Why Saint Augustine?

Last week I offered to take a couple's photo in front of the fountain in the courtyard of Flagler College, once Henry Flagler's1887 grand Ponce de Leon Hotel. He had already taken a photo of her and was about to hand over the camera so she could photograph him. I always offer to take visitor's photos for two reasons: they are here together and should have at least one photo that shows it and, I hope, it leaves them with a warm memory of how friendly Saint Augustine is every time they look at it.

As I gave back the camera the man said, “Thank you. Have you lived in Saint Augustine all your life?” I replied, “Not yet, but I'm having fun working at it.” And that is a sincere statement. There are still many places I want to visit, but only one place I want to call home.

I can live anywhere I want and that extends beyond the U.S. to include Canada and any country in the European Union. I choose to live here. Saint Augustine offers so much that it encompasses the experiences found elsewhere. It is in the U.S. but feels distinctly European with the narrow brick paved streets and Old World style of the Spanish occupation era historical buildings. There is the opulence of an era past in the late 1800s grand hotels clustered on the southwest corner of Old Town. Art galleries are everywhere as Saint Augustine has always attracted artists because the ocean and beaches, town and buildings, offer endless subjects bathed in brilliant Florida sunlight or the pale purples of an early evening sky. The climate is much to my liking because instead of the endless summer of south Florida there are four seasons for the senses.

A friend visiting from New York City referred to Saint Augustine as “Mayberry By The Sea”. I took that as a compliment. It is officially a city, but as more people are moving through the streets on foot than in cars it retains a small hometown America feel. And it is the original American city, being the oldest continuously occupied city in the U.S. The main St George Street that runs from the town square to the imposing Spanish-built fort, Castillo de San Marcos, is closed to vehicular traffic and is a delightful stroll down what is truly history's lane. Sheriff Andy and Deputy Barnie Fife are probably patrolling as I write.

So, not having lived here all my life is great. I get to explore and discover my favorite place every day.