With over 70,000 people crowded on Duval Street, Fantasy Fest continues to conjur up incredible stories. From funny to fantastic, there's no other place like Key West & all the events of Fantasy Fest.
Below is my story of the "unofficial" Key West 2005. But, this site isn't just about my experiences...I want to hear what YOU have to say about Fantasy Fest - the good, the bad, and the just plain wierd. So, contact me privately and I will add your story to the list.
The "Unofficial" Fantasy Fest 2005 - Follow The Bouncing EyeGlass...
Visually impaired (wearing George's glasses), I must have thought I was holding onto a hot girl...turns out it was just a parking meter...
Glasses are amazing pieces of artwork. Two ocular devices that correct the visual imperfections of my life; without them my life would be extremely difficult to operate. How do I know? As you can see to the left, our story starts with a party…a party of die-hard fans and one hell of an unstoppable urge to party with them.
The Saturday for each of my Fantasy Fests are devoted to wild and debaucherous times. This time was no different. During the costume parade, I was barraged by free drinks, crazy people, and all-out fun…
As the night grew more intense, I “interacted” with more and more “people”. Beads flying everywhere, I joined a group of Key West Rainbow Goddesses as they entered my field of vision. This was a photo “op” not to miss! So, I take a shot of them & I get one with me – my face stuffed inside one of their chests.
A minute later, I notice that my vision is really impaired…is it the alcohol? Oh no…camera 1…camera 2…my eyeglass fell out! What the hell am I going to do? I'm drunk, I can't see, and I look like an idiot with a winking problem! Feverously, I look all around and can't find this glass anywhere…looking like a chicken pecking for food. After 15 minutes (and many people thinking I've gone totally mental), I walk and wink back to my home. There, my buddy George has the best idea possible – “hey, why don't you use my glasses?” This one sentence saved my Fantasy Fest. So, I head back out there with near-blind vision (his prescription is about a ¼ of what mine is) and head back to the party. The rest is history…for that night.
The next three days were filled with near-blinding vision throughout Key West . Visiting a pirate museum, shopping, eating, partying – all done at near-blindness.
However, I did get my prescription done in Key West . However, that didn't help since no doctor could make prescription and transition lenses on any of the islands in a day or two. So, we head back to Naples . Since I can't see, George saves me again by driving back in my parents' convertible. The story doesn't end…
After some quick shopping (don't go to LensCrafters – they were going to charge me around $350 for one pair of glasses!), we headed over to VisionWorks . And, they had a great sale going and could do glasses in about an hour – ok, I'll buy here. Well, wouldn't you know it – we come back in an hour and the machine breaks down. Sorry, no glasses today; come back tomorrow. The next day arrives and we come back to pick up my glasses in the afternoon (giving them plenty of time). Here's what I see:
It turns out that an FPL electric truck runs into a transformer…thus the power outage. Sorry, no glasses today – maybe tomorrow.
“But I just need to pick up my glasses and that's it”, I said.
“Sorry, we just can't help”, they said.
“But, what's your name and let me check”, they said.
“Last name Zajac”, I said.
“Oh, then let me check”, they said.
You see, these guys heard this story and they checked out of pity. Hey, I'll take my glasses any way possible! And, wouldn't you know it – I got one of the two pairs of glasses. The next day, I call 1st and then come back in for my final pair of glasses – yes, they are there and I am finally done – whew! The funny thing now is that I notice the prescription isn't as good as it once was – after this ordeal, I'll just take what I can get!
And, if you're wondering where the glass went I'll give you two words…”drag queen”.
