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07/21/2002 Entry: "Looking beyond the surface"
Glad to hear that the Halls are enjoying a different part of Florida. Their impression of Key West is one that does apply to the Key West community, in part, but goes to show how first (and possibly, the only impression) of a place or community of people is not complete. I am sure that our own impressions of places we have been in the UK and abroad are limiting to the complexity of the communities. We thought that Bristol had a bohemian element to it based on the population of people we encountered at the train station. Key West is very much a bohemian community in one respect. It has a large population of artistic, free spirited people who move to the Keys to find themselves and "paradise." Unfortunately, the good and bad that goes with that is all that some tourists and visitors ever see. They miss the extensive history, the character that is unique to Key West, and the interconnectedness of the locals who have called Key West and the Florida Keys their home for generations. Key Westers can be very stubborn and independent. Key West has become very commercialized and tourist oriented, in some sense at the expense of the slow-paced, small-town feeling that Key West has known. Key West is special to the Corbin family. We have seen the changes (many of them not positive) that have affected Key West. The Methodist church with the thick stone walls (Old Stone Church, now Key West United Methodist Church) that Richard spoke of, is the church that we served for 7 years before moving to Fruitland Park. Rachel was born in Key West - she is truly a "Conch" (the name given to those born and raised in Key West) Rachel's claim probably would be disputed by those who have lived their whole lives in the Keys, but she did have 5 years inthere. Time to get off the computer. We are about to experience the torrential Florida weather, typical summer afternoon- lightning, thunder, heavy rain and hail. Must unplug the computer to prevent damage should we experience a lightning strike nearby. Debbie
