Fantasy Fest 2008

[CaptKen]

All I can say is OMG!!!!!!

[BigDave]

what the heck is Fantasy Fest Capt?

[CaptKen]

If one doesn't know what Fantasy Fest is, it would be near impossible to describe it. Let's say it kinda like Marti Gras but the lack of worn costumes is the norm. Costumes are painted on. Nudity is not allowed but body painting is. I saw things that I never though I would ever see or think of.
Just a life lesson I learned while there that I would pass on. If you see a bar with clothing optional, don't go in!!!! I don't care how curious you may be. Don't go IN!!!!!! You might dream of something like the Playboy Manison with half naked wimmen but its closer to clothing optional at the nursing home. Didn't take long to turn around and exit back out the door.

[Mrs Peel]

That paints quite an ugly picture in my head!
I haven't been to Key West in probably 20 years. We're going there in April during the Conch Republic Festival for a British car meet; going to be in the parade. However, since I'm one of the youngest members & I'm in my mid-50's, most likely we'll be keeping our clothes on; or at least I hope so! Sitting on leather seats that have been in the hot sun all day, sans clothing, would not be fun.

[gagirl]

Some things are better left to the imagination.

[Lstyle]

When I went to the Keys, it wasn't Fantasy Fest, but Key West is WILD...and that's pretty bad when even I say it's wild. It's beautiful there, though.

[CaptKen]

Not near as pretty as the Bahamas. Left Key West early and flew out to Marsh Harbour to pick up a passenger. They met us and took us out to Hope Town Cay by boat where a new resort is in the planning. Ate at a little restaurant on the beach and had the best conch burger. Well actually it was my first conch burger so I guess it was the best I ever ate. Temps in the eighties and we saw all the school kids wearing windbreakers. Asked one of the people there and they said it was cold to them. And here I was wearing shorts and T shirt. Got back in PC about 5:30, stepped off the plane and knew how those folks in the Bahamas felt. Got some of that fifty degree air up the shorts and headed for the house as fast as the truck would take me.

[Lstyle]

I'm jealous. I love the Bahamas. I was lucky enough to get away from the touristy areas and spent 2 weeks in Andros at a field station. I tried conch salad fritters and they were incredible. It's kind of hard to get conch at many places here in Alabama, but I know Margaritaville has fritters, the Boatyard has some yummy ones with wasabi mayonnaise and most of the Japanese places have it on the sushi menu, but it's not too appetizing that way.

[thedealer]

You guys made me remember West End Grand Bahama and fishermen on the beach at the side of the rode with knives they would stick in the end of the conch shell and pull the little critter out. Large slices of lime were then squeezed over the fresh conch and it was really delicious. Those dudes in the Bahamas make great conch chowder as well. Would love to try the fritter you mentioned

[BigDave]

L.. I love some conch fritters! I've been on 7 cruises the past 20 years...and I ALWAYS have to have the fritters. I havent seen any in years. I will have to try some next time Im in PCB...I didnt know the Boatyard had them.