My mom recently took me to see a very interesting and bizarre gift shop named "Pirate's Dream" near her home in Placida, Florida.
🏴☠️ Pirate's Dream Is Easy To Miss 🕵️♂️
As I write this post I've actually already left Florida and arrived in Kentucky, now Indiana in my former hometown. However, I haven't had time to post, but I still aim to keep things in chronological order, and here we are during my last few days in Florida with my mom. I wanted to get some nick-nacks for the family back in Cambodia, and this shop was the perfect place to visit for such things.
This shop appears to be a home from the outside, and there are no major signs indicating what's inside. There are however an abundance of small signs and other curiosities outside the store that cause you to at least slow down for investigation.
I noticed a concrete pirate, a fake shark's head, and some interesting murals on some repurposed walls surrounding the parking lot area. Before going inside I walked along the bike path in front of the shop and snapped a few more pics, fully intent upon this becoming Hive content.
I noticed a sign for a free coconut necklace, so I made a mental note and wondered if I would receive my free bounty. Arrrggg!!!! We're going in matey.....
Monkey-B's Dream 💭
My youngest daughter 
So many different rocks and gems, my girls would've loved this experience, such a shame bureaucracy and government ineptitude has keep this impossible for so many years. Well, at least for now I can collect some treasures to take back to Cambodia.
King Cobra-ppropriate 🐍
When I saw tiny little animals carved from polished stones, I figured these would be nice little treasures for the kids. To see a king cobra shocked me, but since on two occasions king cobras have launched themselves at our tuk-tuk, I think it's an appropriate purchase. Perhaps this stone cobra will keep the real ones away.
We got a few necklaces and things, but already I've forgotten which one was designated for each of my ladies, so I guess I'll have to let them fight or duel over it.
I passed on the shark tooth necklace, assuming they were too manly for the kind of jewelry that is acceptable in Cambodia.
Snow Globes ❄️
I was surprised to see that snow globe technology hasn't changed much since I was a child. Just seeing them brought back lots of childhood memories even though I'm not sure if I ever owned one. I do remember picking up many of them in stores through the years and giving them a swirl.
There were lots of sea turtle trinkets there too, not surprising considering Florida is home to lots of sea turtle nesting sites.
Economy In Decline 📉
After checking out and heading back to the car, I walked across the street to take a picture of an abandoned strip mall. There are lots of locations like this, and the sight of real estate not being used saddens me. It just seems so wasteful to think just because the rent is too high that no economic activity will take place here. Anyhow, that's it for now, I'll try to catch up to posting in real time before I head back to Cambodia.
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