About Cypress House and Cypress House Suites, Key West, Florida

It's Morning. You look out the window and it's ________ (snowing/raining). Again! Your spirits drop with the temperature. You've had as much as you can take of ________ (chipping ice/ shoveling snow/ walking through slush and puddles so deep your toes squish from the wetness). As you bundle up in your coat, hat, scarf, gloves and boots you think how much nicer it would be to slip on a pair of shorts, a top and sandals. Like a prisoner Tropical Grounds, Cypress House Key West, Florida dreaming of freedom, your thoughts turn to summer.

Ah, summer. Sunshine. Warmth. Greenery all around. A bright new day lures you from bed as you awaken to the aroma of coffee and fresh baked muffins coming from the kitchen. You dream of fresh fruit for breakfast, too, as you relish its juicy sweetness alongside the pool instead of gulping down the ________ (paper-wrapped fruit bar/ stale doughnut/cold toast) your gloved hand is holding now. You're late. With a sigh, you leave.

The morning commute begins. Your muscles tense as you

wait in line - will you all get on the crowded bus?/ wait on the platform -- will the train be late again?). Taking a deep breath to calm already frazzled nerves you smell_______ (gas! Is your tank leaking?/ exhaust fumes, the perfume of the city/ the not-so-fresh diaper of the toddler in the seat next to the one you were lucky? enough to grab). The aromas of jasmine, exotic flowers and the sea float through your thoughts like ghostly temptresses. You see a cyclist speed past your sluggishly moving mode of transportation and think how nice it would be to go to a place where long, tedious commutes by car and other public transports are unnecessary . . . to go where you want when you want, to get there by foot or bike in a few minutes time without the hassle . . . a place away from where you are now, to see different sights, meet friendly people.

The light bulb over your head bursts into brightness.

YOU DESERVE A VACATION!

Tropical entrance, Cypress House Key West, Florida Inn You rush into work and jump on the Internet. Thank goodness your boss isn't in yet . . . you have a little time to search out your dream vacation. Where is the Southernmost point in America, the only frost-free city in the whole U.S.of A? Where can your frozen tootsies thaw out and your goosebump-flecked arms get tan? Key West!

Fingers furiously flying, you hunt for the name of that B&B your friends recommended . . . what was it Breakfast is served! Award winning Breakfast at Cypress House Key West, FL again? THE CYPRESS HOUSE! You find their website, e-mail your request, but then decide to call their toll-free number because you can't wait to float in that pool (it's heated!) sipping your drink during their complimentary cocktail hour. You want to book now. A friendly voice answers and your questions fly like bullets.

Do you have a room for this date?
"Yes," the friendly voice answers. Your shoulders shrug off some of their tension.

What are your rates?
The voice tells you, and you're relieved they're mid-range and reasonable.

Any discounts?
10% off for a week stay? You're there! It'll take at least that long for the masseuse who comes to your room to unknot your muscles!

What's for breakfast?
The friendly voice takes a deep breath and rattles off a litany of food that makes your stomach growl. You think of this morning's daydream and a little voice in your head starts singing Disney's "Fairytales can come true, it can happen to you . . ."

Do I need a car to get there or get around?
You're told "No," and you think of the money you'll save. A ten-minute ride from the Key West Airport. "We have bikes on the premises you can rent by the Key West Sunsets courtesy of Cypress House and Cypress House Suites! day, and you can actually walk four or five short blocks to all the major attractions, museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants and bars! We're one block from Duval Street and crawling distance from Sloppy Joe's, Hemingway's favorite bar," your quickly becoming new-best-friend is telling you with a chuckle in their voice. "Location, location, location!" Besides attractions, museums, art galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and swimming in the pool, what else is there to do during the day?

"We'll arrange snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, diving, sightseeing or dolphin-watching trips for you with the most reputable catamarans or sailboats on the island, (all within a three block walk!) or we'll point you to the places to rent moped, jet skis or to go parasailing. Just let us know when you want to go and we'll handle the rest." Someone wants to pamper you!

A "Harrumph!" from the front of the office tells you your boss has arrived at work - hurry up . . . finish your questions and book a room!

What's the nightlife like?
"Your choice. Dance clubs, bars with music ranging from Oldies to Blues all up and down Duval Street. Or, if you prefer, a quiet moonlit walk along the waterfront with soft warm breezes whispering at your back 'Love Is In the Air.' "

What clothes should I bring?
Did you hear correctly? If you wear socks you're overdressed? Your kind of place! Shirts and shoes required in the restaurants, but shorts are fine for even the fanciest ones. One more question; you forgot to ask about the rooms, even though it doesn't sound like you'll be spending much time inside.

What are your rooms like?
"Large, bright, airy and clean, with bodacious bathrooms. Each one is different. Some have one king or one queen bed, others have two queen beds. Pool at Cypress House, Bed and Breakfast Inn, Key West, Florida Furniture styles vary from wicker to an eclectic mix of antiques, but all have A/C's, ceiling fans, TV's and phones. Some have private verandahs or outside sitting areas, there's a morning sundeck and a gazebo by the pool where iced tea and water are served during the day and where cocktails are served at night. Gotta stay hydrated down here . . . on something," your definitely-new-best-friend says and chuckles again. This person sounds as relaxed as you'd like to be right now. You book a room and hang up.

Your boss scowls as he passes your______ (desk/work area/cubicle/station.) "What are you smirking at ________ (insert your name here) he growls. "Nothing, sir," you answer, but that Disney song comes to mind again and you can't help yourself. You start to hum and hope the office wise-guy doesn't call you "Jiminy Cricket."