It is always a pleasure to hear from our international visitors & to share their thoughts on their experience in northwest Florida. Here’s a note from a visitor whose project focused on the protection of children. What did she think of our community? We’ll let her tell you in her own words:
My Name is Lusia Peilouw. I was in the US for two weeks when I arrived in Pensacola for a three-day stay, together with six other Indonesian fellows for the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) hosted by US Department of State.
I fell in love with Pensacola at my first sight. I love the sugar-white sand that outlining the areas so charmingly. The beaches are clean and bright whole day which lovely. I have never missed to capture stunning horizon. I did it twice from a bridge near Casino Beach and from port of Dolphin Cruise. After my official meetings, I always managed to catch up sitting in the beach or café, witnessing the sun gently moved and sank to the west and whispered to the universe: “bye sun, thank you for today, hope see you shine again tomorrow”. This is a ritual to admire the universe. Sometimes I do it, when the beauty of the sunset is touching my heart. And I did it again there, in Pensacola, meaning that Pensacola is something to me.
I had a chance to attend Sunday Mass in Cathedral of the Sacred Heart together with two friends of mine, Sylvia and Buda. It was so wonderful. Mr. Michael Ritz was so kind guiding us and introducing us to the pastor and other people afterwards. He also spent his time introducing us to downtown of Pensacola, briefed us on the history of Pensacola Area and how was the city developed after a hurricane, etc. Thank you for your kindness, Mike.
As a part of IVLP agenda, I had a chance to have home hospitality. I and three other friends were warmly welcomed to Mr. E. Ben and Mrs. Magali Posey’s home. We felt so homey with them. From their entire house, I learn about simplicity, respect to nature and well-organized of daily life. From their story of family lifespan, I learn about a spirit of fighting for life because family tie is everything. From their social life, I learn that it is important to give a space in our life to feel connected to other outside home.
Ben and Maggie introduced me to Bayan Brown Beer, a nice beer with a sensational essence that so tasty to me. And I just loved it. Oh, and their homemade cheese cake…was so yummy, believe meJ. Time was too short for us to spend with the loving and caring couple.
On the last evening, I spent time on Casino Beach Pavilion for the weekly summer music concert. Hundreds of people came with their own chairs sitting around the beach and enjoying life music, some danced with kids, friends and partner. I saw a lively summer in Pensacola.
I won’t forget a lovely lady named Mrs. Shauna Davis. She was our great shuttle driver. We always made noise in her shuttle and sometimes worried if we annoyed her. At the end of our visit, she told us: “I love your group. Once you came aboard you were talking and laughing, you look happy with your trip.” We love you too, Shauna. As you said, I would love to come again one day in the future.
Lastly, I am pleased to express my appreciation to Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council that has arranged and facilitated our IVLP visit in a very admirable way, by which we met honorable people and institution. Pensacola, a lovely city, will remain in our memory.
The Indonesian visitors at lunch