Atlanta Georgia USA

On April 11, 2014April 12, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

I love being in a city. I’m a city girl at heart and always have been. I will very happily visit, walk, explore and live in a city. One of the things I find I like most about cities, especially those that are big and busy, is that you can still manage to maintain a respectable level of solitude while there. And cities are not about shopping for me either. I love the energy and pace of cities, I love the architecture and the streets, the way the city becomes a melting pot from prosperity to poverty, the way it feels as though it has a life and heartbeat of its own and Atlanta is no different. It is a big, brash, bold and energetic place.

Atlanta, originally established in 1837, is the capital of Georgia and is one of the most populated cities in the United States. During the civil war Atlanta was deliberately set alight and it almost burned entirely to the ground, the act of which destroyed most of the cities original historic buildings. Fear not, there are still plenty to see though which are wonderfully mixed with modern architecture. Atlanta also has three major districts – downtown, midtown and Buckhead. Downtown Atlanta is the main central business district, midtown is the second largest business district situated between the financial and commerce sectors and Buckhead is in the uptown district. It is said of Buckhead that ‘old money lives there and new money parties there’.

Atlanta is normally about one and a half hours drive from our home. Almost a 200 mile round trip. Atlanta’s traffic both in and out of the city very often come to a very slow crawl or to a complete standstill. If you have an appointment or a plane to catch it is always a good idea to leave a little extra early…….just in case. I don’t think I have ever ventured to Atlanta and not been caught up in some sort of traffic jam and this trip was no different. It actually took us just over three and a half hours to drive the Atlanta route with a jam snaking back for just over 10 miles. At times like this there is little you can do but sit back, relax and enjoy some music while watching the other drivers and how they handle the ‘go-slow’ predicament which can often swing between being very hilarious to very interesting to down right frightening! Patience in traffic in the United States is a virtue.

This trip to Atlanta was primarily to see an NBA (basketball) game between the Atlanta Hawks and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Friday night at the Phillips Arena. The game was good – it was our first basketball game in the States, the half time entertainment was good however I somehow enjoyed the ice hockey in Nashville much more. Having said that, I cannot wait for the baseball season to begin with my chosen team being the Atlanta Braves.

Atlanta is beautiful at present. It is spring and the town is in full bloom with tulips and daffodils, dogwoods and azaleas, cherry blossom and the ever southern magnolias. Everywhere you look there is beauty and colour.

There is plenty to see and do in Atlanta. Not only do you have the city sky line to marvel at but Skyview Atlanta (a giant Ferris wheel), impressive sporting arenas, arts, Centennial Olympic park, sports games, great food, entertainment, theatres – there is always a show on be it independent or a major production, festivals, hotels – from opulent to affordable, shopping, gardens, history, wildlife (there is always wildlife in cities – you just have to know where to look), people – be they quirky or not, general city life and southern hospitality – bless your heart I’m understanding and so enjoying southern traditions.

If you are staying in Atlanta for an extended period you can and should purchase an ‘Atlanta City Pass’ which will give you admission into 5 of Atlanta’s best attractions such as the Georgia Aquarium, Zoo Atlanta, the Atlanta History centre and Margaret Mitchells house, the world of Coca-Cola, CNN studios, the High Museum of Art or the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. The city pass for adults is around $74 (you will save approximately $64).

On this trip to Atlanta we took a ride on the Skyview……which was amazing!! You get an air conditioned booth with comfy seating to yourself and a birds eye view of a stunning city.

Against the backdrop of the city you can see how tall the ‘wheel’ is

Dining out in Atlanta is a gem. From hot dog street vendors, local established eateries such as Mary Mac’s (it has been around for just over 70 years) to where we dined this time – Ted’s Montana Grill which specialises in Bison. Bison burgers, Bison steaks, Bison meatloaf, Bison ribs. The food and service here is great which is always a bonus. It is located downtown so if you are a meat eater (and you happen to be in Atlanta) I recommend you drop in here and grab a seat at the bar.

