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BEN JOSEPHS

Change is good.
Articles Posted: 335  Links Seeded: 316
Member Since: 1/2007  Last Seen: 5/20/2012

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Visiting St. Augustine Florida

Fri May 7, 2010 2:27 PM EDT
florida, photography, citizen-journalism, st-augustine, citizen-photojournalism
By Ben Josephs
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Driving up along the coast on A1A, the St. Augustine Lighthouse is immediately in view once you approach the city. It was built in 1824 on the site of an earlier Spanish tower. Within the city, you'll find many shops, hotels and restaurants inside the many historical buildings.

Realizing that the old city is essentially a tourist trap, I sought to generally avoid the typical places and activities the city has to offer. The fellow travelers decided to take the trolley tour, graciously allowing me to photograph on foot, and we would leave when the tour had ended, approximately one hour fifteen minutes.


Yikes! It's probably a safe to assume that spending the entire day wouldn't produce a full entente, but take what you can get.

After spending probably too much time at Castillo de San Marcos, rushing became necessary. The streets are narrow, with some of cobblestone, and filled to the brim with tourists (ack!). This makes driving practically impossible, unless you're comfortable teaching pedestrians a few lessons with the hood of your vehicle.

It's probably good that I wasn't the driver on this excursion.

In an apparent attempt to keep the old feel of the city, the stop signs were raised in wood, though I would advocate the banning of cars altogether, there's no room.

Along with the trolley, horse drawn carriage tours are available. Both tours are fairly expensive, with the horse being more so, but the driver gives a very informative historical narration. To get explore on foot is still preferable to this 'tourist' but I am of the volition that discovering history for yourself is the best way to learn.

The street performers are fun to watch too, though a feeling of guilt comes over when they're not tipped.

© Benjamin Pecka 2010. All rights reserved.
This article is part of Foto Friday, a feature of Newsvine Photographers.
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  • Ben Josephs's Column, All of Newsvine
  • Groups: Citizen Photojournalism, Journalism on Newsvine, Newsvine Photographers, Photography, PhotoVine, Vine Travelogues
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  • Public Discussion (14)
rottlady

A very nice article Ben, your narrative is informative and the pictures are fantastic! I really like the juxtaposition of the horse/trolley.

I've started a new group (Vine Travelogues) and I'm going to clip this to it.

  • 3 votes
Reply#1 - Fri May 7, 2010 3:53 PM EDT
Ben Josephs

I left St. Augustine a little pissed actually. Being rushed sucks and not having complete independence practically kills me. There was a lot of quick framing and I had to use automatic mode on the camera, definitely not my best work, but this was a vacation on someone else's dime (well, I paid for the airfare), so I can't really complain.. much.

The horse/trolley seems to be the most popular but I really like the street performer best. I found the best street performer in Key West, but you'll have to wait until next week. I know you, in particular, will get a kick.

  • 3 votes
#1.1 - Fri May 7, 2010 6:55 PM EDT
rottlady

Cool, I can't wait!

As for the best picture, I agree the street performer is the best. I can almost hear him play his tune! I also like how he's trying to stand in the shade but somehow you got him in the sun!

  • 3 votes
#1.2 - Fri May 7, 2010 8:35 PM EDT
runjobsrun

Being rushed sucks and not having complete independence practically kills me.

I totally understand that feeling. Even if the others haven't said anything, you just feel that pressure to hurry up. Regardless, looks like you had some fun. I looked up St. Augustine on Wikipedia. Apparently, it's the oldest port in the continental US.

jobs

    #1.3 - Fri May 7, 2010 9:03 PM EDT
    Reply
    mstanley2265

    ummmm the history and feel of the "old" towns..wonderful adventure

    • 2 votes
    Reply#2 - Fri May 7, 2010 3:58 PM EDT
    Dowser

    I want to go back!

    We took a horse and wagon ride, and really enjoyed the excursion-- as you say. It is a lovely place, and you have captured so much of it!

    These are great pictures! And rottlady is right, the horse and trolley make a great picture!

    • 1 vote
    Reply#3 - Fri May 7, 2010 4:52 PM EDT
    Holly-348328

    Wow, I can really feel the energy from St. Augustine! I love the photo of the man with the guitar. I will have to make it here the next time I head to Florida!

    • 2 votes
    Reply#4 - Fri May 7, 2010 4:53 PM EDT
    Ben Josephs

    Hint: park your car right away and walk, do not look for primo parking.

    • 1 vote
    #4.1 - Fri May 7, 2010 6:56 PM EDT
    Reply
    River-239955

    Pretty lighthouse !!

    • 3 votes
    Reply#5 - Fri May 7, 2010 5:58 PM EDT
    Proud American-252641

    Awesome photos Ben, and I love the information about the area, it is like taking a mini vaca without having to pack! Not to mention skipping airport security. :o) Thanks for sharing

    • 1 vote
    Reply#6 - Fri May 7, 2010 6:56 PM EDT
    Penny-1315669

    Thanks for jogging my memory,

    Ben! I actually lived there as a small child and went back to visit many years later. It was a beautiful place.

    Some highlights of my visit were: The Fountain of Youth, An Alligator Farm, A lovely park where old men sat and played chess in the afternoon, and A Ferry Boat Ride. Being from Ohio, I was also fascinated by the above ground crypts at the cemetery. We bury our dead under the ground in Ohio!

    Beautiful photos and wonderful post!

    Penny

    • 1 vote
    Reply#7 - Fri May 7, 2010 7:54 PM EDT
    Soovivers

    Looks like you are having a great time Ben even though you are feeling rushed. The pictures are great. I like them all - the lighthouse still standing after almost 200 years is remarkable for the US anyway.

    • 2 votes
    Reply#8 - Sat May 8, 2010 9:52 AM EDT
    maddad

    my 1st wife and i lived in st. augustine for a couple years. it is an absolutely beautiful place that is full of history. thanks for the pics. nice memories.

    • 2 votes
    Reply#9 - Sat May 8, 2010 10:07 AM EDT
    TJ Bradford

    Great pics Ben. I love the article. There is alot that I do not remember from my visit. Of Course when I was there I was working and the visit was only a few hours so I did not get to see much.

    • 1 vote
    Reply#10 - Wed May 12, 2010 12:22 AM EDT
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