Searching For The Fountain of Youth


The legend of the Fountain of Youth and Ponce De Leon's search for it covers many lands and eras. It was actually the Arawak Indians who first described a mythical land with curative waters, enticing Ponce De Leon, who was the ousted governor of Puerto Rico, to search for it in 1513. Spain's King Ferdinand actually offered the verdant land of "Beniny" to Ponce, sending him off on an expedition to find it.  But like the European explorers before him, Ponce got it wrong. He landed in St. Augustine, Florida and never made it to Bimini, as we now call it.


Although Florida boasts a Fountain of Youth Archaeological Park, where visitors can actually buy bottles from the supposed Fountain of Youth, Florida was simply where the conquistador landed. There was no mention of him locating the fountain. But deep in the forest of South Bimini, the fountain that the Arawaks were referencing still supplies healing water.


Actually, it's a well and the water is buried way, way, down in it. I peeked in and saw a glimpse of the water but the bucket couldn't reach it. I was surprised to see the well or even an association to the Fountain of Youth because I always considered it a myth.


Still, the legend lives on and locals insist that the water from the well is healing and rejuvenating. I can't attest to that but I did attempt to dip into the pool, just to try it. If this water was sending people all over the world to find it, there must be something to it...


Comments

Meisha Herron said…
Very interesting. It seems like you had a real nice visit.
You always find the most amazing information about places. Thanks.

Greetings from London.
Fly Girl said…
Meisha, thanks for dropping by!

Cubano, Thanks!
TexWisGirl said…
based on your smile, you found enough! :)
Fly Girl said…
Tex, I didn't sip the water but visiting was enough!
Andrew said…
Interesting story, Rosalind. Can't do you any harm!
Fly Girl said…
Andrew, Not at all!
Not only did some people drink Eleggua's alcohol, but occasionally they also ate his sweets. :-) I never dared to. We had an altar to Eleggua/Legba/Elegba (there are more, believe me, but I shall stop there) in my house and I always respected it.

Greetings from London.

Popular posts from this blog

Traveling Through A Liberian Childhood

Puerto Rico's Taino Culture

Switzerland's Fete Des Vignerons