Back in Charleston

WHEN: November 18, 2007
WHERE: Charleston, SC

Three years ago tonight I was rolling into Charleston; the first time I had ever been here.  I had spent the past two days doing "beach research" (as my mother-in-law would say :) at Carolina Beach in North Carolina with a couple of my professors and a fellow grad student.  We drove the rest of the way down to Charleston for the annual SEDAAG conference.  For a $35 admission fee, we spent three days at one of the nicest hotels in downtown Charleston, The Francis Marion Hotel,with transportation and meals provided.

The Francis Marion Hotel in downtown Charleston

Stacie & I had heard from our friends and coworkers in North Carolina that they all loved Charleston.  I had high hopes for this place.  After that trip, I came away less than impressed with the city.  The most prominent reason was that some of the areas surrounding downtown were not what you'd call "quaint" or "homey".  I really enjoyed downtown Charleston and that was all I saw of the city during the three days I was there.  We only went as far as our feet would take us in between conference sessions or out for dinner.

I came back with a poor report card for the city that I shared with Stace and those that asked what I thought of it.  Stacie's opinion was not swayed and when our friends Emily & Keith came to stay with us in April 2009, Stace had planned a 3-day getaway to Charleston for us.  I was not as excited as she was but I was willing.  I'm glad I returned because my second experience was completely different.  I was with my wife, we were with our friends, we had transportation, and we saw many other parts of the city.  We all fell under the spell of Charleston's charm and have loved the city since.

First, God took us to Virginia Beach on a vacation whim in July 2008, when we had never been there before (subsequently to move there 14 months later).  Then He led us to Charleston in April 2009 for another vacation, never having been there together (and then we moved here 18 months later).  You better believe I'm paying attention to where we visit for the first time while we are in Charleston because if God keeps this plan going in our lives (though I know He is anything but linear and predictable), that's where we'll end up next!

 The view of Charleston from our room in the morning and afternoon (looking east)

And looking south

 

 Some man getting in touch with his "inner self" apparently.

Looking down King St. from the hotel's 2nd floor balcony.

I don't really have a point to this post, other than counteracting my absence the past couple weeks.  I figured today's anniversary was a mediocre excuse to write a "catch-up" post about.  And on another anniversary note, 9 years ago today I had my first and only first kiss. What can I say, November 18 has a romantic and symbolic place on our nostalgic calendars. (Don't worry, I got Stacie's permission to broadcast our kissing history to the world) :)