FROM: Wandering the World with Wally Published Mondays

Old Key West

Our favorite adventurer, Wally, decides this week to indulge in some well-deserved relaxation at his favorite resort, Old Key West, where of course he spins another wild tale and professes past friendship with ... Ernest Hemingway?

- by Walter Octavius March, March 14, 2011

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KUNGALOOSH!

Have I ever told you of my friend Papa?

He was a wonderful man, generous and caring, though sometimes dangerous to be around, given his exploits: big games hunts, bull-running in Pamplona, plane crashes. With a house in Cuba, another in Key West, and Adventure his middle name, Papa was often hard to find but always worth the search.

His Key West house was my favorite to visit. It was a calm but bustling place. People were always coming and going as he was someone to be seen and heard.

Now that man could tell a tale!

If you were lucky enough to catch him at Sloppy Joe's, he would regale you with stories for hours and it only would cost you a few drinks. Those were some great times.

Wally Finds His Fancy

Ah, feeling nostalgic like this makes me want to head over to Conch Flats, the place here in Walt Disney World that evokes those days with Papa. Wander with me now to the Old Key West Resort where we'll relax, Florida Keys style.

As we arrive at the resort and see the pastel-colored Victorian architecture and ornate gingerbread accents, I feel the warm wind blow through the palm trees and ripple the waterways. Our routes takes us past the Hospitality House toward the dock. Do you feel it? Peace...

Out near the dock is one of my favorite refreshment spots in all of Walt Disney World: the Gurgling Suitcase. It's a fun little bar where you can sit with a view of the waterway and watch the boats. I enjoy taking my cold beverage to a bench on the boardwalk above the boat moorings where I can see the pool and the lighthouse standing majestically above it.

The Lighthouse reminds me of the time I was in Newfoundland and shipped out with some friends on a Boston whaler. The seas were rough, and before we knew it, the captain had been thrown overboard. Unconcerned about my own safety, or the freezing temperature of the water, I dove in and saved the drowning man. My companions pulled him onto the boat while I leaped for the helm and guided our craft safely to land using the beacon from the Cape Pine Lighthouse...

Yes, indeed, it is getting late...

Wally at His Leisure

From the boardwalk we can stroll over to the tennis and shuffle board courts, or rent bicycles, or play volleyball, but I prefer simply to sit and enjoy the atmosphere.

When the sun sets, we will head into Hospitality House and sit for a spell in Papa's Den, a quiet place, named after my friend. It's a capital spot to read a book. I know just the author! In fact, if you look at the marlin hung over the fireplace, you may be reminded of one of Papa's best-known books, The Old Man and the Sea.

Did you know Ernest wrote that story after we sat one night imbibing and recalling some of our greatest fishing expeditions? Of course, he would have won the Balderdash Cup that night with his story of how he fought off mako sharks with a submachine gun to save his prized tuna catch. Even I couldn't top a great story like that. Papa was masterful at weaving a tale.

Hmmm? Yes, dinner! If you're hungry, we could grab a bite at Olivia's. I especially like the Conch Chowder and Coconut-encrusted Mahi Mahi. After our meal, we can look at the 'Family Album' on Olivia's walls. I love looking at those pictures - they remind me of how wonderful life is here in Key West.

(Yes, right, I meant Disney World.)

Wally Takes His Leave

Well, I suppose it's time to head down to the dock and catch a boat to Downtown Disney. What say we check on the old site of the Adventurers Club? Boy, do I miss the place.

Times change, though we must never back down, give up, or pack it in.

Until next time, KUNGALOOSH! And keep your eyes open for Adventure!

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