So, just down the road from Jacksonville there is an amazing city called St Augustine. The oldest continuously inhabited city in America. Settled in 1565 by the Spanish. Ole Pedro Menendez de Aviles was sent out from Spain with the intention of finding a suitable location for a permanent settlement. He had a moat and a fort protecting the city from invaders. Mainly pirates.
In 1763 the Treaty of Paris ended the 7 years war and Spain gave Florida to the British, in exchange for Havana. So the British came in and didn’t like all the single storied homes of the Spanish and added another story.
Spain ruled again from 1784 until 1821 when they peacefully turned Florida over to the USA 1821.
I’m going to show you some of the architecture from the historical district that was within the city walls.
So a day of tourism with lots of other people but saw some amazing sights. Then we went for a drink and lunch. Found an old house turned into a restaurant. The outside courtyard was crowded but we were given a lovely spot on the balcony looking down on the umbrellas.
It was a little unfortunate that my wide gestural movement when describing something, knocked the pepper shaker off the table over the balcony and landed in a bush below. Luckily not on top of anyone. I apologised to the waitress who laughed and said “haha, it happens all the time!”
In the Historic District we had to visit the many little art galleries.
Then we came across a gallery that blew me away!!!! At the back in a seperate area I came across an exhibition of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dali sketches for sale from the estates of same. Sketches on paper. Then I saw a glass light fitting hanging in tentacles of blues and greens and knew it was a Dale Chihuly creation. Look him up!!! Then before getting out of the gallery we came across the collection of art by Dr Suess estate. It was amazing.
That was the highlight of my trip to St Augustine. The architecture was amazing too.
Till next time…….Pamela
Pamela Lines 