This blog started from me being home sick from work. My job at the time required me to work around a lot of substances that may be pathogenic. Eww, I know first hand. It’s also stemming from the want to share what I know and what I’ve been able to discover surviving in the Florida Keys. The turn over rate of people moving down only to leave again is a bit overwhelming. There’s also the need for me to share ideas that would be otherwise trapped in my head. The populous is not as diverse if one were living in a large city. I guess you’d say this is my lighthouse letting you know I’m here and warning of dangers present near shore. It can be just as treacherous on land as well in my experience.
The first time I came to Key West was on an overnight trip during Summer Vacation while I was still in college. I believe it was in 2009. It was soooo hot. I can still clearly remember my skin want to spontaneously combust every time I stepped outside. That’s when I learned the term “being pickled” down here meant drinking to keep you cooled off. It was nice being able to meet people that I’m still friends with today as well. When it comes to remembering what I saw that first time: lots of trees shading very uneven sidewalks. The town was full of trees even though buildings of various ages were packed into every space they could be placed. Music from the live bands performing along Duval street along with subsequent side streets carried a variety of music along in the distance. It was pleasant, refreshing in it’s majestic abnormality, really hot, but the island was alive.
A walk could take you to a place earmarked in history, a celebration of life be it a birthday, engagement, or what have you, a beach with people from all over the globe wanting to bask in the sun and gaze into the shimmering crystal clear ocean. I had found my paradise. All of it was a walk or short bike ride away. We were able to go snorkeling that day and were able to see the reef with the diverse ecosystem it was host to. It was like living a dream.
One of these days I’ll be sure to take a walk and capture some of what life has to offer you here in the Keys. It’s rejuvenating and reminds you to live. It’s what keeping you going despite the very high cost of living. That by far has to be the biggest challenge. Most people aren’t willing to make the sacrifices you have to make being part of the working class down here. Sadly the term working poor can be used all too often. I’ve even been through it myself. With enough determination to get through sacrifices you can gain enough footing to live here. It’s just not going to be easy. Can’t sugarcoat that fact.
My journey through life down here I can only hope may be helpful to you. There are ways to make the best out if life down here living paycheck to paycheck. Ways to save some of that hard earned money. Even ways to enjoy what the island community has to offer you without spending a dime. If you’ll allow me to I’ll be happy to share my experiences with you as your inside look. Take care and may your dreams come true.