Key West: Hemingway House

As a Spanish major, I was required to love Hemingway.  Hell, I’d still love his work even if I had no interest in the Spanish culture.  I could drone on about how great his work is, but you’re here to read my writing.  Yes, a travel blog really does compare to a Noble Laureate’s masterpieces.  Whether you’re a huge fan or you’ve simply heard of him, it’s well worth the visit.  Be sure to go on a guided tour, otherwise you’ll miss out on all the great stories.


Speaking of which, there will be a lot of pictures featured in this post that will be somewhat esoteric.  You'll just have to go to Hemingway's house to listen to them yourself.  Or you can always ask us in person.

One of the many lavish chandeliers bought by his second wife.

The 40 some-odd cats, descendants from one that was a gift from a sailing buddy, are the second biggest expense at the historic house.  It looks like I caught this cat in a transient mid-stretch, but my camera was not that fast.  He’s a ham and kept that pose for a few good minutes.  That’s showmanship.

Another perspective.

This picture is so badass.  Hemingway reminds me a lot of my grandfather, who went on safaris in the 50s and 60s.  Somehow my father got a hold of two massive animal heads, just a few of my grandfather’s collection, and hung them in our house.  One of them was a kudu.  Seeing that picture fondly reminded me of home.

Joe, the owner of the still famous bar Sloppy Joe’s and one of Hemingway’s friends, told him living next to the lighthouse would help him find his way home after a night of drinking.

Our tour guide gets extra points for looking like Hemingway.

Hemingway’s writing room.  More animal heads!

The first in-ground swimming pool in Key West.  We won't get into details, but this was essentially a costly fight between Hemingway and his second wife.

They acted like petty children.

And their quarrels could not be more amusing to his friends or fans.

Just trust us and don't drink from this fountain.

 One of the many polydactyl, or many-toed, cats on the estate. 

Cats with extra toes on their paws are considered to be good luck to sailors.  I'm no sailor, but I'd want a cat with "thumbs" if I were hitchhiking.

Ayk with a banana tree.

Me with a polydactyl cat.