As a reward for having met their goals, Adam's company took the big wigs for a weekend getaway at Key West, which is the southernmost point in the US. Yes, Adam is a big wig. He hangs with the owners from time to time. We can talk about that later—it's pretty cool and I'm proud of him.
So yeah, I sat next to a deca-millionaire during dinner a couple of times and was of course...very nervous!
Above: Part of a mural by Marlene Koenig,
click here for more works.
Each couple was given a room at the Opal Key, on the west side of the island, with $50 stipend per morning to cover breakfast. Food and drinks were paid for by the company (for the most part, if we were together)
Below is the view from our room. Last time we were in Key West, we arrived by cruise ship. Don't tell anyone, but I was too nervous to go down to the pool to hang out with what was later termed "The Wives Club" which also included one boyfriend. While employees had a working meeting the very first morning, the Wives Club enjoyed the morning getting a little tipsy, and getting a little red (and I am not in to either of those things.) They all knew each other and I'd barely had a chance to say hello to half of them as they boarded our little plane. So, I opted to sleep in and later, from the balcony, watched passengers as they meandered to-and-fro from the ship. It was a good show.
Above, another mural by Marlene Koenig.
Below: As we walked looking for a place to eat, we ran into mile 0 on highway 1.
Then we discovered,
Kaya Island Eats snuggled in an alley between two buildings. (They really need a better online presence. Too bad I can't offer my services.)
The food was good. The key lime pie (below) was great! The waitress told us there must be crack in the crust because she can't stop eating it.
The next day Adam and I took a bicycle tour of the historic parts of town with
Key Lime Bike Tours. Our guide was probably high—we weren't sure everything he was a truth teller, and the tour was a little meh because of it. But we probably hit just about everything of interest and that's acceptable.
I had forgotten how hot 80°F is in 100% humidity. At the end of the tour it looked like I'd had an accident. Really. Neither of us packed enough undies for the amount of times we had to change because of sweat. I ended up wearing my caftans around town to stay cool, Which was awkward, but whatever.
The island has multiple HUGE Banyan trees. (Not native to Key West, but rather India.) They're very impressive in person.
According to said tour guide, all the wild chickens on the island are protected by law. In Key West, there are plenty of them everywhere, so it's believable.
We did a ride-by of Hemmingway's house. If you want to write in the same room as he, you can book your writing experience for $1,500. Enjoy.
More information here.We also wheeled around the light tower—which apparently was "moved" inland because it was destroyed in a terrible storm. People died.
Naturally the guide took us to the southernmost point—which it isn't. The true southernmost point is on the navy grounds, but naturally the public aren't allowed there.
Who's holding who up? Either way, it's a successful relationship.
Later, a large group from Key rented a couple of 8 seat carts and we drove around the island and through a cemetery. Below, Adam is looking for a body.
It's worth exploring town for all the old architecture.
Above: Key West isn't known for its beaches. We walked out on a dock and then back again.
Below: There are some colorful parts of town. I personally like the idea of rainbow crosswalks.
Our last night, we dined at Latitudes on the Island Sunset Key (just west of Key West.) This was the only planned dinner for the company. We arrived by boat sent by the restaurant.
Above from left to right: Chris B. and wife, Jennifer E. and boyfriend Kameron, Anna Z., Adam M., Phil's wife and Phil W., Aleigh and Husband Steven W., Dave W., Rick M and wife Judy, Scott C. and wife.
Everyone was very nice, very down to earth. If my nerves hadn't gotten in the way I probably would have had an even better time. But when you're meeting the OWNERS of the company...THAT'S A LOT OF PRESSURE. Next time I'll look at it as an opportunity. Opportunity to glean some wisdom from those who know how to build wealth.
