Friday, January 13, 2012

4Jan Key Largo to southernmost point of USA, Key West

About one hour of drive down to south from Fort Lauderdale, we were driving pass south of Miami and soon Key Largo.
Key Largo is where the scenic drive commences.
We were humming the song from the movie ‘Cocktail’.
Hopping islands through numerous short and long bridges was fun.
Road sign with alligator was interesting and in some parts, there were fences alongside the road to keep them away.
Another 2 hours, we arrived at 7 mile bridge.
It became more famous after the one of 007 movies.
It was an exhilarating experience as I always wished to drive on this long bridge with cobalt blue colored ocean both sides!
We stopped at one of visitor center for local knowledge.
A friendly lady said she has never had a bad key lime pie around here when asked where about for the best key lime pie.
She also recommended us to try Square Grouper Bar & Grill in Cudjoe key for conch.
Conch is a big shell and we were told to try when in Florida.
It is pronounced as Konk!
We found the restaurant quite easy half an hour later.
And, she was absolutely right about conch and key lime pie.
Very exotic and delicious!
Finally arrived in Key West after 4 hours of leisurely drive and checked in to Doubletree Grand Key Resort by Hilton where about 20 minutes to town center by hotel shuttle bus.
Duval Street is the main strip of Key West with lots of cafes, restaurants, interesting shops and art galleries.
It reminded Greg of the French quarter in New Orleans where anything goes.
It stretches about 6 km from north to south.
We had to buy good quality of t-shirts with Key West on and we were very happy to find them.
By the time when we reached southernmost point of USA, sunset just started.
We were very lucky to enjoy the most memorable sunset as it was one of the most beautiful sites to behold.
It was recommended that we try to see a cabaret show on Duval Street.
The place is called La ti da.
We were very lucky to secure tickets for this sold out show.
Bravo for the star performer Christopher Petersen.
He performed Marilyn Monroe, Bette Middler, Julie Andrews, Carol Channing, Liza Minnelli, Judy Garland, Tina Turner, and Joan Rivers.
What a show and incredible talent!!!

7 mile bridge old and new, one of more than 40 bridges under way to Key West from Key Largo



I always wanted to drive on this famous bridge stretched on ocean.



Almost every second car on the road we have seen is large motor home and big bikes.
One above is rather small motor home compare to other ones we have seen but this one was the cutest.


Short stop at visitor center
Greg with background of rather cute small motor home


Square grouper is not a name of fish, in fact, it used to be boxed marijuana smuggled around here long times ago.


Flash fried conch with ponzu and wasabi sauce drizzle.
They were so good.


Key lime pie and it was very delicious and light!




Pool in the hotel backyard
Doubletree Key West we stayed for a night.
Welcome to Key West!


A Key West style house.
The house Hemingway used to live in is just around the corner


A pub in the corner on Duval Street


It seems that everyone on Duval Street is carefree and relaxed


Southernmost hotel restaurant on beach
People gathering and their camera ready for the sun set in front of this hotel


Priceless sun set on Key West was so memorable!


This is the most southern point of USA and a pink conch on the top


On our way back from Key West to south of Miami next morning.


A view from the room, overlooking a park
Westin Fort Lauderdale hotel where our travel agency is hosting bon voyage party & dinner as well as overnight accommodation for few hundreds of fellow passengers.


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