Ancient City

In 1565, Spanish Admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés established the first successful European settlement in America. He named it St. Augustine.

New here, I started wandering the streets and alleys. Turning down King Street, I realized I was humming Simon & Garfunkel’s America. Hum… Fitting.

At Phillip Anthony’s Gallery I had a long conversation with the Curator. We talked about her gallery artists, their visions and styles. One reminded me of Alma-Tadema and his paintings Sappho and The Women of Amphissa.   

On Aviles Street I met Ken Jenson and he played some melodies on his amazing ceramic guitars and banjos.

When my stomach started rumbling, I stopped at Ancient City Brunch Bar on St. George St., for a blueberry muffin and coffee. It was a perfect February day, so in the park next to the Governor’s house I enjoyed my snack and the tourists strolling by.

There’s something powerful about sitting still and observing. People flowed in and out of Star Bucks’. A teenager with a raspy, trumpeting, exhaust rattled the streetside windows. A father shepherded his children across the street and into a horse drawn carriage.

Then a thought floated past.

1565 was 457 years ago.

That would be quite a birthday cake.