"Papa's House," Part Two
Looking into the windows of the Finca Vigia was an extremely eerie
experience. The contents of the home appear as if Mr. Hemingway had
just been in the room and merely stepped out for some fresh air. A pair
of Hemingway’s glasses still lay atop a book on his writing desk. The
library shelves were filled with books, including many priceless first
editions.
The walls in the dining room and throughout the house were covered
with various animal heads and horns that were trophies from hunting
safaris.
The closets were visible, filled with Hemingway’s own shoes, boots,
hats and clothing. On prominent display was his WWI era Red Cross Ambulance
Corps uniform.*
One item of special interest was on the middle shelf of the bathroom.
In a jar on the right hand side was the body of a large green lizard,
preserved in formaldehyde. The story was that Hemingway had witnessed
the fight to the death between the lizard and his favorite cat Bossy.
He was so impressed with the bravery and determination of the doomed
reptile that he preserved the body and kept it in the bathroom as a
tribute to the animal’s suicidal tenacity.
Continue To Page 3...
|
