Our last stop was Charleston South Carolina.
We took a boat ride in the Harbor to view the mansions from the water
as well as Fort Sumter, dolphins playing in the water, pelicans diving for
fish, and the USS Yorktown aircraft carrier.
We stayed at the Mills House, a beautiful hotel, and was able to walk
everywhere. The evening walks were just as lovely as the walks in the daylight.
We walked and walked through the town the next day. This town is so charming
but in a different way than Savannah.
Kitch and Reece hanging out on the bouncing or courting bench,
it bounces so two people slide closer and closer to each other, but its
also supposed to good for the back. It was fun to play on,
especially when I was sitting in between these two.
Walking the raised sidewalks next to the water.
My cute pops, always with a map and cheerful even when having to hold
any of our purses. I loved seeing all the pineapples, a motif that has become
a sign of welcoming. It all started when merchants would go off to Caribbean islands
to trade, when they came back they would stick a pineapple that they would have
brought back from their travels, on the fence to let everyone know that they were
home and friends and family could now come to call.
Everything was so well groomed and styled.
Still lovin' those southern dogs. This is Buster Brown, probably
Kitch's favorite.
Rainbow Row.
We went antiquing. Everything was so beautiful, but expensive.
Reece and I found a plate for our blue and white plate collection,
all the rest was just fun to dream about.
(We were happy with our find of a Wedgwood biscuit jar we purchased
in Savannah though. )
I LOVED this aqua, gold, and mustard window display. I have
always wanted convex mirror like this.
We thought it strange but love it at the same time that one of
the antique shops that we visited had two giant schnauzers roaming
around. I would be afraid that a tail or a little running would
break precious merchandise..... but apparently they are angels and
lounge most of the time anyway.
We watched women weaving sweet water baskets downtown,
I was so very impressed by the intricate and complex designs and
patterns that were created.
I will always remember walking hand in hand with my sweet hubby to
the post office to get some passport pictures taken for our
visa applications to travel to India, which we were planning on
doing a few weeks after we got back from this trip. Up until then
we were planning a trip to Thailand but were constantly checking up
on the political unrest that was rising in Bangkok. We finally decided
that we didnt feel good about traveling there at this time and moved
down our "Travel wishlist" and thought we would try for India.
Yes we knew that we were to be going during off season but
it is the only time that we can travel (both being on school schedules)
and we figured we were willing to put up with the heat or the wet
as long as we were together and we were fulfilling a dream
while we could.
One day we visited Drayton Hall plantation.
(it wasn't until after I took this picture that I realized there was
a gator sunning on the bank, a baby one. But still, I thought I was safe since
the geese were getting so close, it was a bit scary to remember how
prevalent gators were... I kept forgetting and would wander around
shooting. Im just glad I didn't come back with any bite scars)
The inside still needs to be restored but I kinda fell in love with the
worn cracking paint mixed with all the woodwork and molding.
And for those who know me and have seen my house,
I love molding.
Next was Middleton Place. This plantation was restored but no pictures allowed.
The tour guides even pointed with flashlights inside as to not damage
the furnishings and paintings. There were some beautiful
full sized Autoban prints hanging around. The grounds were huge and
gorgeous.
Out on the front grounds there were sheep that were used to keep
the grass trimmed. I followed them around to get some shots of
the little lamb, so new that his little umbilical cord was still attached.
Middleton Place provided an amazingly southern lunch.
I just cant get enough of this food!
Back in Charleston we did some last minute shopping.
We visited the market where Kate and I bought the most beautiful
framed butterflies. I also got a white ceramic pineapple to remember
how welcoming the south was to us.
Our farewell dinner had little flapper dancers that danced
the charleston for us, so perfect.
Farewell southern charm, I hope to see you again soon.