Breakfast from street hot dog vendors. First dog of the day…beef with sauerkraut, cheese and spicy mustard

Mid morning snack – second dog of the day – beef, onion, coleslaw, spicy chipolata sauce and banana peppers washed down with the local’s favourite drink….coca cola

Bison rib eye at Ted’s Montana Grill

Atlanta day or night is great. The best way to see it is on foot (of course) but don’t approach this modern city gently. This is the sort of place where you really have to jump on in with both feet then hit the ground running xx

A Nashville Tennessee Road Trip………

On April 4, 2014June 13, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

‘Pardon me boy, is that the Chattanooga Choo Choo’. First stop on our trip to Nashville was Chattanooga. This lovely town is located along the banks of the Tennessee River and is surrounded by several high mountain ranges. The region of Chattanooga was the last home of the once great Cherokee Nation. When white settlers descended on Chattanooga the Cherokee were forced out along what is now known as the ‘trail of tears’ to Oklahoma. Many thousands died on route due to exposure, disease and starvation during this forced relocation. The history of some nations can be very heartbreaking.

Chattanooga is also: the famous choo choo, historic sites, civil war battlefields (5 major battles took place here which saw some of the worst fighting), the River Gallery Sculpture Garden, Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Raccoon Mountain, Ruby Falls and the St Elmo Neighbourhood where more than 600 properties are listed on the national history register. We also had our first MoonPie in Chattanooga. The MoonPie was unleashed on the nation in 1917 when local miners wanted something quick, solid and filling to eat given they often worked very long hours without a break. It was developed and made in Chattanooga and since the 1940’s Moonpies have been sent to all US troops. There is so much on offer in Chattanooga so it was a great jumping off point before hitting Nashville.

‘When you hear the whistle blowin’ eight to the bar, then you know Tennessee is not very far….’

The ‘mini’ Moonpie hit the spot….really don’t think I could have eaten a full sized one!

Next stop. Nashville Tennessee – often referred to as the ‘home of country music’ and where the men like their checked shirts tucked in and the ladies definitely prefer their hair BIG!!! It is also where you get to wear your jeans pretty much everywhere (I think blue jeans are the mandatory dress code). It is also home of boot scootin’ – ” That’s the home of boot scootin’ (see). Oh, you gots to do boot scootin’ honey when your up there. I just love boot scootin’ ” a lovely Southern acquaintance of mine told me when I said we were heading to Nashville. Now I will pretty much happily give anything a go, but boot scootin’! We shall have to see!

Nashville is the capital of Tennessee. Tennessee is the home to the Grand Ole Opry, Elvis and Graceland, Dolly Parton, Dollyworld, boot scootin’, Memphis, moonshine, the Great Smoky Mountains, Sir J D (Jack Daniels), hush puppies (not to be confused with the shoes – they are fried cornmeal donuts), honkey tonk bars, BBQ sauce and road house grills. Tennessee is also the home of SPAM! This spam is not the computer generated spam but the odd canned – and I will use the term loosely – meat spam. And there’s a SPAM Museum!

The drive through the gentle and beautiful countryside of Tennessee is really enjoyable. The sky is big and wide and blue and the landscape is very different with plantations surrounded by bluegrass, soaring Smoky mountains, valleys of patchwork farmland, a winding river system and lush green pastoral lands where the cows look fat and happy. The state of Tennessee is wide and sprawling. So wide in fact, it is actually on two different time zones. Given it is spring, the beautiful dogwoods are in bloom at present as are stunning magnolia trees, the robins and mockingbirds are about and all was pretty perfect in Tennessee.

Once you hit Nashville you find a vibrant, relaxed and friendly town. Nashville is amazing day and night and I really did love it. Almost everything I wanted to see was situated in the city from The Country Music Hall of Fame & Museum (which takes up an entire city block), the Johnny Cash Museum, the legendary Ryman Auditorium (it looks like a church but don’t be fooled this is the former home of the Grand Ole Opry), the honky tonks along Broadway, the Bicentennial Mall (not to be confused with shopping – this structure impressively showcases 200 years of Tennessee), Ernest Tubb’s Record Shop to the Capitol building (where Parliament was sitting on the day we visited). The elegant Nashville Library is also a must see for any book lover and you don’t even have to check out a book to go there. Dotted around the city are also beautiful sculptures, memorials to the fallen, fountains, old buildings mixed with stunning modern architecture and ‘boot’ stores where if you buy one pair of cowboy or cowgirl boots you will receive another pair free.

