Aunt Aggie's Adventures: Key West Sunset

We went to Mallory Square yesterday. It was just as I had hoped: a large bricked area right on the ocean with lots of performers working the crowd. I had wanted a juggler and a fire-eater, and there they were! There was a guy making balloon hats, someone autographing conch shells, a caricaturist, and someone using a whip to cut cigarettes in half. (I didn't get the fun part of that.) The person we watched the most was the escape artist. He was tied into a straight jacket and then bound with two chains. He worked very hard to play on our sympathies and get our help: "Count with me! One, two, three! Don't leave. I know he has a bigger crowd. You can go see him later. He'll be here all night." I did feel sorry for the guy. He looked so unhealthy and was so thin and was working really hard, just for tips. So I made George stay and watch the whole show and give a tip.

Then we walked over to the connected Westin patio to be in the best spot for the sunset. There were many boats in the harbor, taking folks on sunset cruises. It was lovely. We see more sailboats here than in most areas. There was good wind, and sails were unfurled. Earlier we had met a family who lives on a 90 year old wooden schooner, the Hindu, and takes sunset cruises. The boat was beautifully restored. Their 12 year old boy was the huckster, selling tickets and talking with amazing confidence to strangers about their boat. The mom and dad were both attractive 40 year olds. I am curious about their life.

The best part of the experience was being outside on a lovely, soft night with thousands of people, waiting for the sun to set. The crowd built over two hours. I felt as if we appreciated the sun. We were sun worshippers. After the sun set, the show was over.