What's the most specifically exotic/foreign place you've ever been? (I.e. culture shock)

[MarvinGardens]

11. The Conch Republic

aka Key West, FL. This was in the early 2000s.

I hate to admit that I still have not traveled off the North American continent, so I am being serious with this post.

We could legally walk around with Solo cups full of beer, all over the city. Public nudity seemed to be tolerated to some degree on the street, and in some bars. It was very gay friendly, which wasn't seen in as many places then. The sunset watch gathering at Mallory Square every evening was rather unique, coming to a climax of cheering as the last sliver of the sun dipped below the horizon. It's also a tropical climate where it almost never gets cold, with no recorded freezing temperatures. Hemingway's house is still there and open for tours. The drive down from the mainland was also very beautiful. It's like a Carribean island you can drive to.

With all that, it was a very laid back atmosphere, rather than a "Woo! Party! Spring Break!" mentality one might encounter in other beach cities. Casual dress was allowed and welcomed even in the nice restaurants. My first visit was in my late 20s, and we seemed on the younger side for the crowd. It seemed to be more an older crowd, 30s-50s ish.

I don't know if it's still like that or not. Some of the attributes I listed would not seem as exotic in the US now, as they did then. Maybe it was a time & place thing.