Alyss arrived here last Saturday. I met her at the airport and we spent a quiet-ish evening together reaquainting ourselves. Sunday we took a drive to our favourite beach, even though there was a tropical storm over the Gulf and we did not get to go into the water. (Alyss tells me the rough waves and gloomy skies would make for a good day at the beach back home for her...)
On Monday, we left for Charleston, South Carolina. It was a very long drive up there, but one spent talking and sharing and learning more about one another, things we've been meaning to talk about but have never had the chance to share. Surprisingly, there was only one spot of bad traffic where we had to leave the highway. Thank goodness for my Tom Tom satnav! There were a few areas of construction along the highway in Georgia that were a bit nerve-wracking, but we made good time despite the delays.
We eventually made our way into Charleston sometime in the late afternoon and checked into our hotel as soon as possible. The inn was quite nice, with a very friendly staff (with only one exception of a grumpy waitress at breakfast on Wednesday). We then spent an inordinately long time trying to find somewhere to eat our first night there. Apparently, I was very tired from driving and do not remember much of that first evening in town...
The next fews days were spent exploring and discovering. And we even made it out into historic Charleston as well! On our first day out, we nearly caused a riot at one of the local favourite eateries, Jestine's Kitchen, by jumping the queue unintentionally (They should make the sign that says there is a line around the side a bit bigger and easier to see). We decided to eat elsewhere after discovering our faux pas, but did return a few days later to enjoy some deep south cooking and hospitality, surprisingly sans queuing up.
The South Carolina Aquarium was surprisingly nice. And air conditioned. It was an impressive attraction, and we were both suprised by the variety of displays and inhabitants of the aquarium. Alyss even saw her first (live) oppossum, part of the Camp Carolina display. It was a nice way to spend part of our visit, walking around as a happy couple, no worries or cares in the world...
It was quite warm in Charleston at this time of year. And by 'warm', I mean HOT and HUMID. But we made the best of it and slathered on the sunscreen before venturing out into the city and environs. We even visited historic Magnolia Plantation outside of Charleston. Little did we realise that this plantation was more swamp than botanical garden. Thank goodness for the insect repellant (even if it was smelly). It was like home for me, much of what it was like where I grew up, but Alyss was a bit unimpressed by the unruly swamp environment. But she was a star and put on a brave face and toured the garden and the Audubon swamp tour with determination. She refused to show any fear to me or the dinner plate sized spiders inhabiting the place. We were sure we were too big for their tastes, but are certain they were on the lookout for small unwary children...
Our last full day in town found us on a horse drawn carriage tour. This was fantastic! It took us to parts of the city we may not have seen on foot, and the tour guide was very personable and knowledgeable. It was a real treat to hear about the history of the city as we viewed it from oft overlooked streets. We also saw the modest yet impressive Gibbes Museum and the Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon. The Old Exchange is apparently one of the few remaining structures still standing where the Constitution of the United States of America was ratified.
We had a lot of time to sit and relax and just be, as well. We found the swinging benches at Waterfront Park to be very relaxing and romantic. We monopolised one of the swings one morning for a very long time before relinquishing it to another couple waiting patiently. And Alyss demonstrated great restraint and patience on another night when a rude, spoiled little boy ran up and tried to hijack a bench we had been waiting patiently for ourselves. "Where is your mother?" she asked in a very calm tone as she took possession of the swing. Of course, the little boy ran to mommy and cried at the couple that chased him off. But we tried not to let it bother us and enjoyed the evening despite the distraction. (As it happens, the little boy and his mommy sat on another swinging bench for all of five minutes before leaving, the little boy complaining the whole time.)
Aside from the sightseeing and touring, we just enjoyed being together. It was absolutely wonderful to be with the woman that I love and be able to kiss her, caress her cheek, hold her close... And right now she is patiently waiting for me to finish typing so she can read what I have posted...
Once again, we are across the pond from one another. But not for long. I will be with her in October again. I cannot wait to be with her again...
Alyss's creativity showing through...
