Faith, Folklore, and Friends

I love poking through old towns, with their narrow, bricked streets and walled gardens.  St. Augustine didn't disappoint. Love discovering gardens tucked in the tiny alleys. St. Augustine reminded me of New Orleans in so many ways.  I'm hoping we will be able to go back when we have plenty of time to see all its treasures.

Beautiful mosaics at the entrance of the St. Augustine Visitor's Center. 

The Spanish ship El Galeon is docked in St. Augustine Municipal Marina.  El Galeon is a 1/1 replica of a Spanish galleon, used to transport cargo and often taken over and reused by pirates. The ship has five decks available for tour.  It has an all-Spanish crew and depicts life like it would have been when the Spanish first settled St. Augustine. All the ship's workers had to know how to mend ropes: you can see why. We didn't have time to tour this one the day we were in St. Augustine, but we did tour the Mayflower several years ago.  It gave me a greater respect for the brave souls who set out on it, looking for a better life.  

On September 8, 1565, Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles, with 800 Spanish colonists, founded St. Augustine, Florida.  The city is already celebrating their 450th anniversary. It is a beautiful city.  We only had half a day to spend there; I wish it had been several.  I love exploring places where you can feel the history everywhere you go.  More tomorrow.