Also notable are the farmers markets where you will find anything from Amish baked goods to purple bell peppers, from cured meats to salted fish. Markets like these are a haven for the foodie plus they are a great place to people watch while chowing down on some very fine local food. We dined on some fab Jamaican food at Jamaica Away where they serve up jerk chicken, goat curry, oxtail, ackee and saltfish stew, bammy salads and patties (very much like a spicy meat pie in flaky pastry ) Johnny cakes to an amazing Jamaican Black Cake dessert and fried plantains.

Amazing Jamaican food at the farmers markets in Nashville

Almost everywhere you go you will see menu’s with ‘meat-and-three’s’. Its a Tennessee thing. You pay a flat price for meat which could a pork chop, fried chicken or steak then add your choice of three sides such as collar greens, sweet potato, carrots or corn. You get a lot for your money in most places and just when you think you are fit to burst the wait staff will offer up pie – pecan, sweet potato, chocolate peanut butter or key lime.

Some great places I will happily recommend if you are ever in Nashville:

* Honky Tonk Row on Broadway – quite a few hole-in-the-wall juke joints and honky tonks where you order a beer and a basket of wings and sit back and enjoy some of the best blues and country music and artists this country has to offer. Just a word of warning…don’t show up before 9pm. An early arrival is considered very bad form.

* Prince’s Hot Chicken Shack – this is a local specialty of Nashville so don’t be put off by the façade of the building, the pot holed driveway and parking area or the area in which Prince’s is located. Prince’s will serve you up a portion of chicken marinated in buttermilk, breaded then sauced using a liberal rub of cayenne pepper then pan fried in cast iron. The chicken is placed on a fresh bunny bun with pickle chips. Word of warning. This chicken is HOT. Your lips will burn and tingle, your eyes will water and your nose will run….and that’s just the mild. The hot will make you cry!! It is well worth the trip to the seedier side of town for this but do take a fan and fire retardant drinks.

* Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge – I’m a huge Patsy Cline fan and this apparently was her favourite hang out. Its located on Broadway, its a bit of a dive but its worth a look as its an old honky tonk which appears as though it could have been there forever…..which in fact it has.

* Robert’s Western World – I loved this place because you can enjoy a fried bologna sandwich which comes with a packet of chips and a PBR (all for $5) while sitting back listening to some of the best rockabilly, hillybilly and country music around. Its a hoot and you can buy the coolest boots from there too. Great fun and definitely a must see and do place on honky tonk row. We ventured in a couple of times.

* Mas Tacos Por Favor – definitely yes please!! I could not recommend this wonderful little place more. It started out in the early 1970’s as a street vendor and it is now a restaurant (but don’t expect anything fancy) serving up some of the best food you will ever try. Tamales, plantains with black bean, fish tacos, sopa tarasca soup, pozole verde, Mexican soda’s and iced coffee with horchata. They don’t serve alcohol and they don’t take credit cards but they do serve up some of the best food we have ever eaten. This one gets a big 5 star rating. It is out of town though – approximately a 7-10 minute drive from the heart of Nashville.

Not fancy but some of the best food you will ever eat!

* The Bluebird Café – its a bit of a hike from Music Row then continue on 17th Avenue south to Wedgewood, turn right then walk several more blocks until left on 21st Ave South but its well worth it. All singer/songwriters wanting to make it big in the country scene flock to the Bluebird café. There are no cover versions here, its original songs all the way. A truly great experience.

* Legends Live Music Corner – once again you will hear great live music here and as with most live venues in Nashville, there is no cover charge. Legends has been voted number one country bar in Nashville and for good reason. It was another place we ventured in on more than one occasion.

