The Fountain of Youth

The next phase of our journey began with our arrival in St. Augustine on July 21. It was good to finally make landfall on familiar shores.  After securing temporary quarters in the tiniest of efficiency apartments (balky air conditioning with temperatures of 100 degrees, maybe 300 square feet, WiFi only available in the bedroom while sitting on the bed near the outside balcony... you get the picture), I concentrated my efforts on securing gainful employment. Keeping in mind what had been learned over the past few months I set out to find the ideal situation.

I had only three criteria for my next endeavor. First it should be in an area that I find personally interesting. I narrowed the choices down to two, the wine industry and working in an historical attraction or museum. Second, the job should be minimally or non-stressful. And third, it should afford me enough free time to pursue additional outside interests. In other words, work to live rather than live to work. Believing in the old adage, work at something that you are passionate about and the money will follow, I was willing to start at the bottom.

Having learned to trust in karma, I was neither shocked nor surprised when these two ads appeared on the St. Augustine Craigslist job board within days of our arrival in town:

1) We need history interpreters to guide our guests. If you enjoy People, History and Storytelling then let us know!

• Location: Fountain of Youth Archaeology Park

2) TYPE OF WORK: Full Time Wine Sales Rep

DESCRIPTION: A fast growing Wine Importer/Distributor, representing several award winning wines, is seeking EXPERIENCED Wine Sales Representatives in the St.Augustine area.

Although I did not have the required wine sales experience, I felt that my extensive sales background would enable me to overcome that deficiency. Sure enough I was able to secure an interview with the owner of the small wine import company.  He made me an offer on the spot. I told him I needed to think it over. In reality although I love wine, the job would entail daily travel to Jacksonville, wine tastings after hours, and stressful quotas.

The Fountain of Youth Archaeology Park is a 100 year old historical attraction based on the legend of the discovery by Ponce de Leon. After touring the park, I felt that it would enable me to be immersed in an interesting phase of US and world history. More importantly, everyone I met there was friendly and enthused about what they are doing. Where could it lead? Who knows. That is the beauty of trusting in the future. Opportunities will just appear, if you are open to them. Of course like the peacocks that roam the property, I'm working for peanuts.

Seriously, I have made more people happy in my four days of work here than in thirty years of the corporate world. I enjoy meeting and talking to the visitors, finding out about where they live, and helping make their vacations memorable. Could it be that the Fountain of Youth can make you feel younger even without drinking the water?