Changes in Latitude

 

 Although this past winter was incredibly easy, with record low snowfall, it seemed interminable in other ways. Prior to my surgery Joe and I promised ourselves that once I was recovered we were going to go somewhere relaxing, where we could just sit, read books and de-stress. In reality, it doesn't work that way, a trip doesn't magically erase a difficult situation, nor does it make everything ok. It does, however, give you something to anticipate, look forward to, and is a wonderful escape from the realities of everyday life.

As a rule, when we travel, we like to do a lot of walking, sightseeing and soak in as much of the area as possible. While stimulating, trips like that can be exhausting. It felt odd to go somewhere and just relax, we both struggled with not cramming our days full of adventures other than picking a place to dine and taking a morning walk along the beach with our coffees.

The beaches were gorgeous; unlike New England's coastline, the beaches were white-sanded and stretched on for miles, circling the entire circumference of the island. No harbors, inlets or bays, just one continuous, shell-covered beach. The shells were spectacular: pinks, peaches, glistening white, conch shells (very difficult to find a good one that wasn't inhabited) and even a starfish.

The water was warm enough for swimming, feeling like bath water compared to our icy north Atlantic. Our first day on the beach we saw several people pointing to a spot in the water near the shore. A fin! To our shock and amazement people started swimming towards it- even running from the beach into the water! After a second we realized it was a dolphin- up north when someone sees a fin there is a mass exodus from the waves and plenty of screaming, for it's a shark. 

 We were fortunate enough to be able to see a snowy egret, a little blue heron, which we were told would most likely be extinct by the end of our generation, pelicans, as well as ospreys.  An experienced birder pointed out a little screech owl in the bushes, which we were lucky to see. 

 

 The sunsets were spectacular. We dined at a spot called the Sunset Grille one evening, which was delicious.  After the meal we were able to walk across the street and watch the sun sink below the line of the horizon.

No, a vacation can't erase experiences we view as negative, but it can provide a welcome diversion and some unforgettable sights. How very lucky we are to have so many beautiful places in the world. 

Georgia Peach

This is the steeple of the Presbyterian church near Chippewa square in downtown Savannah. The feather that blows in the wind several times during the movie Forrest Gump is said to have blown from here and the park bench featured during several scenes when Forrest converses with various people waiting for buses was placed in this square.

The city has a total of 22 lovely square parks situated throughout the city. There were 24, but 2 were removed to allow for "progress" - city buildings. The squares are each named and are a memorial to various city and Confederate heroes.

The oldest cemetery in the city has some 700 gravestones and crypts with gorgeous old stonework and dates back to the late 1700s.

In its day, Savannah was home to 3 iron foundries and everywhere in the city there is evidence of the talented craftsmen. Statues, gates, railings and decorative iron patterns around windows are examples of their artistry.

The magnolias were in bloom while we were there, the azaleas having just finished up their display. In New England, the magnolias blossom prior to the leaves unfurling; but in the south, where the trees are not deciduous, the waxy foliage is the perfect backdrop to the large, white flowers.

The exotic scent of jasmine was quite literally everywhere - what might otherwise be mistaken for a nondescript vine, it was in full bloom with its sweet aroma hanging in the humid air. We never tired of the perfume. Everyone seemed to have jasmine growing on walls, around doors, up trellises and in pots.

"Dreams of Savannah mornings hung with Spanish moss" - Lloyd Cole

We were encouraged not to touch the Spanish Moss as it is home to many little critters that bite and cause skin irritation. It's a bit spooky, especially at night, this ethereal, airy clump that hangs from the branches of the live oaks. No damage is done to the trees as it's an epiphyte and lives off the moisture in the air, which is quite plentiful, I might add.

Just one example of the beautiful architecture of the city.

Despite the 88 degree heat and high humidity, there was always a soft breeze that gave us some relief, as well as the many shady trees. If it is in fact true that southerners move slowly, they have good reason; it's bloody hot. Fortunately for me the city is completely flat and easy to walk around despite the high temps and humid air.