Day 6 or is it 7? or it is 6 and 7....Charleston

Charleston.  What a city.  I am not sure what I expected, but I didn't expect what I got, which is fine by me, because I like Charleston!  I just need to remember when Padmini says we are going to take a walk, we are going to take a wwwwwwaaaaaaaaaallllllllkkkkkkkkkkk....(you think I would have learned after the Grand Canyon) but her walks always turns out to be the most amazing things I do.  Bless her for putting up with the whining while I accomplish the walk.

However, walking is the best way to see the city, so walk or wander aimlessly through alleys and streets is what we did.  Luckily for me Padmini had been doing her research and reading and knew all about the city, its history and the buildings.  With that incredible memory and brain of hers she was able to give me a lot of the details and understanding of what we were seeing and experiencing.  I also got frequent French lessons and we compared how to pronounce the words...the conversations usually went like this.

Padmini "We are looking for Pierpont (with french pronunciation, so drop the nt and add french flair)"

Sara "Pierpont? (said with non french accent, and with own pronunciation not related to the actual word)"

Padmini "Pierpont." (said slower, and louder for friend with no language skills)

Sara "ummm...Pier   pon  wha?"

Padmini "Pierpont"

Sara "I think we passed it"

I am so amazing at languages, you should hear my one word of Russian.

Back to Charleston.  We meandered through the streets with houses dating back to the 1700's and 1800's.  They were owned by plantation masters, merchants, hotel moguls, politicians and others.  They were colorful, tasteful and magnificent.  The gardens were stunning, and I was enamored with the windows and window boxes.

It is a charming and delightful city.  We need a few more days, weeks, etc, to be able to see and do all that we wanted, but for now our little taste of Charleston will live within our memories for many years to come.

Belgian Chocolate gelato on the streets of Charleston, yes please!

I love old graveyards and gravestones

the horses often stole the show as they drag us tourist around the city.  The one Padmini and I had was named Montegue.  He was slow, methodical, stubborn and opinionated...my type of a horse...

Circular Congregational Church of Charleston, SC was founded in 1681 and is one of the oldest continuously worshipping congregations in the South

wrought iron is found frequently in Charleston, both decoratively and for protection

I told you I love windows, even old wooden ones!

even the alley is lovely

One of the forts to protect Charleston

cobblestone streets, only a little of the original remains

an excellent example of the best of Charleston's grand houses

good-bye Charleston