The three of us were roommates second semester of junior year, after my four months abroad. Our lives at Randolph-Macon were woven together by our mutual disdain for the superficiality of RMC, our nerdiness (read: love of learning), and our shared faith. We were all involved with Young Life at some point, we all studied abroad in different European countries, and most recently, Baylee and I were bridesmaids in Ashley's wedding (an absolutely beautiful October wedding in Nashville, I might add). We have been talking about getting together since Ashley's big day, but distance and busy schedules have made it nearly impossible. Ashley was also a first year teacher this year, a high school history teacher outside of Nashville. Baylee just finished her first year of seminary at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, NC. Even though we're in the same state, Baylee and I are still over 3 hours apart. We did get to meet up a few times this year, once in Richmond and once in Greensboro, but last week was the first time all three of us have reunited in 9 months. And what a wonderful place to meet.
Originally we were planning a beach getaway, since Ashley has zero access to the ocean in landlocked state of Tennessee. But when I found out my credit card points could be traded in for 3 free nights at a Sheraton in Charleston, SC, and MapQuest proved it to be a manageable driving distance away (and still close to a beach), we changed our plans. None of us had been to the historic southern city, and I think it's safe to say we all left with a new love for Charleston.
If you've never been before, it's a definite must-see. There is so much historic charm preserved in the downtown area, with beautiful colonial-era colorful double-houses, a busy City Market, gorgeous water-front parks, and the famous King Street shopping district. Not to mention tons of delicious restaurants and old-fashioned Italian ice carts on practically every corner.
King Street
The Battery
"My" pink house along the river in the Battery.
Rainbow Row
Cobblestone streets that reminded me so much of my beloved Le Mans, France.
On campus of the College of Charleston--if they had graduate programs, I'd be there in a second.
Ashley the history lover basking in the glory of Civil War monuments (I think that's what they were for....)
Resting on the swings at Waterfront Park
We took a mule-drawn carriage tour, had margaritas at the Rooftop Bar (which was, in fact, on the rooftop), ate delicious food at restaurants suggested by friends, shopped up and down King Street and the City Market, roasted by the hotel pool, indulged in sweet treats at specialty bakeries (um, duh), invented new ways to play Banagrams, spent an afternoon at the beach, and explored the streets of a beautiful new city. Most importantly, we caught up on life and fell back into the rhythms of our days as roomies. That weekend reminded me of the beauty of two of my favorite things: traveling and friendship. There's nothing like uncovering the secret and not-so-secret treasures of an unfamiliar place, and it's even sweeter with good company.
We've decided to make this an annual trip. So, where should we go next year? Any other great cities that are must-sees?
No comments:
Post a Comment