Florida-Old Town-St.Augustine
I checked in to Philadelphia airport to fly to Florida early in the morning. Grabbing a coffee and a walnut brownie, I took the flight. Sitting beside a beautiful girl Cuban in descent, we broke in conversation mimicking gestures. She spoke Spanish and little English, It was fun, However language is a spoiler. I reached Jacksonville, Raghav picked me up from the airport.
We drove to ‘Jax’ as Jacksonville is fondly called as. Driving through the streets, the waterways, wide roads, pine trees and blue skies; the first impression of the city looks cool. Curiously, I peeped on the vehicle registration plates of Car embossed with an Orange and “Sunrise State” tagline, the standard Florida things. Raghav answered my stupid and not to stupid questions all through the drive. We rammed onto an eatery for breakfast to grab Croissant and bacon strips along with the coffee.
Raghav has been living in Jax since 6 years, making life out of the city. He made a close group of friends, his extended family. clubbing, freaking out, sports and more. We drove to his apartment to be welcomed by his wife, Sneha. It was strange and special, this guy is hooked. Suddenly, the air gets charged up in an instant. Sneha screamed, Annnnaaa — ela unavvvv…?? I’m seeing them together after their wedding early during the year. we spoke for a while and the initial hesitation is soon hay ware.
Raghav left for the office for a meeting, Sneha and I began discussing about the food to eat, specials and desserts for lunch, In the meanwhile Raghav called up home with some recommendations. We worked on it for fifteen minutes and placed our order to call it an end. Bracing ourselves for lunch, we grabbed the fresh meal tender and authentic in taste. The meat was subtle dripping in juices, while the hand tossed noodles and veggies oozed freshness. Fifteen minutes into it, Done! We slurped it in entirety. Dragging myself away from the couch, good food brought me back on it sooner and I fell asleep till evening.
Raghav and I drove in the evening for shopping and headed towards St.Augustine, a historic coastal old town. St. Augustine is the oldest continuously inhabited neighborhood in America. Perhaps, the Spanish made this place a stopover for incoming ships protecting the Spanish gold. Citadel(castle-like structure) across the shore looks incredible, primarily built as a protection. Stone walls,boulders, slopes, central courtyard, tall doors, safe houses opening into the sea narrates the history. Walking through the structure, the installations, walkway get interesting along the shore.. It gets increasingly beautiful with cool breeze blowing across the ocean with an incredible view.
The Oceanic breeze and the heavy talks demanded some freshly brewed coffee at Kookaburra coffee. The Roastery crafted to perfection brews the single origin beans over the fresh press, Kalita, Aero press for a shot of coffee served with the goodness of freshly baked foods. Wading through the streets of Old town, the beautifully decorated town restores its legacy and architecture. Central spaces, well preserved buildings, wooden houses with gardens, courtyards, beautiful facades, cast iron decoratives, hanging lights, Palm trees dress the town with aesthetic feel. The heritage buildings and the narrow lanes are designed to be walk-able to understand the old town glory. Walking through the streets is walking through the Spanish settlements with balconies hanging flags and souvenirs, Incredibly, a historic town and a lot to be told.
Walking along the bay we broke into discussion looking at the dark waters, the entire stretch of buildings looks dazzling with lights. It gets increasingly colder along with the drizzle of rain. We went into a plush bar with highly attractive interiors and people with a good view of the bay. The well decorated place makes it merry with lights, artifacts, landscaping and souvenirs. We ordered cocktails with a hint of local flavors and spices from the old town, it is getting increasingly decent and sober till gorgeous women walk up to the bar. Alas! Everything changes, and everyone becomes alert, throwing attention towards them. Sipping through the cocktails and shots of whisky, we get warmed up and the energy starts flowing in. We spent a couple of hours to check out of the place.
We drove through the streets of the old town, moving away from the town to reach an old factory building. The building across the fields looked old and worn out with equipment lying aside. An old Cherokee rusted in look, wooden railings, hanging tulip lights dimly lit makes it interesting. The giant door opens into the hallway to the high ceilings. The textured walls tinned & wooden in shade, standing bar counter, single tables along the sideways creates a vintage look for the place. We ordered signature cocktails with in-house spirits. Rum based cocktail is served with a splash of cinnamon and clove creating a distinct flavor, the after taste carries a soothing effect for every sip making it Hot AF. Blown away by the taste, I tried different cocktails laced with spices.
Masetti lives in Tampa and drove to us. I met him back in India and he looks different now, more of an adult. We discussed over drinks and soon drove to an eatery in the old town. I tried Burgers and fish & chips for dinner. The secret sauce served with the food is finger licking good, to order it in batches again.
We drove back home picking up frozen yogurt for Sneha. The after night party continued at home along with the frozen yogurt as dessert. Sneha lit up the home with her energy charging up the air. The fun continued till the wee hours of the day as we mimicked people, played dumb-charades, singing to the tunes and more.
