On the road to Conche County

So today, we went and hired our car (which I haven't even taken a photo of yet... we named her KW), and headed south along the keys to Key West. Drive took about 3 hours, and it was not only interesting, but refreshing to get away from the glitz and pretentiousness of Miami. To sum up Miami (moreso South Beach where we were), it's like a combination of Kings Cross & Darling Harbour with a hint of Bondi in there. A lot of attitude, and if you don't like people getting up in your face, then probably stay away from here. Don't get me wrong, Miami was definately nice for a holiday (very nice beach) but as far as the culture goes, very much up in your face, and everybody trying to make a name for themselves. A lot of sleazy guys, but also a lot of scantily clad girls. Very hot the whole time (was always at least 33 degrees during the day) so have developed a bit of colour compared to what I would have in Sydney.

Driving down US-1, you got to see a lot of different independent diners and small resorts (they literally littered the highway), and not a neon sign in sight! We stopped at a little diner (the one in the photo) where I got served an Iced Tea (home made of course) in a pitcher jug (MASSIVE). We ordered GATOR BITES (little bits of deep fried alligator tail, seasoned and served with chipotle mayo and a squeeze of lemon) and they were DELICIOUS. I'm tempted to go and find somewhere that serves alligator steaks, because the meat was phenomenal. A little like pork, but a bit gamier.

Also had a slice of the compulsory KEY LIME PIE. Let me put it this way - I couldn't finish a slice it was so sweet. And big. Massive. Nice, but only in small doses. I'm not one for overly sweet things, so it might go down a little differently for others (forgot to take a photo, but I'm sure I'll eat some more somewhere - everywhere sells it).

We drove over the 7-mile bridge on the way down, weaving through the islands, which is, just as it sounds, a bridge that is 7 miles long. Not that you really notice much apart from blue on either side.

Safe in the hotel now, will probably end up going out for dinner, before coming home and planning for tomorrow. It's a little windy down here for now, so not quite beach weather, but still quite warm.

Adios!

PS. The pictures to the other posts will come later tonight when we get back to the hotel.