I am thoroughly convinced that Key West is permanently encased in a twisted time warp continuum. Very few things get done around here quickly or efficiently because Islanders have a very relaxed and casual attitude about everything.
Personally, I think its the relentless and constant heat that causes this phenomenon.
The Locals or Conchs are people who have lived here for a very long time have brought this behaviour to a completely new level.
When new comers to the Island inqure about this they are told that "This ain't the mainland and we do things on "Island Time".
It makes me crazy.
Most Conchs appear to be oblivious to the fact that some people would like to take care of business and errands in a timely fashion and prefer not camp out in the Post Office, K-Mart, Wal-Greens, Ross, Bealls, Ben Frankling etcetera, etcetera.
Even if there is only one person in line ahead of me, there is always something that slows things down, especially when the employee is acquainted with the customer, which happens more often than not. Then it becomes "Social Hour" and I have been privy to a great many conversations that I could have lived without.
For example : The other day I learned that good old Uncle Bob, who lives in Big Pine, had a nasty boil on his bottom and had to be taken to Dr. Norris to have it lanced.
It was so bad that he could not even drive himself to the Doctor's office. Poor pitiful Bob had to lay in the back seat of the car, while his ex-wife drove him there and back. Ewwww!
I have learned to cope with this infuriating Island Time behaviour by ensuring that my Kindle always goes into my purse before I leave the house. Yes, my knitting is in my purse too but sometimes the Kindle is easier to manage. Scandalous I know.
You can be sure that I make a big deal of pulling it out of my purse. Then I'll unsnap the cover and begin to read. Of course I'll hold nice and high so everyone can admire the pretty red leather case.
It does not do make things go any faster but I feel that it does make a rather bold statement to those who might actually notice or care.
Quite often I usually recieve a few comments from others who are stranded in line with nothing to do. They are envious.
Yes, indeed I have gotten my moneys worth out of the Kindle and it's barely two months old. However, it is the only thing that keeps me from loosing my mind in Alcatraz.