Carolina On My Mind

 

The churchyard at St. Michael's Church, Charleston, SC

I started this post last Monday and expected to zip through it. But after three days of exploring Charleston in the rain, and walking and walking, I came home feeling that I had jetlag. Of course, New York and South Carolina are in the same time zone, so it wasn't jetlag. But it was, I realized, that I wasn't as young and spry as I used to be, and a quick trip with plane delays, takes some time to get back to the swing of things. I got back to the swing of things, but that included a dental emergency, celebrating a Jewish holiday, two guests from out of town and a medical appointment. I did get to a photography exhibit -- post to come -- Pilates, the gym and grocery shopped.   

A port in a storm, this wonderful book shop room at the Preservation Society of Charleston

This was my fourth trip to Charleston, and one I almost didn't take. But my late summer travel plans fell through and after a call from my friend, Elizabeth, reminding me of the fun we -- a group of college friends -- had in Arizona last year, I wisely reconsidered. I saw new to-me sites this trip and had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with some of the group that had been in Arizona and other members of our class.  

I've been somewhat surprised and delighted that by being active in college alumni activities it's possible to make "new" college friends. This mini-reunion was no exception. My classmates and spouses were fun and friendly. I got to spend a lot of time with people I'd met in Arizona, though not enough time. Is there ever enough time with friends? I also had a too-quick lunch with a friend I "knew" from a Facebook group, who lives in the area. Is it no wonder I came home tired, but very happy. 

The entrance to the Atkins Rhett house.

I'm not sure why I didn't visit the Atkins Rhett house on previous visits to Charleston, but very glad that I did during this visit. The house is preserved, "as found," and was opened as a house museum in 1975. Built in 1820 for a very wealthy and prominent family, the tour -- a very comprehensive and interesting audioguide -- includes information on the lives of all of the inhabitants, both the owners of the house and the enslaved people who kept the house and stables running.   

 

The "piazza," the covered porch found on the side of Charleston homes. 

It provided shade, sea breezes and was an outdoor living space. 

I hope you've enjoyed our quick visit to Charleston. I'm hoping to do posts on the photo exhibit I mentioned and the visit to Kykuit I made the week before last. Of course, I want to post photos of Halloween in the neighborhood, too. I've also got an idea for a series that I want to begin in November. It's not fully thought out, but I'm excited to do something just a little different from my usual posts. 

As ever, thanks for visiting and happy autumn!