Key West Tour

Last night we fell asleep right away because we were so tired. Tonight parts of us were still awake. There was always a slight smell of gas coming from the kitchen. Probably from the oven. This morning we also let them know. Today the alarm clock worked at 6.

After a hearty breakfast of local delicacies consisting of chocolate rings with milk and OJ from here, from the small 5 liter box. And yes, almost everything here comes from big canisters.

We started almost on time. 280 km one way. But the constant view of the coast and the water makes up for it. It took us just under 4 hours. The top was down and it was very comfortable. Most of the route is limited to 45 miles, so you can enjoy it at about 70 km/h. There was only a short coffee break on the way, combined with the obligatory bathroom break.

We arrived in Key West at noon. A small charming place with many small galleries, bars and shops. Everything in a similar style as if you were somewhere in the Caribbean under palm trees. Not to mention that they also exist here.

After a somewhat difficult search for a parking space, because it's very crowded here, we walk directly to the point marked by a large colorful stone. The southernmost mainland point of the USA. Here we are also closest to Cuba and there are only 90 miles, or about 145 km, between us and there.

In front of that, a line always forms with those who want to be photographed directly in front of it by others or take a selfie themselves. We join the line of crazies waiting in the midday sun to be allowed to take pictures. Fortunately, it goes relatively quickly. Good 10 minutes later, we hear our own language again from a couple a few people in front of us. They are of course immediately assigned by us to take pictures. The couples behind us also hand her the camera and it takes until she can get away again.

We are hungry after that and head to the next place with Wi-Fi for lunch. We choose McDonalds. Oops, what about eating healthy?

Full and satisfied, we continue to the beach. Unfortunately, the weather changes and it starts to storm within a very short time.

We are standing by the beach in the car and enjoying the rain and the lightning with the thunder.

Because it's still drizzling lightly, we decide to change our plans and drive to the heart of Key West. We stroll through the streets and enjoy the impressions of the local bars and shops. But this time we don't buy anything.

On a recommendation, we visit the shop and bakery 'Kermits Café kitchen'. Why are we here and what is so special about this place? Lime is actually translated as 'Limes', but here there is the 'Key Lime Pie' because the Key Limes are called that, who would have guessed, because they only grow here. Therefore, the pie consists of Key Limes and sweetened condensed milk, eggs and a few other ingredients. The combination of eggs, the acidity of the special limes, and the sweetened condensed milk causes the consistency to solidify without baking. This was also created out of necessity because you couldn't cool well in the constant heat, or still can't today. But today's recipes do require a short baking process because the eggs as an ingredient are feared to cause salmonella contamination.

The saleswoman in the café asks us how we are, where we come from, and what we would like to order. We're fine, we're from Germany, and we would like a normal Key Lime pie and one with chocolate on top. 'Oh from Germany, I've also been to Frankfurt as a connecting flight' - 'here's your pie, have a nice day'.

Outside, we enjoy the actually much too sweet but very delicious pie.

The weather is halfway stable again. It stays warm anyway through the rain. We make it to the beach and splash around in the warm sea. After a few good photos in and under the water, the sky unfortunately starts to cloud up again and it thunders very loudly. We still take advantage of the last sun to dry off and we leave for Miami at 6. We have a 4-hour drive ahead of us, which goes by quickly. A short stop for refueling on the way and off we go.

Coming along the coastal road in the dark was just wonderful. Just like being able to see the skyline of Miami in the dark.

We hardly got home and we had the same problem as yesterday, where should we park the car? There are yellow markings everywhere on the edge where you can't park and all the blocks are full, so you drive around the pudding constantly hoping that something will become available. No chance, nothing becomes free. So we drive further away and use the public parking lot at the beach. Unfortunately, it opens at 8. From then on, you have to insert money. So be it.

On the way to the apartment, there were still two neighbors from Miami sitting outside. The standard procedure, please - hey, how are you, where are you from, what are you doing here, oh such a long vacation? It was a very nice conversation. And there were a few recommendations for what to see on the Bahamas and in Miami for free. If only we had more time.

That's enough for today. Check the oven again and then off to bed.

Tomorrow we'll head over to the western tip of Florida. Marco Island. There we will have a 4-hour boat tour with dolphins and a lunch break on a small island in between. Jaaay

The ride is only two hours there and two hours back.

Good morning and good night :)