In May of 2018, we joined family and friends for a trip to Charleston and Savannah.  This is the second post of the trip, and begins as we leave Charleston and head toward Savannah and beyond to Sea Island.

Gullah/Geechee Tour

First up was a tour of the sea islands off the coast of Georgia that are home to the Gullah/Geechee people.  The Gullah/Geechee live in small farming and fishing communities and are known for fiercely preserving their African linguistic and cultural heritage.

Our tour guide, "The Rev," shared the history of his people and that they are recognized by the U.N. as a sovereign nation.  As such, they have a queen, Quet Goodwine, who serves as their spokesperson and is quite impressive in her own right. Another interesting tidbit is that he claimed that Michelle Obama is a Gullah/Geechee, but I can't confirm that. 

Local store

Abandoned Gullah home nestled in the trees.

Savannah

Steve and I then headed into Savannah for a day of exploration.  We had loved Charleston and found Savannah to be remarkably similar. Both are incredibly walk-able with great ambiance and food. But I tip my hat to Savannah as it had charming town squares filled with ancient live oaks dripping with Spanish Moss (which is neither Spanish, nor moss). Benches invite you to "sit a spell." Movie trivia - the bench where Forest Gump waited for the bus is in one of Savannah's town squares.  

We took a "hop-on-hop-off" tour, then walked all over the historic downtown area. The homes typically had hidden gardens and curving stair entry ways that reminded me of New Orleans. I could have spent days just wandering the streets.

Food.  Did I say food? Southern fried food? The best food you've EVER had? Yep,that'd be Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House.

Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House

lunch only

No reservations

Stand in line, even in the pouring rain

Eat with those in line with you

28 dishes

BEST FOOD EVER.

Menu

Across from Mrs. Wilkes

Garden of Good and Evil

Evening approaches and we headed for the famous Forsyth Park Fountain which movie buffs may recognize from the movie Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.  

Jekyll Island

Jekyll Island is a small barrier island off the coast, once home to locals and a vacation spot for wealthy Georgians. It has an old historic resort, the location for the movie "The Legend of Bagger Vance," a sea turtle rescue center, and an old fishing pie. I headed for the pier.

Jekyll island pier

How to Catch a Crab

Chanced upon this fisherman who'd caught a crab with his flip flop.

Barnacles are sharp!

A bit of drama to get my favorite image from Savannah. But it was worth it!  Had no idea barnacles were so sharp. Note taken for future reference...

Until next time, Savannah!