Key West + Big Pine Key

I did it! I did it all alone. I went on my first trip since my brain explosion, or 3 brain anueryms bursted. I was a little scared, I'm not going to lie, but I'm so happy that I did it. I flew to Key West with one stop in Charleston, NC. The flight was fine, it was long, but I did great. I had to find where I was going and Charleston is a pretty big airport, but I found it to be super easy. I even had time to get Chick-fil-A in the airport!

When I got to Key West my Pop-pop was waiting for me. He got my bags and we were off. We drove through Key West to all the other islands until we got to Big Pine Key which was about 40 minutes away. I crashed as soon as I got there, because it was late. I slept so well that night! I seriously had gotten at least 10 hours of sleep, I am a deep sleeper when I need to be. The next morning I woke up refreshed. I was so excited to see the islands, explore Big Pine Key, and relax on the beach.

The first morning I woke up and we went and got bagels at Island Bagel. It was super yummy! My Mom-mom and I walked at least a mile every few days. Being a person who doesn't go to the gym, I find it so gratifying and effective to walk outside, even if it's just a few steps. In Marathon we went to Castaways, a super delicious place, and they had a manatee outside in the canal!

In Key West we went to the Cuban Coffee Queen, and let me just say, it is AMAZING! Their coffee is super strong, which I love. It is called Cafe Con Leche or Cuban coffee with steamed milk and sugar. I also had a Cuban bagel, which is not a regular bagel which I thought it was. It was very light bread with cream cheese and everything bagel seasoning in the middle and then it had honey on the outside. It was so good! Then, I got a Key Lime Pie. This Key Lime Pie tastes different then a Key Lime Pie that you might go and get from Safeway or Bashas - it is so different. It's tart yet sweet at the same time. It was to die for!

Next to their place is the Grimal Grove - a tropical fruit garden used to grow plants. They were having a get together and it was fantastic. Tons of people came and everyone was chatting. There was food, a band, and his own homemade vodka from the plants.

It was beautiful there. It truly was. And my grandparents are the best. They’re caring, strong, and inspiring. If one day I can be like them when I'm older, then I am happy!