Marta

November 12, 2007



Marta





My mother, Marta made her annual visit to Key West this week. For the second consecutive year, she traveled from her home in Winston Salem to visit us and join us in attending the Miami Book Fair. She used to come during the Key West Literary Seminar in January, but switched to the book fair a couple of years ago. I think the added bonus of hanging out in South Beach must appeal to her. Whatever the case, we are happy to have her join us for what is one of our favorite annual literary events.



Marta arrived Thursday evening and so we were able to spend some time as tourists in Key West until our departure on Friday afternoon. We went down to the Customs House where we watched the Powerboat races for a few minutes before heading inside to see the current photography exhibit by my friend Tom Corcoran as well as the Seward Johnson sculpture exhibit which is still on display. Tom is perhaps best known as a mystery writer but he is also a documentary photographer who has shot photos in Key West for years, some of which are featured in the new exhibit.



By mid-afternoon, we were on our way up the Keys and we arrived in Miami in time to go see the final “Evenings With…” presentations that the Book Fair features the week prior to the main fair weekend. This one featured Caroline Kennedy speaking about her new book, “A Family Christmas”. The presentation was good as far as it went, but it was over pretty quickly and the mob of attendees seemed none too happy about it.

Poet Nikki Giovanni

Nikki Giovanni & Caroline Kennedy

It mattered not to us, as we made the short drive over the causeway to South Beach and checked into our rooms at the Clay Hotel. The Clay is in a perfect location and is a great budget place to stay in the heart of South Beach. We had an excellent meal at Chocolate, a restaurant just downstairs from our rooms. Kathy discovered the Brazilian drink the “Caipirinha”, this one made with Cucumbers which made for a light, refreshing, tasty drink with some kick.

Chocolate & The Clay Hotel



Key West Art & Historical Society
Tom Corcoran Story