There are also some very impressive craft beer breweries in Nashville. The Market Street Brewery and Public house, Yazoo Brewery, the Broadway Brewhouse and the Filling Station to name a few.

We had a great time in Nashville and we even got to take in an ice hockey game between the Nashville Predators and the Washington Capitols. Was it gritty, was there blood, were there fisty cuffs, was it a great night, was the game brilliant and fast and are the fans insanely passionate……well hell yeah!! And they even had a penalty shoot out which doesn’t really happen that often so luck was certainly on our side.

A few more random photos from Nashville………..

The start of the Bicentennial Capitol Mall State Park which includes a 200 foot wide granite map of Tennessee, a 1,400 foot long wall which is inscribed with the history of Tennessee, tree lined pathways, a bell carillon and time capsules. The photo next to it is the Nashville library.

Beautiful leather cowboy & cowgirl boots

Oh, and did I boot scoot’. Well I was on that wood sprung dance floor quicker than you can say “biscuits n gravy” ’cause that’s just what you do when you are in Nashville xx

Nothing says ‘Cocktails’ like a man in a tuxedo…..

On March 26, 2014May 31, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized7 Comments

It’s been a very hectic week but a really good kind of hectic. We hosted a ‘Cocktails & Canapés Housewarming Party’ this past weekend. It was a wonderful night and we thank our good new friends who bought warmth and happiness into our home in Georgia USA. Because of their friendship our night was far more memorable than we could have imagined.

We had perfect weather. A warm spring day followed by an even lovelier spring night. We served our cocktails – Mojitos, Mai Tai’s and Cosmopolitan’s in Mason jars along with non alcoholic ‘Shirley Temple’s’ to fifty plus guests. Canapés along with some classic southern food such as pulled pork and slaw, dirty Cajun rice, corn bread, baby mac and cheese, sticky fingers pork etc etc etc. was served up along side desserts of salted caramel turtle, orange fluff, pies and cheesecakes to name a few.

Although I was a little too busy to use my camera we did end up with over 200 photos (courtesy of a 2 hour photo booth) so here is just a tiny selection…….

How ‘rock n roll’ is this wonderful man and his beautiful wife

Just a couple of normal ones now…..

The gorgeous Bridgette and some of her many admirers

Sometimes a house just needs the kindness of good friends to finally make it a home.

Cherry blossom, a squirell and a photo…….

On March 18, 2014April 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

It has been one of those weeks. The sort of long week that gives you a jumble of emotions. From the tragedy of the Daniel Morcombe case to the lost Malaysian passenger jet. From earth quakes on the West Coast to tornado warnings down here in the South. Things happen in our lives that seem a little crazy and as much as we want, we cannot for the life of us control it or fix it.

Maybe at times we take too much for granted and don’t see and appreciate the small things. Those little moments of joy that make our hearts glad and always seem to pull us through.

One of our little resident squirrels

His home – it is fascinating to watch the construction process

More stunning cherry blossom

Choppy and Corinne – my fab and very handsome youngest nephew and his beautiful wife married in Queensland Australia (March 2014)

The world just outside my door……

On March 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

After a cold winter of snow, frost and icy temperatures spring is finally on its way – officially the 28th of March here in the United States. The daffodils I planted when we first moved in are flowering abundantly as are the pansies and sweet Williams, its cherry blossom and magnolia time, the Robins and Cardinals are nesting, the Hummingbirds likewise, the sky is a beautiful blue, the days warm and longer due to daylight savings and all seems quite right with the world just outside my door.

One for my FOGL ( Friends of the Gawler Library ) friends and other book lovers

On March 4, 2014April 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized7 Comments

Nothing makes me happier than a pre-loved book, except of course a Friends of the Library Book Sale wherein I find these wonderful pre-loved books. And I was fortunate enough to go to the ‘Friends of the Library Old Book Sale’ in Macon, Georgia.

