At the end of my workday I stuffed a few dollars into my pants pocket and unhooked my car key from my main key chain. I pocketed my car key and put the rest of my keys in my purse. I debated taking my cell phone, then put it in my other pocket. I left my office about 3:15pm (I work 7am-3pm with just a short breakfast break at 10:00.) and placed my purse in the trunk of my car. I slung my camera over my shoulder and strolled out of the parking lot. Even though the sun was shining brightly it was still pretty cold, and I found myself hunching in my corduroy jacket. I pulled the sleeves down around my cold fingers and picked up my pace.
As I walked past houses dating back to the late 1800's I watched for good photo opportunities. I also watched where I was stepping because the sidewalks are uneven and St. George Street is paved with brick to give it that old cobblestone look. I've stumbled more than once because I stepped into a hole while I was staring at some interesting piece of architecture!
I backtracked to Aviles Street (the oldest street in the oldest city) and walked past the Casa de Solana Bed & Breakfast whose main building was erected about 1803 or so. Then past a series of shops that beckoned to me with antique maps and books, jewelry, pottery, and art. Today I would not succumb to the temptation of shopping. I was on a mission to relax, take photos, and enjoy my town.
If you're walking north on Aviles Street it ends at the Plaza de la Constitucion. Most southern towns have a square in the middle of town. Because our city was planned and built by the Spanish we have a plaza. It is rectangular and contains several monuments, a gazebo, large, stately trees - cedars and live oaks mostly, a structure known as The Market, and several cannons. I strolled around the plaza and snapped some pictures and just enjoyed being outside. I even sat for a few minutes on a bench, but it was still too cold to do that for long.
I turned my attention back to walking and headed over to St. George Street again. North of the Plaza St. George Street becomes a pedestrian walkway bordered by shops and restaurants. I hurried because I was not shopping today and quickly turned east on Hypolita Street. Facing east I could see the waterfront again. Tourists were out in abundance enjoying the sunshine and warmer temperatures. I passed two cafes that had recently closed. The economic downturn has wreaked havoc on our locally-owned restaurants and shops. I slowed as I passed Claude's Chocolates, but I did not stop. Claude is French and crafts the most exquisite Belgian chocolates...I must stop as my mouth is watering. The light looked interesting on Charlotte Street so I headed north. A large motel backs up to Charlotte Street on the east side of the street so no photo ops there. I turned west on Cuna Street and noticed that a toy store had been replaced by a book shop. I made a note to come back and spend some time browsing in there! By this time I had been walking for 45 minutes and I was getting cold and thinking a hot cup of coffee would be delicious. I turned left on St. George Street and headed to Cafe de Hidalgo. This little cafe serves delicious gelato, all kinds of delicious coffees, and sandwiches. Just as I opened my mouth to order a coffee to go I saw the handwritten board that advertised Mexican Hot Chocolate. Oh, my. I ordered the Mexican Hot Chocolate. Made with real chocolate (not a powdered mix), milk, cinnamon, and a dash of hazelnut, it sounded too wonderful to pass up. The woman at the register said it would be about 5 minutes so I grabbed a small table and relaxed for a few minutes.
There was a couple sitting next to me - the man and woman looked to be in their early thirties. A server brought out huge cups of coffee to them. Then a server brought out a huge piece of apple pie a la mode and served it to the man. I wasn't the only one who noticed; several of us were taking covert peeks at what looked like heaven-on-a-plate. It was huge so the assumption was that the man and woman were sharing it, but no! Another server brought out the biggest piece of cake I have ever seen! Seriously, this looked to be almost a quarter of a very tall cake! Someone at another table said, "I guess they're not sharing!" and giggled. The woman who had ordered the cake looked mortified, but we all started giggling at the huge piece of cake and she seemed to relax. She leaned over to me and offered to share. I told her thanks, but no thanks. I asked her where they were from, and she replied, "England". I apologized for our extremely cold weather (We Floridians tend to take responsibility for the weather, you know.) She said they were having a great time, and we agreed, "At least it's not raining!" She added, "Or snowing!" and I had to tell her that we had had snow on Saturday just 30 miles south. She was stunned and amazed. I picked up my hot chocolate and bid them farewell.
I strolled back to my car - taking another 30 minutes or so to get there. What a great afternoon!
I want some of that hot chocolate. And what perfect chilly weather for it. And if I had been there, I'll be I could have talked you into getting a piece of that cake and sharing it. Sounds like a fun afternoon.
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