Charleston

Today we did the walking tour and I am in agony. My pelvis is still giving me hell. But I have to grin and bear it. There is no rest for the wicket. The next walk will be the Biltmore Estate and that is walking, walking, walking. Once I am up and going it is not too bad, but getting up is the problem. I am looking forward to a rest in Montreal.
This morning we walked to the Battery and viewed all the majestic homes on the Waterfront. And they are magnificent. Quite a few are for sale, but Silvie and I resisted the impulse. I would not mind living here, but I liked Savannah better. It is smaller and more intimate.
Had a couple of beers - any excuse will do, and it was hot - and I had a lovely prawn salad. They do have nice seafood here. My cholesterol will be through the roof, but then I will not eat another prawn once I hit Europe.
It might be a couple of days for my next report, but I will keep you posted.

Magnolia House

Yesterday we visited Magnolia House, built in 1676 on the Ashley River. It is truly magnificent. As Silvie is the only one doing the driving - they drive on the wrong side of the road here! - we decided to DO a guided tour. And we did not regret it.
So much easier to let somebody else find the way out of Charleston. The plantation is huge. First we had a walking tour with our driver/guide, then onto a little road train to drive around the plantation, seeing the alligators in the swamp and a lot of other wildlife. These plantations were mostly built on swampland, which caused the owners and their family to fall pray to Malaria. But they did figure that out pretty smartly and built summer houses in Charleston which we are going to visit today. It is strictly walking all day today.

Charleston

We have arrived in Charleston. This is Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara Teritory, but we have not met either one of them. They are very well hiddenh indeed!
We arrived at our B & B the Vendue Inn and were greeted like royalty. Due to over booking we were upgraded to a suite each and we are living in the lap of luxery. This makes living so much easier!!!!!
On the way from Savannah we stopped at a little place called Beauford, the locals pronounce it Bewford, and what a pretty place it is. Pat Conroy, the author of "The Prince of Tides" lives here and wrote the book here. We did not see him! Then on to Charlestown. What a gorgeous old city. Every step is "Gone with the Wind" style buildings, just wonderful. Tomorrow we are going on a "Plantation" tour to see how they lived in 'those' days.
We are having a wonderful time. Will keep you posted.

Today we went to Mrs Wilkes dining establishment for lunch. What's so special about that you might ask. Her place is listed in the book " A 1000 places to see before you die" We had to wait outside for more than 1 hour with about a hundred other people. It is first come first served. The restaurant is only open from 11 to 2 for lunch. The food is southern and absolutely delicious. We sat with 8 other people at a big table. All the food is then put onto the table and you help yourself. We had southern fried chicken, black eyed peas, all kinds of other dishes - it was fabulous. When we had finished we had to take our plate and glass and cutlery to the kitchen to keep up the old tradition. It was a lot of fun. The restaurant seats only about 80 people and when we left the queue outside was as long as when we started. When you are in Savannah, you have to go to Mrs Wilkes. Clint Eastwood, Bruce Willis and Demi Moore did.
Tomorrow we are off to Charlestown. I will keep you posted.

It is nearly midnight and we have just come back from the Pirates Cove. Johnny Depps twin brother was there to welcome us and the food was unbelievable. I just LOVE Savannah. This is a beautiful city and all you folks out there who like to travel put it on your list. I think we all have seen movies of the South with the spanish moss hanging down the trees - well come no further. This is it!!It looks so foreign and so exotic - I just love it.
Must tell you another funny story, forgot to tell it before. When I got off the plane in Vancouver, there was a lady at the gate with a sign in her hand waiting for Leo Schofield. I knew the name, but did not think much about it.
Then in Toronto, at the US immigration, there he was. Leo Schofield. So I smiled at him - now what else can I do? and said - "Oh, here is a friendly face from Sydney - Hi Leo how are you?" Smile smile, Thank you I am fine and then the facial expression
Do I know this woman. If I do - who is she? Should I know her name? It was really quite funny knowing that he had NO idea who I was.And how could he! We both made it through immigration in no time at all - me without help. When I approached the immigration officer I asked him very seriously if the camera - which took my picture - was one that wouold eliminate all wrinkles - and he assured me - with a laugh - that it was.
Well - it is nearly midnight now, time to go to sleep. You are allowed to eMail me or put a response onto my Blog. Go on - don't be shy!!
We might take the cemetary tour tomorrow
Love you all

Made it!!! We are in Savannah. And what a pretty place it is. We arrived yesterday at 3.30 pm. The B & B is situated at one of the pretty squares not far from where all the action is. Walked down to the riverfront last night and participated in Happy Hour. What else. But let me start from the beginning. It was a long but fairly pain free flight. I was on painkillers the whole trip and it did the job. From Vancouver to Toronto - even though I was on the same plane - it became a domestic flight and - smorgasboard. In the section where I was sitting I was the only female passenger. I was too tired to care. I had to pick up my suitcase in Vancover and go through customs and immigration. Then again in Toronto, this time US immigration. But I had to pick up the case and then check it in again. I found a strong young man each time - lucky me - and they are still with me. I gave Silvija the flick and I am now travelling with 2 young men!!!!!! Ha Ha. When I arrived in Atlanta it was midnight and I absolutely fell into bed. Had a good nights sleep and Silvie and I met up the next morning for the 5 hour drive to Savannah. And here we are. Today we walked to the river front again and had a horse and carriage ride through the old histerical oops historical district. We then went off on foot to explore the houses and places more closely. Savannah is so pretty and we are having a ball. The B & B is very nice and comfortable, we have a suite - two rooms with a little garden outside. We are on the first floor. Tonight they are putting on a cheese and winetasting - guess where we are going tonight.
Well that is it for today. I will keep you posted.

June 1, first day of winter. I have done the dirty deed and Vernon is in the cattery. He was NOT happy. My back is still killing me and I am not looking forward to the long flight to Vancouver - Toronto - Atlanta.
But this is the beginning of a very special holidays and I am looking forward to seeing all my friends.
Savannah - here I come!