Arnold and I happened to have some time off at the same time back in September of 2003. Without much planning, I suggested to take my new Jeep to a drive. I have a friend named Steven who got in the marines a while back. Everywhere he went, he would invite me to go and visit him. Of course, because of timing and money, I wouldn't go. He now was stationed in Key West, Florida. For those that don't know where Key West, just imagine the last island that can be driven to on top of the ocean heading southwest of Miami. I let Arnold know about Stven, and he actually had met him prior to him leaving New Mexico. So it was agreed to go and visit him. I got only 8 days off from work. Arnold got 2 whole weeks. A couple of days before our trip, I called Steven to let him know we were on our way. He couldn't believe that we were going to drive all the way over there. I figure it would be quite an adventure to travel the states in such a way. I certainly didn't want to go that far alone. Arnold, being my great friend would make it even a better trip for sure. We left on a Thursday to Key West from Florida. We had packed and were ready to go. We packed like if we were going to mmove out LOL The trip over there was very exhasting because we just wanted to get over there before the weekend. I calculated that it would take us about 28 hrs to get there if we rested some. It turns out that we just drove with only resting for gas or for using the restroom. While I drove, he slept, and while I slept, he drove. It was a great deal. We were able to make it to Miami at night. I remember it was raining that night. Although exhasted, we wanted to go out and party. It was already to late to get to Key West so we desiced to spend the night in Miami...actually a little town south of miami already almost getting near the Golf of Mexico. We got a phone book and stated finding out about the "family" bars in the area. When I called, I found out they all were 21 and over :-( This sucked big time because Arnold wasn't 21 yet. We forgot to take that into consideration. He just wanted to rest, but I convinced him that we should go out and try our luck. We ended up going to this bar where they weren't asking for ID's; we were in :) It was an alright bar, the dancers were very ncie looking. the scene was rather different of course than what we were used too, like in Juarez. People were more to themselves, not as friendly, and 90% of the music was merengue. It figures! We were in a place where the influence of the caribbean latin people was strong. The did play a few english songs which were very outdated. Those were the ones we danced to sipping on a nice tropical drink. Despite how alienated we felt (literally), we had a great time. We then went back to the motel, and finally rested well. In the a.m. I called my friend Steven, and let him know we were on our way. He was going to work, so we told him we would go and check out the island till he got off. That's what we did. Man, the way over there was incredible. Imagine driving over the vast body of water. Some of the islands were not land connected so the use of bridges was crucial. It was magnificent. Finally, we get to Key West. We went to "downtown." It's strange to use that word there because the isand is about 1 by 3 miles long I think. Being so small, it's recomended that you either use a mopet, bike, walk, or some other gadgets they have over to rent. Lets not forget the gas prices. The gas was almost 2 dollars. We got hungry again and went to a cuban restaurant, and waited for my friend to meet us there. They arrived, and finally oredered. He took for ever because he invited a friend of his to tag along. Key West besides being like a small paradise, it was one of the most libearl places I had ever been too. Liberal in the sense that you could see a "family" flag almost at every other business. Even my friend Steven told us that when they got stationed in that island, they were told to accept the people and not to mess with anyone because they were "family." They added that they were their guests, so they had to repect them. The Major there is "family." Of course, he's taking care of its people. For those reasons and more, Key West has become a famous tourist place for our kind. While in Key West, we went to lots of restaurants. We ate like kings, and then went out clubbing. The small island had at least 4 "family" bars. Not to forget, all the private parties people would host, and/or advertise. There was one over the sea shore. It has a swimming pool right next to the bar area. People are free to get in with optional clothes.
Arnold and I forgot to take in consideration the weather over there. We had gone during prime season for hurricanes and tornadoes. As a matter of fact, there was one headed to the Keys while we were on the way there. We just got some heavy rain, though.
This is us driving in Key West, more than likely going to the beach.
This is a really nice pic of Arnold at the beach. behind him, was a cruise that was passing by.
This is Steven's friend, the guy that went to eat with us. He became a really good friend and he would take us to places while Steven as at work. His name is Alonso.
This is Steven, we were going to take him to lunch while he was on his break from work.
This is Arnold going to the beach for the 1st time since we got there. It turns out that he had his cell phone with him in that picture... and guess what happened? Yeah, you are right, his cell phone was unusable. So he had to borrow mine to call his boyfriend. Silly Arnold, what was he thiking.
This was taken on the way to the beach :-)
Once again, he takes me a pic on the way to the beach for our 1st time.
This is waht I was talking about, there being a a flag almost everywhere.
My favorite place to visti on vacations: Hard Rock Cafe. We had lunch there, and got some souvenirs for friends and family.
Here is Arnold being all happy that we are having sucha great time. :) Very cute, hu? I would like to take the time to inform you that between us was strickly frienship!! There is an episode in my life that turn almost into a soap opera with Arnold. Maybe you will see it in my Short Stories' section one of these days.
Seems like a this pic was taken at a church. The guy on the left is my friend Nacho as everyone knows is the nickname for Ignacio. We have chatted since almost 2 years ago. I have been wanting to meet him when I go back to Guadalajara to visit family, but never seems to work out. Either I forget his # or like this last time; I took a couple of friends and only had 8 days of vacation. So the trip was very hurried. I do hope to meet him sometime. he seems like a very nice and sweet guy.
I think this pic was taken at some park in his parents town.
In his room at his parents house.
