Charleston, SC 10/19 0 driving miles; 11 walking miles

To be fair, one thing the South excels in is hospitality. In our time here, we've met not one contrary person. In fact, we've met no indifferent people either. What we have met are gracious, friendly, welcoming people who've made sure to meet our eyes, greet us warmly, and treat us well. I said yesterday that I'll be happy to take I-95 out of here and while that's true, it doesn't diminish in any way my time in this city. Tommy Dewes said another thing yesterday that I agree with. "We need to be careful not to judge the past with the lense we look through today." Charleston holds a unique place not only in our Civil War history, but also in our Revolutionary history. The fact that so much of the city remains intact from Revolutionary times (A fact Charlestonians are happy to point out) is as much a function of location as it is military fate. Sherman didn't burn the city for two reasons: one, it was hard to get to; two, it was of no miltary significance at the time. Added to that is the fact that the city fell into benign neglect until after World War II when Dwight Eisenhower's freeway system made access to the city more reasonable, not to mention that advancements in air conditioning made living here more palatable. The thing that Charlestonians are rightly proud of is that they reclaimed the charm and glamour of the city in a pure way so that now the city can rightly claim itself as the best example of Revolutionary America. Charleston wears that pride well. In my four days here, I've been impressed with the sense of community that exists here. The locals needn't fear this Yankee, though, I already live in heaven so I won't be "repotting" myself. Having said that, I'll remember my visit fondly for life here is good, especially today.

It would a crime not to enjoy this eatery (Hominy Grill) if you ever visit Charleston.

Veggie Goat Cheese Omelette with Grits and a Biscuit.

Selfie if the day: Yet another great bakery.

Fresh fish (Spotted Trout) from the local mongers.

Antebellum architecture.

Stately mansions.

Quaint single houses over two hundred years old.

Gracious homes down narrow streets.

Gaslit lamps for authentic ambience.

Beautiful flora and fauna.

And more choices for thin gruel than you can imagine. It's definitely worth a visit.