20 Comments

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.

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Feb 4Liked by Terry Fallis

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.

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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!

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Feb 4Liked by Terry Fallis

Thank you for sharing the highlights of our vacation trip that included a visit to Hemingway’s home

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Feb 4Liked by Terry Fallis

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.

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Feb 4·edited Feb 4Liked by Terry Fallis

Thank you for sharing! Awe to the shot of breathtaking view of the sunset!

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Feb 4Liked by Terry Fallis

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.

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Thanks for this interesting article Terry. I have heard that Hemingway loved polydactyl cats. I wonder if there are still any on the property.

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Feb 6·edited Feb 7Liked by Terry Fallis

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.

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Feb 5Liked by Terry Fallis

Thanks for a peek into your #10 process. I'd love to hear more about how your write.

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Feb 4Liked by Terry Fallis

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.

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