1. Allow participants into the cemeteries. We were told that nobody is allowed in because of generalized vandalism. If the tour can't get gate keys to the cemeteries it should not bother to visit them. It's silly to stand outside a locked gate or fence and try to see something on the other side. OR, it should change the itinerary to include ghostly things that are not in cemeteries that you can go into, e.g., haunted house.
2. Improve the stories. What we heard was vague and in some cases untrue. "For some reason . . ." doesn't cut it. And the Catholic religion does NOT preclude burial of incomplete bodies. Witness all the saints' body parts treated as holy relics in churches around the world.
3. Once you figure out where to go where participants can actually enter, allow much less time for picture taking. Our guide allowed 10-15 minutes for the two cemeteries we visited before we peeled off. Way too much time for a few people to take a few pics from outside a gate. It definitely felt like the guide was trying to stretch out the tour.
Одговор домаћина
Oct 2022
1. The Tolomato Cemetery is governed by the Tolomato Cemetery Preservation Association, and open to visitors on the third Saturday of every month (weather permitting) while docents are present. “Paranormal and Ghost tourism” are strictly prohibited. Please visit tolomatocemetery.com for further info. The Hugenot Cemetery is maintained by our Memorial Presbyterian Church and offers concurrent tours of its grounds (3rd Saturday of the month). They also restrict all visitation except when specific church leadership is on site. As opposed to modern day cemeteries, these sites are historical landmarks. Saint Augustine will continue to protect our deceased, historical citizens by prohibiting daily foot traffic within these cemeteries. The preservation and sanctity of history in our town will always supersede the rights of tour companies, and A Ghostly Encounter proudly supports these laws. With the ongoing and proven paranormal activity that occurs in both locations, we will continue to visit these locales as part of our tours. Lastly, upon mentioning a haunted house, it sounds like you were looking for a Universal Studios-type experience. While such experiences are amazing, we choose to provide an authentic, storytelling experience of actual historical events and the residual spirits that remain.
2. Each ghost guide is unscripted, keeps a repertoire of stories available, and is responsible for their continuing research in our field. If you received an incomplete answer to any question, it is because we chose not to embellish the details of our stories. To us, a vague answer is always better than fabrication; it’s simply a part of our company ethics. Concerning incomplete burials, we include information on both Catholic customs as well as Native American beliefs. These two beliefs systems vary greatly and may be where the confusion lies.
3. We will continue to use the tour locations highlighted in our information. Our inability to enter either a cemetery or specific building does not preclude the quality of our tours. We consistently provide one of the top authentic, storytelling ghost tours available. The length of time provided for photographic opportunities is never rushed and determined by our guests; it sounded as if the others in your group were enjoying their opportunity to capture something ghostly. Lastly, you indicate that you “peeled off”, which would have been a perfect time to return to our office and voice your concerns. Attempting to address an unhappy experience a day later is a bit like trying to recook a steak that has already been consumed.
4. Even though our tour wasn’t exactly your cup of tea, we truly hope you enjoyed the rest of your time in Saint Augustine and that you traveled safely back to Massachusetts. Have a great holiday season!