baby, why don't we go?

key largo is a sweet change from the trendster, overidulgent streets of south beach. after an excellent birthday on the beach party headquarters of the south, the relaxed feel of the keys were welcome. obviously, i couldn't stay much longer than a night, as the only signs of civilaztion were the road-side beach shanty motels and an occasional cvs pharmacy. i didn't even find a really great place for a meal.

but something about the local sports bar--with only a handful of 22 year-old kids--felt more substantial than the glitz of the city just an hour north. maybe it was the fact that these kids weren't hiding anything from one another and were content just listening to jack and diane from the juke box. i'm sure key largo has its share of ridiculous tourists in busy season. and i'm sure marie, the cigarette-wearing doll behind the counter at the pelican motel, will always do her best to suggest the restarant down the beach becasue she gets a kickback. but the snorkeling was great, the people were kind, and the traffic was a little less intense. however, next time i think i'll try something a little more "island" and a little less "look! highway 1 has a gas station."