American Latino Heritage Fund- Castillo de San Marcos

Day 4 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip finds us at St. Augustine, the most famous of Florida's Historical Hispanic hotspots- and BB means that in every sense of the word.  Founded by Spain in 1565, it was a booming town 42 years before Jamestown and 55 years before Plymouth Rock.  Imaginate, there was actually a time we were early!  And not only were we early, we knew a good thing when we saw it.  Queen Regent Mariana mandated the building and fortification of a fort to defend La Florida, and though it took 23 years to complete, the Castillo de San Marcos is still a strong testament of Spanish Colonial construction and to the people who defended her.

BB in front of the Castillo de San Marcos

Now a video from a man who knows, Ranger J. Olbrich.  Poor man had no idea what BB was about or about to ask, but he handled it great- much better than Babushka, but more on that in a bit.  

Ahora, remember BB saying St. Augustine was a hotspot?  I wasn't just whistlin' La Guantanamera My Beautifuls- it was 96 degrees on this day, and after a self directed tour, the rangers narrative, and waiting for the next canon exhibition I was about to faint- truly.  Knowing that my Capitan Maria de los Angeles had the canon firing as a main point of interest, I quickly scouted out the top of the fort.  Never underestimate the determination of a melting Babushka y'all.  The only shade on the top-

BB's Oasis

Down went the Popa bag to stake my territory!  

You'd be amazed how much slinking into shadows 

and squeezing into tight places I can do to keep my sanity.

 This is the view from the top, the angle of my next video-
actually, I think it came out cool.

Ok si, BB was cool(er) from this angle, but then I did go chasing the action.  

The full length canon drill- an intricate dance with tools and timing- is on BB's youtube channel. Actually, I was feeling guilty being sick from the heat- can you imagine being out here in wool?  That's what the soldiers wore, and some of the braver re enactors follow the original lines.

BB had the honor of meeting a family of re enactors-

yes, there is a lady in the ranks.

  JU SO FONII!!!  

You knew I wasn't talking about BB didn't you?

  ; )

Castillo San Marcos BBP (Babushka Bullet Points)

* Over 300 years old

* Never fell to enemy via attack-  changed ownership via treaty and such

* Had at one point over 60 canons of 6 & 18 lb variety

* Can be extreme (so BB) in weather conditions. Dress appropriately and bring supplies.  

* MINIMUM of 3 hours to visit

* Feibu Fabuloso https://www.facebook.com/pages/Castillo-de-San-Marcos-National-Monument/151539938192568

So por supuesto, I had fulfilled my assignment- 

and now to fulfill my body and soul. 

How perfect is the name??


Por Supuesto.

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  You can find more pics on Babushka's Feibu page https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.513210745372565.133158.258124544214521&type=3

P.P.S. Mil Gracias to Ms. Barbara and the great folks at the Florida's Historic Coast

for all their help with entrances and lodging in beautiful St. Augustine

P.P.P.S.  And as always, thanks to the major sponsors of this major event.

 

American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip- Tallahassee Twofer Part 2 Mission San Luis & TWAM

Day 2 of the American Latino Heritage Fund Roadtrip and I'm visiting Mission San Luis in Tallahassee Florida.  For those who've danced with BB before, you know I'm all about the fun of life, how all things are better if they're done with a smile and a laugh, and history- the studying of it- is no exception.  What good is the past if no one in the future wants to study or hear about it?  In Babushka's not so humble opinion I say we've got to keep it real- and alive.  Living history, re enactments, history through the feelings, the emotions, the senses, that's what is remembered and appreciated, and that's- pardon the intended pun, is the mission of the Mission (San Luis).

Mission San Luis is a working archaeological site that also incorporates a museum, re enactments, reconstructions, theater, food, and shopping.  Oh si, you know with all those elements it has to be one of BB's fav places and it is.  I happily volunteer at the mission and everytime I go I learn something new. I am very grateful to Karin Stanford, the Museum Programs Supervisor who was able to show some of the special features of the mission and share some of the fascinating history found within its boundaries.  I have highlighted this video about the fort found on the mission grounds, but you can go to my youtube channel and see the other sections and some excellent re enactors bringing history to our visitors.

Karin Stanford with background on the fort,

 its' inhabitants and their significance to our state/national history.

Not only is Karin well versed in the events of Mission San Luis, she also has a wonderful artistic flair.  Look how beautifully staged she placed Carlitos. 

Carlitos- You're timeless.

Ahora saben that I promised you a Tallahassee Twofer, and on this day I was in the welcoming and nourishing company of my fellow TWAM troupe members.  I'm sure you'll be able to see the joy and fun I was having with my good friends; they truly do enjoy sharing their talents, and how audiences enjoy them!

On Bohemian Babushka's Feibu page you'll see an interview w/Gabrielle Reed, Costume Mistress for TWAM.  She's the one who helped put the pizazz and touch of realism into BB's roadtrip and her talent is inmeasurable.  And speaking of inmeasurable talent, Benjamin Gunter the artistic director, writer, actor, song writer, interpreter (talent beyond measure- verdad?) explains what/who is TWAM, its' reason and vision for the future.

And for those who miss it, or think I've forgotten- my "signature phrase" is in the video

 ; )

 the reason behind rhyme and drama- an example

how it brings passion and life to history

Thoughts & Theatrics.

It was nice to come back home to start the roadtrip.  I could think of no better place or group of people who could explain and personify the importance of history and show how the magic of making memories via the past is very possible and within our poder.

La historia es nuestra- vamos a vivirla!

The history is ours- let's live it!

Babushka Besos a todos.  Cuidensen.

P.S.  On Feibu you will see various pics of the day, especially archaeological findings that I wasn't able to include in this post.  Unfortunately the video interview I had on that portion of the Mission did not tape correctly, but the public is welcome to visit the archaeological part of the mission, just please make an appointment to do so.

P.P.S.  I promise to name the wonderful re enactors found on my youtube page and here in this post.  Hopefully not gonna run Cubantime on that one; they're worthy of mention and kudos.

P.P.P.S.  Another ulterior motive here- to raise the consciousness, the attendance and participations of Latinos in our national, state and local parks/landmarks.  Let's live our history with pride- and fun!