I’m quite biased as I love books and public libraries and to me there is nothing better nor more comforting than to have a book nestled in your hands. I believe public libraries and the book sales the friends of these libraries hold are wonderful, essential, irreplaceable and for me completely irresistible resources in any community. And as I always say ‘don’t just like your library on facebook or twitter, get in there and actually love your library’.

Now most, if not all of the book sales by ‘friends of libraries’ are run solely by volunteers. Another wonderful resource and the back bone of any community and this book sale was no different – an eclectic mix of happy, inspiring, hardworking, amazing volunteers.

Books at these sales are generally not on the latest best seller list, nor are they the hottest, nor are they the most popular and most of the books are not the sort you will find in a chain book store. These are unique, often out of print, beautiful, different and sometimes quirky books. So if you are a true book lover then this is one of the best places to be and shop. Google your local (and not so local) ‘friends of the library events’ and go to one of these book sales. I can guarantee from experience you will love it and you will absolutely find something to take home and treasure. Another bonus with these types of books sales is that you get the opportunity to recycle. Donate your ‘gently used’ books to these organisations and everyone benefits. Giving makes a big difference in the lives of many.

Book sales by friends are fundraising events and this extravaganza for doing so was very, very impressive. Books, books, books by the thousands….actually over 150,000 to be precise and about 75 different categories were displayed. The book sale also ran over four days and was held in an area about the size of a football field. And the most amazing thing of all (to me at least), the books – all of them – were individually hand priced! Honestly, I don’t know how they did it. I am used to ‘friends’ book sales in Australia wherein you fill a green bag for usually around $10-12. An absolute bargain would you not agree! At this book sale I was a little unprepared as I had my little green bags and cash……although perhaps not quite enough of it. Anyway, I did end up dipping into the grocery money because there were a couple of books I just could not leave behind. When quizzed by my husband as to why we weren’t having the buttermilk marinated fried chicken for dinner (as I had said, okay promised I was making) I replied “I truly believe these books will feed us more”. He had no come back and was happy to eat the left over chasseur as he flicked through a 1960 print of ‘A Field Guide to the Birds – all Species found east of the Rockies’ (and chasseur always tastes so much better re-heated a day or two later).

What was also great about this particular book sale was the, with almost military precision, at which it was run. Oh and something I have never seen in a book sale in Australia – security and the representatives from the local sheriffs (police) office. Sadly or more oddly, some people can go a little over the top at events such as this. They line up early. Really, really early and the lines will become very long and very very deep with people then once the doors open the, what I refer to as the book run, is on and its pretty much every man for himself. Apart from the running there is jostling, there is pushing and there is the occasional harsh word exchanged. Can fisty cuffs break out….oh absolutely!

Very happy and friendly law enforcement and given everyone was on their best behaviour they also enjoyed the day

I had a prior commitment on the day of this book sale so I was unable witness the book run. And I know, some of you are shocked I was not there earlier however I was training……which is probably even more shocking. Now those that know me know I am not an exercising sort of person. My exercise has always been of the unconscious form – getting around on the old foot falcon (which means walking pretty much everywhere) when living in Australia and gardening. Therein I’m no gym bunny and frankly, if I am running it is probably because something is chasing me, however at just over 50 I am getting ready for a mud marathon, hence the reason I was late in getting to the sale. Anyway, back to the most important topic….books!

When I did finally arrive, which was around noon, hundreds of people had already passed through the doors. As I walked up to the venue (on mercury heels) I saw people leaving with shopping trolleys, suitcases, boxes and personal shopping carts full of books. That is correct! They had shopping trolleys full of books and the check out line was still quite long. And here is where the military precision kicks in once again: although the check out line can snake quite a way through the venue it doesn’t last long given how organised the sale is. Several volunteers man the check-out and they are in pairs: one handles the books and reads out the marked price and the other adds up on an adding machine. Quick, simple and very effective. And there is also a book sitting service and an information section, once again manned by volunteers. Just fab!

Please form an orderly line

The choices are endless and there are quirky little sections

As hard as it is to believe these shopping trolleys full of books are not mine. I promise! I was however, definitely suffering trolley envy as my haul was very modest in comparison.

