Key West, Part 4

About this time, my wife's aunt, Margot, had seen our posts about Key West. She happened to be on vacation from her Ann Arbor digs, and was in the Keys as well. She asked if we'd stop by. We put her location in Google maps, turned around, and headed toward the Island City House on William. 

A few blocks from Duval, everything became still. The neighborhood around Island City was serene. We became conscious of ourselves, moving in a hush toward the hotel. As we turned-in from the street, we headed up a brick walkway toward the back of the house. The path was lined with tropical plants and trees, adding even more to the tranquil mood. The shadowy path opened-up to an in-ground pool under a clear sky. The sun, radiating over the water, enveloped it all in a blinding glow. 

We found Margot and her girlfriend sunbathing. Margot was a pretty, middle-aged woman, with raven hair and dark features. She gave the kids hugs, us too, and welcomed us to sit, even swim. Her friend had flown-in from Germany that morning, and they were both languid with the heat, enjoying the beautiful opportunity to engage in nothing at all. We sat by the pool and caught up on the latest happenings, encouraging them to try the delicious lobster rolls we had eaten, and discussing the other things we'd seen on the island. Sitting in Key West, talking with Margot suddenly seemed surreal--a moment from a faraway dream; the effect of encountering familiar things in unfamiliar surroundings. 

 

Sometimes life is like a cooking show: everything is happy if you have the right music, good food, and great company. And, of course, a few good drinks. And this was genuinely one of those times, even one of those days. Being with a little bit of family, in a place that a moment before was strange and exotic, made the Keys seem like "our" place, too--a little bit of home away from home. 

We said our goodbyes, gave our hugs, then walked toward Eaton. Heading back to the ship was an occasion that felt more crestfallen than usual; Key West had been good to us. It was so nice to see family. Leaving this comfortable place, we'd go out again into the deep, and eventually, back to reality.