Welcome in Georgia!

I never thought I'd say this, but I found a town that can compete with Stellenbosch. Historical grandeur galore, small town charm and absolute beautiful parks, gardens , old buildings and river views made this a wonderful experience. More than 800 of the town's historic buildings has been restored, making the town look just as it did 150 years ago.

Savannah, founded in 1733, was named by Frommer's as North-America's most beautiful town. It's splendid. Many movies, e.g. Forest Gump, was shot here, and I stood next to the bench where Forest told his life story, waiden for de bus, yes sir.

The free spirit resembles Key West and the sight of the big ol' live oaks, dripping Spanish moss, stately mansions, magnolia trees, marshes and horse-drawn carriages meant that my film cartridge was full before the end of our first day!

I've been in this country for about 2 years now, and still I often catch myself shaking my head at the sheer abundance of simple natural resources - space, water, forest, rain - this part of the world is blessed with.

Even the main road here - the I-95 - is in places swamped on both sides by forest, tall green towering on both sides, providing shade for the weary motorist. The road North from Jacksonville, crossing the St. Mary's River, past sleepy Brunswick, into Chatham County is stunning. I had a ball driving.

Sarah can drive for 9 hours straight. Start and get there!
I'm more of a "Let's stop everywhere, stretch, and enjoy the ride"- kinda driver. Can't sit still for more than two hours. Fun driving together, let me tell you... Oh boy!

Savannah is part of what Americans call the "Deep South". As you'll recall, the South lost the Civil War and this whole region, including Gerogia and S-Carolina, is drenched in history. Down here, no-one refers to any war, it's called the "Recent Unpleasantness".
The War did end the region's prosperity as one of the leading economic hotspots in the country, back then. Most of the little places we visit are "sleepy"-something. None really ever recovered and tourism is today the main source of income in the towns that were not burned by General Sherman in his march South - Similar to Lord Kitchener's "Scorched Earth"-tactics in the Second Boer War.

Sherman gave Savannah to President Lincoln as a Christmas present. Kan jy dit nou oorvertel!

A deep channel in the Savannah River connects the town to the ocean. We could nearly touch a massive freighter as it made its way to the terminals of the Georgia Ports Authority.

Pic: On the right above - The famous Paula Deen's (Food Network) restaurant - The Lady & Sons. An hour before the booking counter opens, this line of people are already piling up, waiting to taste the most well-known Southern cooking in the country.