review – Too Fit For It

Key West, Vibrancy In Action

danielc4 — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 17:02:05 +0000

Key West is a vibrant and colorful destination located at the southernmost point of the United States. It’s a beautiful and unique location that offers a blend of natural beauty, history, and entertainment that is hard to find elsewhere. From its picturesque beaches and tropical landscapes to its lively nightlife and rich cultural heritage, Key West has something to offer every type of traveler.

One of the most popular attractions in Key West is the stunning beaches. Whether you prefer relaxing on the soft white sand or swimming in the clear turquoise waters, Key West has plenty of options for beach lovers. Some of the best beaches in the area include Smathers Beach, Higgs Beach, and Fort Zachary Taylor Beach. Each of these beaches offers a unique experience, from water sports and fishing to snorkeling and diving. The warm waters and gentle sea breeze make Key West a great destination for year-round beach activities.

In addition to its beautiful beaches, Key West is also known for its rich history and cultural heritage. The island has a unique blend of Cuban, Bahamian, and American cultures that are reflected in its architecture, food, and entertainment. The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum is a must-visit destination for literary enthusiasts, offering a glimpse into the life of the famous author during his time in Key West. The Key West Lighthouse and Keeper’s Quarters Museum is also a popular attraction, offering visitors a chance to learn about the island’s maritime history and climb to the top of the lighthouse for stunning views.

For those who enjoy outdoor activities, Key West offers a wide range of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the island. One of the most popular outdoor activities is kayaking through the mangrove forests, where you can see a variety of wildlife, including sea turtles, dolphins, and tropical birds. Fishing is also a popular pastime, with a variety of guided tours and charters available to help you catch some of the area’s famous fish, including tarpon, bonefish, and snapper.

A large pelican hanging around the water in the Florida Keys

Key West is also known for its lively nightlife and entertainment scene. From the famous Sunset Celebration at Mallory Square to the Duval Street bar crawl, there’s always something to do in the evening. The island is home to a variety of restaurants, bars, and clubs, offering everything from fresh seafood and Caribbean-inspired cuisine to live music and dancing. The world-famous Sloppy Joe’s Bar is a must-visit destination for those looking for a taste of Key West’s lively nightlife.

In terms of accommodation, Key West has a range of options to suit every budget and preference. From luxury beachfront resorts to cozy bed and breakfasts and vacation rentals, there’s something for everyone. The island’s compact size makes it easy to get around, and many hotels offer shuttle services to the area’s top attractions.

Key West is a beautiful and vibrant destination that offers something for everyone. Its stunning beaches, rich history, outdoor activities, and lively nightlife make it a perfect destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike. Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, explore the island’s cultural heritage, or enjoy some of the best seafood and nightlife in the country, Key West is a destination that should not be missed.

Beautiful Antelope Canyon Review

danielc4 — Mon, 20 Feb 2023 16:15:27 +0000

Antelope Canyon in Arizona is one of the most stunning natural wonders I’ve ever seen. As someone who loves hiking and exploring the great outdoors, I was eager to visit this beautiful slot canyon, carved over thousands of years by the forces of wind and water.

I had the opportunity to visit both Upper and Lower Antelope Canyon, each with its own unique features and charms. Upper Antelope Canyon is wider and more open, allowing for the sun to stream in from above and create beautiful beams of light and shadow that dance across the sandstone walls. The colors and textures of the rock formations are truly mesmerizing, and the tour guide provided insightful information about the geology of the canyon and how it was formed. As we walked through the canyon, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of nature.

Lower Antelope Canyon was a bit more challenging to navigate, with narrow passageways and steep ladders to climb. However, the extra effort was definitely worth it, as the canyon was even more stunning and intricate than the upper section. The guide pointed out some of the unique rock formations and patterns that are not found in the upper canyon, and I was able to capture some incredible photos.

The tours were well-organized and informative, and the guides were knowledgeable and passionate about the canyon. They were happy to answer any questions we had and even helped us take some great photos with our cameras. The only downside to the tours was the crowds – Antelope Canyon is a popular tourist destination, and it can get quite busy. However, the guides did a good job of managing the crowds and ensuring that everyone had a chance to enjoy the beauty of the canyon.

Overall, my visit to Antelope Canyon was a truly unforgettable experience. The beauty and grandeur of the canyon, combined with the cultural significance and the well-run tours, made for an incredible adventure. I highly recommend this destination to anyone visiting Arizona – it’s a true natural wonder that will leave you in awe of the power and beauty of nature.

Taco Bell Rising

danielc4 — Mon, 13 Apr 2020 11:10:55 +0000

Taco Bell Has Become A Staple

Taco Bell has always been a popular fast food restaurant in America. Even in San Diego where I grew up it is extremely popular despite being the home to the best Mexican food in the USA. Over the years they have constantly improved and have shown a penchant for innovation and constantly striving to improve the overall experience for their patrons. They have one of the best test kitchens of all fast food restaurants and have put out some really great menu items over they years. They are certainly not all winners but unlike many other competitors they don’t seem to linger on unsuccessful new dishes. They give them enough time to shine if they can. and then if not, quickly move on to new candidates.

Mexican Inspired Food

They do not carry the Mexican food designation which is a good self realization to have. Taco Bell is clearly not traditional Mexican food. Taco Bell may be the epitome of what happens when American’s take Mexican food and turn it into their own. That certainly is not an insult unless you are not a fan of modern burritos which were invented in northern Mexico but exploded in popularity in America. My favorite, the California Burrito made almost exclusively in San Diego, certainly looks nothing like its roots. French Fries were certainly not used in burritos when they were invented in northern Mexico.

Taco Bell Restaurants Are Everywhere

Even on the east coast there has been an explosion of Taco Bell restaurants. For all of you New Yorkers one of my favorite Taco Bell restaurants can be seen above with a window in a dive bar right down the street from Yankee stadium. While the invent of the Taco Bell Cantina has been a game changer and added alcohol and beer to the menu you just can’t compete with the availability of Taco Bell while also having access to a whole bar menu.

Taco Bell Cantina

Speaking of which, Taco Bell was one of the early adopters of a higher end restaurant that also serves beer and mixed drinks. If you are looking to get a good old fashioned while you stuff your face with delicious tacos you will be out of luck. However, the addition of a good IPA while devouring a stack of burritos can certainly be achieved. While the Taco Bell Cantina has struggled in some places in the US it has really come into its own in the endlessly walkable NYC. Most of the free-standing Taco Bells in the city have been converted to Cantinas and they are often packed. Not all ideas will work in all locations, especially for a brand that is famously often a drive-thru experience. Regardless, in NYC and other large cities where a drive-thru is not practical or popular the Cantina really shines.

Taco Bell Order

Fast food chains are not known for their organization or often cleanliness. It is an extremely high turn over business so keeping everything in order is always a challenge. In my experience Taco Bell really leads the pack in this category. I have often walked into a branch and been surprised with how well put together it is. While you certainly still have the odd patron leaving their trash everywhere and overworked employees working tirelessly to get people their food as fast as possible, it is always refreshing when you walk into a restaurant to see all of their condiments facing the same direction and neatly stacked for your perusing pleasure.

Not Your Average Restaurant

There are so many reasons why Taco Bell stands out as a leader in the fast food category. They are one of the largest brands in the category and in my opinion under appreciated. The next time you have a hankering for a deliciously crispy hard taco or a delightful bean and cheese burrito make sure you stop by your local Taco Bell. It may not be comparable to the epic local Mexican joints in Southern California but they certainly are not serving the same type of food. If you are somewhere far away from the border and looking for a bit more crunch, Taco Bell will certainly not disappoint.