Charleston

Well, Savannah was very quaint, but Charleston is more Majestic and Grand, both cities just steeped in history. As before, we started off our sightseeing via a 90 min guided bus tour and then hoofed it on foot around the Historic District for a few hours. The abundance of wrought iron work around the homes was very interesting, it was a sign of wealth, and the double bowed staircases leading to the front doors was so the gentlemen could use one side and the ladies the other, it would have been most improper for a gentleman to see the ankles of a lady, if he did, it was expected that he would make a proposal of marriage! The cobblestones laid in the streets were once used as ballast in the ships coming over from England. For the return trip their holds were filled with tobacco, rice, indigo dye or cotton.

Trying to decide which home see in more detail was a challenge, as they are all so varied and interesting, however, we did choose one, the Nathaniel Russell House, widely recognized as one of America's most important "Neoclassical" dwellings, geometrically shaped rooms (oval, square, and rectangle on each of its 3 floors) and a magnificent free-flying staircase leading to all levels. (I could see myself living in this home back in the 1700's! (as the lady naturally, not as the staff!)

On our way to Myrtle Beach, we stopped at one of the Plantations in Charleston, called “Boone’s Farm Plantation”, the grand home is still occupied, and the land still being used as a small farm, the produce from which we are presently enjoying with some home cooking, which after a week of eating on the road is pretty tasty. It was a most educational experience ~ History came alive for us, especially the slave history and we could actually visualize ourselves there as one of the slaves. In one of their original cabins there were finger imprints in the handmade bricks in the fireplace hearth..... all rather humbling.

The slave art of Sweetgrass basket weaving is still done to this day ~ a typical basket is priced from $90-$300 ~ and only found in the Charleston area. Like lots of other dying arts, the baskets are expected to increase in value so, we were advised that if we bought one, not to let the kids get rid of it in a garage sale after we pass on, but rather we should mention it in our will for it to be kept in the family! Good salesmanship but still very interesting! I am making a list of books I want to read, to enhance our visit here in the South.

There just was not enough time to see it all, so we didn't try; instead we have decided to spend more time in Charleston on our return trip in Sep. The reason we did not stay longer at this time was due to it being the 4th of July holiday w/e, so, instead of being caught up in all the crowds, we are quietly relaxing in Myrtle Beach at our dear friend, Juanita's, home (she is back in Denali Park Alaska, working again until Sep). As part of our “down time” we are enjoying watching the Wimbledon finals. Ron is presently off at a Stock Car Race while I am enjoying some knitting time.

One week into the trip ~ driven 900 miles ~ walked 30 miles.

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