Comparisons

Is it still okay to miss St. Kitts? In full disclosure, I have to admit that after four years in St. Kitts, we were getting tired a few things: the lack of "stuff" to replace things that had broken; the clothing choices that were either too expensive, too limited (especially in sizes), or too gaudy/cheap in many cases; the difficulty traveling to/from the island thanks to limited flights and high airport fees. We figured we had another year left in us. Just as we were thinking that, circumstances changed, and three weeks later, we were in Key West. I seem to adapt slower than I used to.

 Since we've left, St. Kitts has had a tsunami watch issued (and canceled)! Wilbur the pig, the huge mascot of Reggae Beach Bar & Grill died. The Brimstone Fortress Fit & Fearless (uphill) Run is coming up - that's where I got my first running medal ever! I already can't wait to see the video of our friends on the upcoming hash. Should I give it up cold turkey?

We are grateful that a job opportunity presented itself right when we needed it. And of all the places to end up in the States, Key West was probably the best option if you like quirkiness, art, warm weather, island living, and being in the Caribbean. Which we do. But it's not St. Kitts. Which isn't a bad thing; it just is.

We were very happy to learn that there was a Hash House Harrier group here. We even met a few on a catamaran trip we went on the other evening. But they do it "different." It sounds like lots of fun, and probably will be, but it's not the same. I also haven't exercised in a month, so am thinking that most of my upcoming hash photos are going to consist of the backsides of all the other hashers. I'm not sure if that's a good thing or a bad thing yet.

The catamaran trip was a great opportunity to get back out on the water, see the coastline, and meet some new people and we enjoyed ourselves. But, again, we couldn't help but compare it to the last catamaran trip we were on between St. Kitts and Nevis, during one our last hashes no less. Where was the music? The pole dancing? The funny comments from the laid-back crew?



Key West:



Still fun, of course. The sunset was pretty too.



But a little more low-key. And look at all those boats circling with us, waiting for the sun to set - and that's off-season?  Sheesh.



A quick stop afterwards took us to Kermit's Key West Lime Shop and their koi pond in the back.

We had the Amazing, Blazing Fireman at Mr. X's Shiggidy Shack.

And now we have The Cat Man in Mallory Square.  Can you guess which one is in the lead in my eyes?



Very interesting....


But like the Fireman, a couple of times a year is more than enough. I think we were supposed to watch the sunset too.



Friday on Mallory Square was definitely...different. Among other things, we had an attack bush.



Someone scaring a guy juggling with fire. A man on stilts (kind of bossy), and lots and lots of people to watch the craziness.

Nearby was a museum with some eye catching statues. Can you tell the real from the fake?

Our night ended on this...He gets points for bicycling while we took our lazy butts via moped, but we would have appreciated a pant's hike.

Of course, we've also compared grocery shopping, dining choices, and evening entertainment and there's no question Key West is coming out ahead there. Soft pretzels?



Stromboli from a Philly transplant? That was right up Michael's alley. (Points deducted for using fake mushrooms though.)

Noodles...



Yummmmm. We are making new friends and most people here have welcomed us with open arms. There aren't too many places where self-identified lesbians will invite you to come out and watch them ride a mechanical bull (and bars whose blog has naked photos on it).  I think I'm ready to embrace this change and stop looking backwards. We have great memories and will remain in touch with friends, but new memories are in the making.