While we were in St. Augustine this past winter, we spent a couple days in ‘Old Town’. Much observing and mingling of the geographic and the people. Walking through different sections of town juggled and compromised my feelings, creating mixed emotions inside. Several spots were occupied by the homeless, having their few possessions with them. Sleeping bags, blankets, shoppings carts full of personal items. An image of one lady’s aging face, highlighted by her hollow aching eyes and clothes that clung to her thin body, still stings my heart. But that was part of the street life scene mingled among things such as loud music, snake charmers and the sound of voices in many different languages.
Steve continued his ongoing challenge of engaging me to try new foods, prepared and presented in sometimes an appealing way; sometimes not so much! But I’ve learned that if I will at least do a taste sample; more times than not it earns a place on my list of foods that I will eat again. Thus I’ve acquired a new appreciation for different cultures; their design, fashion, decor and food!
Speaking of snake charmers, this sight in addition to blasting music in the background disturbed me in more ways than one way.
First, I have a natural fear of snakes. Even black snakes. They do not belong around my house. Nor on my porch. Nor anywhere close to my person. I know; they kill mice and other rodents you say. True, but they also upset me and cause me fright. That is not a good thing! Second, the serpent is a symbol of Satan and other things such as evil, danger, death, a penetrating legless essence, the devil or deceit.
With all of that in mind my position is that the snake represents the instigator of the fall of man. I refuse to be fascinated and give reckless attention to something that is symbolic of the devil. Not a creature that should be charmed and toyed with for sure. Third, why set the example in front of young children possibly giving the impression that it’s ok to handle snakes. It’s not ok. They can kill you!
The music, the bongo drums, the sounds of people and smells of food intermingled and created an atmosphere of an illusional appeal. A wide variety of spiritual invitations were beckoning. At times, I had to guard my heart. That still small voice, (you remember, right?) whispered in my mind, “Let My Word be a lamp to your feet and a light to your path.”
When traveling and out of my element I often try to define my boundaries, keeping in mind that mental intrusions can have negative influences on one’s life. It may be wiser to limit exposure to certain things. Once I see, I can’t unsee. Once I hear, I can’t unhear. Scripture reminds me that “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows out of it” …Proverbs 4:23. Such good learning tools to acquire are given to us throughout the scriptures. The pangs of regrets can be irrefutably damaging. Thank God for His amazing grace and His wisdom. I will continue to ask for more of both! Every day!
Our second day, our walk around Old Town, was a little slower. We came with an expectation to sample and snack our way through as many different ethnic flavors of foods as possible. Kind of a bucket list thing! And so it went. A variety of eateries tempted us. An Irish-like pub earned a second visit.
Our random exploring took us into coffee shops, clothing boutiques and art galleries & craft exhibits. Some of my favorites were housed in older dwellings that had been transformed into specialty themed marketing prisons… ‘once you enter it is difficult to leave’… ‘smile’.
Then came the basket house. Richly colored baskets handmade in Africa. I chose one that served nicely to encase all the other small treasured items we had purchased, with a handle that fit Steve’s hand perfectly as we continued with our strolling! Also, beautiful fans of amazing rich colors. This little gem caught my eye. It matches my basket perfectly and it now hangs proudly on my wall awaiting it’s intended future use of fanning the flies away in conjunction with the soft breeze it will make on my sweaty brow. Yes, I’m anticipating some hot summer days, sitting on the porch, hooking rugs and sipping from a glass of sweet iced tea. Maybe some Louisiana music! Some swampy crawdad guitar and/or banjo style. Daniels or Jackson. Whatcha think folks?
And so it went! Our two days in Old Town, St. Augustine, Florida… The oldest continuously inhabited city in the USA. Also called Ancient City and boasts a summery climate almost perennially thus attracting tourists in huge numbers who soak in its majestic colonial atmosphere, the Gothic structures, sidewalk art cafes, numerous waterfronts and not forgetting vintage cobble streets. Fort Matanzas serves as poignant reminders in regard to the first Spanish settlers.
This path down south was memorable indeed. One we may travel again, to a city we may visit again. And this I hope! But wait… Stay tuned… St. Augustine, part 3 & 4 coming soon
Contact me at alice.heartpaths@gmail.com