What a great team: one person reads out the book price and the other adds it up (with very speedy fingers).

Book sale floor plan – handed out as you enter the building

The check out line and the volunteer check out teams

More volunteers on the floor replenishing book stocks and keeping it all orderly

What a wonderful way to spend a winters day in Georgia. Have I pencilled in the old book sale for 2015…..ABSOLUTELY! Just try and keep me away xx

Footnote: I’m a member of FOGL (Friends of the Gawler Library – South Australia) and I loved the books sales in which I was involved during my time in Gawler. Thank you to the wonderful staff at the Gawler and Evanston Gardens libraries and to all FOGL members – an incredible group of inspiring, energetic and hardworking volunteers. Your kindness, acceptance and friendship during my time there is never forgotten x

More random photographs from the previous road trip……..

On February 26, 2014 By oceangirl63In Uncategorized2 Comments

During the last road trip (please see previous blog re: beware pickpockets & loose women) we once again travelled off the major interstates and took the back roads and byways through old towns. Yes, this type of travel does add considerable mileage and time to a trip however it is in this little world of old towns you will experience the sometimes forgotten USA, the quirky USA and the unique USA.

My advice would be to plan the trip to accommodate the extra time needed to do this. It gives you a chance to enjoy the journey more and focus less on the destination.

And we did……

As I post these blogs I remember small things which may be of assistance to other travellers. In a previous blog (questions and answers) I wrote about taxes in America. Well, here is another small tip which I have just remembered: when you book your hotel room, the price will show for example $150 US per night however that price does not include further taxes such as sales tax, room tax, occupier tax, hotelier tax plus there may also be a parking tax. All or some of these will be added to the $150 initial room price on your final account. The costs of these taxes also vary from state to state. Just something to consider when arranging your travel.

And also remember to leave a tip each day for the room staff (housekeeping) which is usually only two to three dollars. You may leave this money in a conspicuous place such as a desk or table or on the pillow.

‘Beware Pickpockets and Loose Women’….by order New Orleans Police Dept

On February 21, 2014April 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

The title of this blog post comes from an old sign we saw in New Orleans and yes, we have been road tripping again.

This road trip was a 1,375 mile round trip (2,212.8 kilometres) with the irresistible charms of Alabama, Mississippi and Louisiana in our sights. This was a well planned trip (I’m nothing if not organised) so we were able to take in the towns of New Orleans, Biloxi, Jackson, Lafayette & New Iberia to name just a small few.

First Stop: Alabama (The Heart of Dixie) and the ‘buckle’ of the bible belt – the home of Hank Williams, Rosa Parks, Nat King Cole, Condoleezza Rice and Jim Nabors and also known for B.B./freedom marches, civil rights action and gator infested swamps. This state also has one of the strangest laws – wrestling matches between humans and bears is prohibited (probably for good reason) although the law – it is illegal to wear a fake moustache in church that will cause laughter ran a very close second. Alabama is also the birthplace of Harper Lee, the author of To Kill a Mockingbird.

From Alabama it was onto….

Mississippi – this is the place of where Elvis was born (Tupelo) and the state of juke joints, Antebellum mansions, champion Root Beer, very impressive southern food (vegies pretty much get the short shift here), pork (be it pulled or otherwise), catfish, hot tamales and blues music. We had some great food in Mississippi. True ‘soul food’ at a place recommended by a fascinating elderly Cajun gentleman I happened upon in a seedy Laundromat in Warner Robins (long story!) and no better recommendation have we ever had. Bully’s has been providing food to Jackson residents for over 35 years. It may be located in one of poorest sections of Jackson but the locals (true locals) of that area love the restaurant and Bully himself.

Don’t be put off by the façade, Bully’s is one of the best soul food restaurants in Mississippi. It offers up not only great southern hospitality but also black-eyed peas, rutabagas, fried okra, catfish, oxtails, ribs and chitterlings.

Never judge a book (or area) by its cover.

