People Watching

We weren't sure if Hurricane Sandy would put a damper on things here, but we should have known that the answer to that would have been a resounding "no!"-  rain or otherwise. The early evening brought drizzle throughout and gusts of winds in certain spots, but  it was surprisingly wind-free on Duval St (the main thoroughfare for this insanity). You can see that while it was pretty calm here on Smather's Beach, it was down right nasty by Sunset Pier (and where the live-aboard boats are anchored - barf).

This is the smart thing to do if you have a bar in a place with a rainy season.

No hurricane was going to stop Fantasy Fest, but the police felt the need to put out a polite "reminder":

• Public nudity: is absolutely prohibited in Key West. Male and female genitalia must not be exposed. Female breasts cannot be exposed. Breasts painted with body paint will only be considered as covered within the Fantasy Zone. Body paint cannot be applied in public; it must be applied in an enclosed area, out of the public view. Sex acts in public are absolutely prohibited.

• Artificial or toy weapons: You’re better off not using them at all. But if your costume simply must have one, make sure it’s clearly a fake. Law enforcement officers will be watching for anything resembling a weapon from water guns to artificial swords or knives. Replica weaponry may be confiscated. In addition, laser pointers are not allowed during the event, and they too may be confiscated.

You just don't see that everyday. I'm not sure everyone got the memo. Or maybe there are gray areas. Like mesh or fish netting without anything under it. Or floss-like bathing suits/undergarments. I still question bows on Johnsons. Ooooh, such fun. Plus, the revelers had to get naked in order to get body painted and there were no curtains up or anything. People are going to be nude here. Get used to it, or don't come down here for Fantasy Fest. And keep your kids out of the "Fantasy Zone" after 6pm. Seriously.

We threw on our rain gear, grabbed a couple of cheaper beers from a tent raising funds for charity, and found a corner to hang out at to see what walked by. These photos are going to be a bit more risque than the others, so if you have delicate sensitivities then this post is not for you. That said, I feel awkward taking photos of people during Fantasy Fest. Holy cow. The costumed folks seem fine with it - I mean they are walking down the street like...that...but still. I've been trying to align myself with other gawkers with cameras (always men) who are willing to just jump out in front of anyone (usually airbrushed bare-breasted women) and snap a picture, and so far my ploy is working. I wait for the reaction and the pose and then hop in there myself. Chicken sh**, I know, but I can't help it. The few I poses I nabbed myself, I did ask permission.

We'll start out tame. The first thing to pass us was a motorized cooler. We thought that was a great idea until we ran across it later, with a flat tire. Boo. At least they had beverages so they wouldn't get parched while they fixed it.


Don't you think a lot of these bar/restaurants look like fraternity/sorority houses?



Ok - are you ready? Believe it or not, I held back - there were definitely more risque folks walking around - I really do feel like June Cleaver compared to these people. Some things just have to stay on Duval St.; I'm sure these people have professional careers somewhere. More blur (I swear, it's my camera), but in this case I think it's a good thing. You see the star loincloth on the guy in the first photo? Notice in the next picture it covers his butt too (I hadn't noticed, I was so taken with the woman in mesh).

Is this a costume? The man is simply walking around in his underwear. We saw him hailing a cab later. Do you think he figured out he had forgotten his pants? How will he pay without his wallet?

And finally, what are the chances?! We were wandering around, trying to remember where we parked our moped, when Michael started screaming at me. I turned and my significant other was all giddy next to two people in scrubs, also looking excited. ?! Turns out, Michael recognized my mom's neighbors from Norfolk, VA. And they're not just any neighbors. Michael & I got married on their beach deck 22 years ago. We hadn't seen each other in years! Here we were in a sea of people dressed weirdly (or in rain jackets - or is that the same thing?) - who the heck recognizes each other?! And we hardly know anyone here, who's looking? Apparently Michael. There's a reason people call it a small world. It truly is.

I absolutely love people watching. It's my favorite pastime. I really hope this crappy weather passes in time for the street fair and masquerade march - Hurricane Sandy gives true meaning to the phrase "raining on our parade." This morning? Cloudy and windy. Let the party continue....