Another “to visit” spot added to our list, thanks for the introduction. And a 90 page bullet point outline? I love learning how writers develop their novels. Looking forward to reading #10.
A lovely travelogue piece melding the Keys with Hemingway. My wife and I took the tour in 2014 April (our last trip, as it turned out, before she was diagnosed with cancer). Like you, I don’t much care for Hemingway’s writing but his dramatic depressing life captures the attention of we authors romanticizing the notion of the artist as a tragedy. Like you, I explored Hemingway’s Paris – lounged on the sidewalk tables of Les Deux Magots one balmy afternoon. And speaking of barmy, I do hope you noticed the Key West chickens in your three-days walk-about.
I recently found out there is a term for this kind of journey: literary pilgrimage. I've taken them all my life (well, adult life...) but never knew it had a semi-official name!
This one's on my literary bucket list as well. Strange how for most writers, we associate them with one place. But Hemingway -- there's Paris, Kilimanjaro, Key West, Austrian ski slopes, Spanish bullrings, the woods in the Michigan UP, Sun Valley in Idaho... Guess that's part of his mystique though.
Glad you enjoyed the trip and tour of Hemingway's home. We loved the drive from Miami to Key West as well as our 2-day stay. We also have the infamous shot beside the famous Southernmost point marker. As always, I look forward to your next update. Yesterday, I visited Stephen Leacock's house (yet again) for the Love Letters talk and tour and was, as always, in awe of his greatness and marvelled at his book collection.
Interesting peek at Hemingway and the reminder of his life. You did leave out his death, probably a good idea. I loved reading Old Man and the Sea in Grade 13 and watching the black and white movie in the auditorium at my high school. A great book. And I do like Hemingway's sparse style and went on to read the rest of his books. Not a man I could admire for his failed personal life but his books spoke to me. I'd love to do the trip you so eloquently described here.
Yes, I’ve always preferred reading (and sometimes writing) about Hemingway’s early years, particularly Paris. I prefer not dwell on his sad decline. Hope you’re well.
Like you Elaine, I studied ‘Old Man and the Sea’ in High School (I think Grade 11). I retrieved the slim volume from my Mother’s library after she downsized and recently rediscovered it in mine. I decided to re-read it to see it is takes on a different meaning for a man’s of 76 rather than a 16-year-old teenager. I didn’t much care for it the second time around.
In fact, the Hemingway home currently takes care of no fewer than 60 six-toed cats, all descended from the ones that so entranced Hemingway back in the 1930s.
Ha, I also visited a Hemingway drinking ground last September, in Havana Cuba. After our historical tour of the city the guide asked us what we want to do next, we said ' Hemingway's Bar!' in unison.
At 'Floridita' , we had Daquiris, Salsa music, great crowd, it was a beautiful scene.
Hi Terry, Thanks for sharing. Charmaine and I 'Did the Keys' a year ago. We loved the drive and the the ambiance. Key West was great and Hemingway's home was definitely the highlight but we also enjoyed spending some time exploring nature and birdwatching along the way. The tiny endangered Key Deer in the National Key Deer Refuge were a delight to see. I'm not a cat guy but I would also give a shout out to the six toed cats at Hemingway's home. Best wishes to Nancy.
Another “to visit” spot added to our list, thanks for the introduction. And a 90 page bullet point outline? I love learning how writers develop their novels. Looking forward to reading #10.
Thanks Joy.
A lovely travelogue piece melding the Keys with Hemingway. My wife and I took the tour in 2014 April (our last trip, as it turned out, before she was diagnosed with cancer). Like you, I don’t much care for Hemingway’s writing but his dramatic depressing life captures the attention of we authors romanticizing the notion of the artist as a tragedy. Like you, I explored Hemingway’s Paris – lounged on the sidewalk tables of Les Deux Magots one balmy afternoon. And speaking of barmy, I do hope you noticed the Key West chickens in your three-days walk-about.
Hard not to notice the chickens and roosters! An interesting addition to the landscape.
I recently found out there is a term for this kind of journey: literary pilgrimage. I've taken them all my life (well, adult life...) but never knew it had a semi-official name!
This one's on my literary bucket list as well. Strange how for most writers, we associate them with one place. But Hemingway -- there's Paris, Kilimanjaro, Key West, Austrian ski slopes, Spanish bullrings, the woods in the Michigan UP, Sun Valley in Idaho... Guess that's part of his mystique though.
Glad to hear Novel 10 is underway!
May we both have at least a few more literary pilgrimages in our futures.
Thank you for sharing the highlights of our vacation trip that included a visit to Hemingway’s home
Glad you enjoyed the trip and tour of Hemingway's home. We loved the drive from Miami to Key West as well as our 2-day stay. We also have the infamous shot beside the famous Southernmost point marker. As always, I look forward to your next update. Yesterday, I visited Stephen Leacock's house (yet again) for the Love Letters talk and tour and was, as always, in awe of his greatness and marvelled at his book collection.
Yes, Leacock’s home is very special.
Thank you for sharing! Awe to the shot of breathtaking view of the sunset!
Interesting peek at Hemingway and the reminder of his life. You did leave out his death, probably a good idea. I loved reading Old Man and the Sea in Grade 13 and watching the black and white movie in the auditorium at my high school. A great book. And I do like Hemingway's sparse style and went on to read the rest of his books. Not a man I could admire for his failed personal life but his books spoke to me. I'd love to do the trip you so eloquently described here.
Yes, I’ve always preferred reading (and sometimes writing) about Hemingway’s early years, particularly Paris. I prefer not dwell on his sad decline. Hope you’re well.
Like you Elaine, I studied ‘Old Man and the Sea’ in High School (I think Grade 11). I retrieved the slim volume from my Mother’s library after she downsized and recently rediscovered it in mine. I decided to re-read it to see it is takes on a different meaning for a man’s of 76 rather than a 16-year-old teenager. I didn’t much care for it the second time around.
Thanks for this interesting article Terry. I have heard that Hemingway loved polydactyl cats. I wonder if there are still any on the property.
In fact, the Hemingway home currently takes care of no fewer than 60 six-toed cats, all descended from the ones that so entranced Hemingway back in the 1930s.
Ha, I also visited a Hemingway drinking ground last September, in Havana Cuba. After our historical tour of the city the guide asked us what we want to do next, we said ' Hemingway's Bar!' in unison.
At 'Floridita' , we had Daquiris, Salsa music, great crowd, it was a beautiful scene.
Thanks for a peek into your #10 process. I'd love to hear more about how your write.
Anytime, Peter. Thanks.
Hi Terry, Thanks for sharing. Charmaine and I 'Did the Keys' a year ago. We loved the drive and the the ambiance. Key West was great and Hemingway's home was definitely the highlight but we also enjoyed spending some time exploring nature and birdwatching along the way. The tiny endangered Key Deer in the National Key Deer Refuge were a delight to see. I'm not a cat guy but I would also give a shout out to the six toed cats at Hemingway's home. Best wishes to Nancy.
Thanks David. We had a great time, including the six-toed cats! All the best.