Fantasy Fest 2009

Well, so much for daily updates during Fantasy Fest.  I have a somewhat good excuse; the wi-fi signal only worked in the seating area outside our room so posting from bed wasn't possible.  LOL  On the other hand, that may have been a blessing in disguise as our late (late, late) nights left my brain tired enough that my thoughts would have been scrambled anyways.  Honestly, I am still suffering from a muddled mind because the pain in my legs/feet woke me up at 2:00a!  But more on that later.

Tony and I have a "game" we play after each vacation where we list our Top and Bottom Three things for the tirp.  So there they are (although there are more than three on both lists).

Top

• The Artist House.  We absolutely love this B&B!  The rooms are large, the staff is wonderful, they altered their breakfast times for FF from 8-10 (who's up that early???) to 9:30 - 11:30, added an extra Happy Hour on Thursdsay and allowed us to entertain our guests on the deck out back.  Our room was called the Turret Room and was a two-story room with a King bed on the main floor and a Full bed in the upper room.  We had a small dressing room, living room area and large deck.  The house is called the most haunted in Key West and I recommend visiting www.artisthousekeywest.com and www.squidoo.com/dollrobert for the full story.  We didn't have any direct encounters with Robert, but we highly suspect he took one of Tony's t-shirts.  And the last night, as I laid there awake (couldn't sleep) there were some suspicious lights moving about the room.  I admit, I was freaked out enough that wandering downstairs at night was not something I was interested in doing.
• The Hard Rock Cafe and Staff.  We have been to over 50 Hard Rock Cafes around the world and this one personifies exactly why.  The staff is always friendly and the food is always good.  When things got too crazy on Duvall Street there was always a warm smile, a good drink and a filling appetizer awaiting us.  We'd like to give a big shout out to bartenders Andy and JC for always having a drink ready for us when we walked in.  Sorry Tony drank all your Newcastle Brown beer!   LOL
• Our "Harley" Friends.  Once again our biker friends were ever-present on Duvall Street.  We love chatting with them, sitting on their bikes (nice break for tired feet) and generally hanging out with them.  We wish they all lived closer and hope they all made it home safely.
• Watching the parade on Whitehead Street.  For years we've avoided the parade because the crowds are so unruly and the street is so crowded.  But this year we joined two other couples and watched it on Whitehead Street across from Kelly's Bar.  We had a good 12 feet all to ourselves and nobody behind us crowding us into the street.
• Pashur.  Every year I give him suggestions for designs/themes and he always finds a way to kick-it-up beyond my imagination.  The Go-Go paint job was AMAZING!
• Skipping the Fetish Party at Kelly's Bar.  When we arrived the line was over a block long so we decided not to go in.  That turned out to be a great decision as it rained that night and because most of the party space was outside everybody ended up holed up in the small covered lobby area.  Instead we went to Irish Kevin's when the rains came; there were two great bands playing, and we danced and partied the night away.
• 801 Bourbon.  Always a great show!  'Nuf said.

Bottom

• Rude people.  I have to put a dislaimer on this.  I do dress up and get painted, and I know that with that comes lots and lots of photographs.  So this should not be read as me complaining about having my picture taken.  However, my name is not "Hey you!" or "Wait! Wait! Wait" or "Stop! or "I gotta get your picture!"  My name is "May I take your picture, please."  And when you want my photo, have your camera ready.  Don't stop me then start getting your camera out of a zipped-up, well hidden case in the bottom of your purse.  I do not want to stand there all day while you turn on or figure out how to operate your camera.  As well, cell phones are not good cameras.  They take so much longer to take the picture ... especially if you're trying to talk on them at the same time!
• Mangoes Restaurant.  On Sunday night we were really looking forward to a nice quiet dinner to wind down.  We had heard mixed reviews about the food, but had enjoyed drinks there several nights and wanted to give them a try.  We stopped in our way back from the "Fat Lasy Dings party" at La Te Da and because we were in costume were asked to leave!
• The Footwear.  Tony and I laugh about this one every year.  I can guarantee you that less than 1% of the photos take of me include my feet, but it's true that everything looks better in high heels.  Unfortunately, I have had problems with my feet my entire life and my orthopedist would cringe to know I spend up to 14 hours a day walking around in up to 5" heels at FF.  By the end of the week every inch of me below my knees is in constant pain.  This year I did alternate out to my doc Martens a couple of days (these are hands-down the most comfortable shoes I own), but even they startrd to hurt after that many hours.
• The Heat/Humidity.  We actually love warm weather, but this year Key West is experiencing record high temperatures. As a result, twice my body paint literally started melting.  Once was on Thursday while we were having dinner (thanks to all the patrons who jumped up with their menus and started fanning me) and once was on Saturday.  Pashur even tried a body paint sealer on me! It was helpful for general wear, but even it couldn't withstand the heat.

All in all we are calling this our best Fantasy Fest ever ... so even the bottom list wasn't that bad.

Thanks to everybody that stopped us to say "Hi" and tell us they are members of our site.  I would love to say I remember all your names, but I probably don't.  But please don't let that stop you from saying "Hi" when you see us.  We LOVE meeting you all!