Day 3 - Key West

Today we docked in Key West for about 6 hours. Because we have been to Key West for a land-vacation before, we opted to just wander around and see some of our favorite sights. We always enjoy the Key West cemetery – many of the graves there hail back to the early 1800’s and, as you can see from the pictures, some of the Key West residents have a sense of humor, even when it comes to death.

They were displaying a section of the Names Project (AIDS) memorial quilt in one of the shops on Duval, so we also stopped in to see it. Key West has a large GLBTQ population, with a significant HIV memorial on one of the public beaches. I always like to take a moment to view the quilt if I happen to be where it’s on display. It reminds me of the many, many friends and patients I’ve known over the years who have passed. They have each touched my life in a significant way.

For lunch there was only one option – B.O.’s Fish Wagon! When we stayed in Key West last year, we ate there every day and it still is one of my favorite places to eat, anywhere. You can see from the photo (the one with the boat floats hanging like garland) that it’s less than glamorous, but their soft-shell crab sandwich and fresh limeade can’t be beat!

After lunch it was time to meander back to the trolley that would take us back to the ship. On the way we stopped at Kermit’s for a piece of key lime pie – chocolate dipped on a stick, please.

Back on the ship we changed in to swim suits and beat back the six-year olds to ride the waterslide. Andrew had never been on a waterslide before (yes, he has lived a sheltered life) but loved it just the same. We chose to ignore the fact that we were the only people over 4-feet tall.

Once we laid out on deck and dried off, we headed back to the cabin. Andrew closed up the portholes to create his preferred cave-theme nap, and I headed off to the gym. This ship, though smaller, has the best gym facilities I’ve seen on a cruise ship. Great equipment and lots of it, and the view at the very front of the ship can’t be beat. They also have a great cushioned running track on the deck above the gym. It’s lovely to run outside on a cruise ship with looking at the water!

Tonight was formal night in the dining room so we dressed up a little more than usual. Between the two of us we had stuffed mushrooms, curried pumpkin soup, strawberry bisque, lobster and shrimp. For dessert, Andrew had a vanilla soufflé with Grand Marnier sauce and a I had Black Forrest Cake. I typically have the cheese plate for dessert but let Andrew talk me out of it tonight. Fear not, I will not make the mistake of listening to him again!

After dinner we went to see a comedian perform and now we’re back in the cabin. Tomorrow we dock in Cozumel, but not until after lunch so we will have a leisurely morning to enjoy!