Savannah, GA

Having spent the week here in Charleston, Rachel had expressed an interest in paying a visit to the city of Savannah - just over the State border in Georgia - and, having not been there myself yet, i suggested that i drive us both down rather than have Rachel take the train. So, on Friday, after a rather long day at work, it was a short hop down (approx. 2 hours) and we checked into the Courtyard Marriot for the weekend. Having consulted with a couple of workmates (who had previously lived in Savannah prior to here), we had some suggestions of things to do and see. After a nice meal on the Friday night, the Saturday started badly with me having to drop my car off at a motor shop to have the front tyres changed (there was a nail in one of them - and i was gonna have to have both changed at some point anyway, so though i'd get it all done there and then). Still, not too downhearted, we took an open bus tour round the city for $10 - well worth the money given the amount of information that we learnt, and what we saw - far more than if we'd been walking.

Unlike Charleston, Savannah was a planned city (the first in the US) and is essentially a grid system like other cities - but with the exception of having 24 small squares dotted throughout the town. With considerably more greenery and shading about, this gives the place a character very distinct to that of Charleston - and very pleasant just to walk around and take in the scenery. With repaired car, we had a short hop out to Fort Pulaski, where they did some great cannon and artillery demonstrations for us (without cannonballs i should add) and then the rest of the day was taken up with walking back to some of the more interesting sights spotted on the tour. With a wonderful meal at a nice little place called the 'Firefly Cafe' and a walk on Sunday morning before i headed back up here, it was altogether very relaxing indeed. And adds up to a place i would certainly pay a visit to again. And with all that, i bid au revoir to Rachel, as she was catching the train back up to Washington DC that evening. I've had a wonderful time with her visit, and i hope she did as well.