We made note of where we want to eat, drink and sit on the dock!

By the time we headed back to the ship, our bags filled with purchases and our tummies filled with pie, I couldn’t stop smiling. The day was gorgeous with perfect sunshine. We kept saying again and again how nice it was to have a full day in Key West - it’s such a great port. So I guess there are some benefits to altered itineraries!

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Photos

Tall Ship
They were offering sunset champagne cruises. I could go for one of those!

Ahhh!
Along our walk we realized we were surrounded by locals. So we played tourists.

The Coral Dude
It wasn't until I walked right underneath this thing I realized it's supposed to be a person or a creature or some sort.

Comments

[swills82]

I suppose that is my answer on the whole swine flu thing. Good luck with the changed itinerary!