Next stop Louisiana – this is the place of gumbo, jambalaya, Mardi Gras, boudin, voodoo, ghosts, steamboats, riverboats, pirates, bayous, magnolias, gators, blackened catfish, frogs legs and beignets. Its New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Avery Island. Its zydeco – a lively type of Cajun music played by a small band made up of accordion, banjo and washboard. Its smoky jazz clubs and bars and blues and roots. Its an amazing place to be.

Boudin…..among other delicacies we tried at Johnsons Boucaniere in Lafayette.

Frogs legs at Boudreau & Thibodeau’s in Houma Louisiana .

In Louisiana I was also lucky enough to spend a little time in the town of New Iberia – the place where James Lee Burke (my favourite author) sets his wonderful crime fiction novels featuring Detective Dave Robicheaux.

Then it was onto……

New Orleans – to be honest I wasn’t sure what to expect in New Orleans. This is the place that was decimated by Hurricane Katrina. Hurricane Katrina hit (king hit) New Orleans in 2005 and it was one of the most destructive and deadliest hurricanes in the history of the United States. Around 1,833 people died, 705 people are still reported as missing and over 81 million dollars in damage was done. Due to the chaos, destruction and devastation the town experienced during those dark days I expected New Orleans to be a little sombre and for there to be some form of sadness at its’ losses however the city was a complete contrast to that. New Orleans is wonderful, bright, alive and breathing. And it is fantastic!! Its is slightly crazy, somewhat seedy, full of music, full of colour, full of life and you will meet some of the most wonderfully vibrant people around. And yes, I may just be slightly in love with New Orleans plus they serve up the best soft shell crab po’ boys around.

A couple of important things to pack when travelling to this part of the country are your dancing shoes and loose clothing. Especially loose pants as you will be guaranteed to put on at least 5 kilos over a weekend and if you don’t then you just weren’t trying hard enough to enjoy yourself! Bourbon Street is all the hype and more. Its a little insane, a little crazy, a little sordid (in a good New Orleans way) and a little gaudy but definitely fun. We walked most of New Orleans. The river district, the French Quarter, Bourbon Street, Frenchman Street and Jackson Square. We arrived in New Orleans the week before Mardi Gras but the party was in full swing and we loved every minute of it. The people of New Orleans decorate their town, their houses, their shops, their streets, themselves and pretty much anything standing still in beads and faux jewels, feathers and finery. It all looks (for the most part) stunning.

Maybe he stood still a little too long.

A Riverboat on the Mississippi River – the Mississippi is as brown as chocolate milk and as muddy as the Bremer River in Ipswich and as mighty as its reputation.

St Louis Cathedral – Jackson Square.

The famous beignets and coffee at Café Du Monde – they are French donuts covered in icing sugar.

Because New Orleans and other towns in the deep south are below sea level all of the graves are ‘above ground’. Early settlers struggled with burying their dead as when digging a few feet down, the grave sites would fill with water making the caskets ‘float’. Weighing them down with stones and drilling holes in the caskets didn’t help as they still rose so it was decided to make the grave sites above ground.

One of the many jazz bands we saw.

Great entertainment on almost every corner.

Mr Mardi Gras himself.

Our handiwork for someone else to enjoy.

I think I must have literally taken a gazillion photographs during this trip…….I won’t post them all however it is difficult to pick them so I will post more in the next blog post.

Oh, and the best time to go to see any of these places…….well my tip would be ANYTIME xx

Question and answer time………

On February 12, 2014February 12, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Americans love an Australian accent. Personally, I don’t believe we have an accent however the Americans, well they are definitely the ones with the accents! And American accents differ from state to state. You can tell a Southern accent from say, someone who comes from Jersey or Brooklyn just as you can spot a Texan accent from a Milwaukee accent. And just as they love the Australian accent they also love Australians………..which I have to say is very fortunate given we live here now.

Americans also have an almost insatiable quest for knowledge about Australia and you will be asked many random questions about it. Such as:

‘Did you have a koala or kangaroo as a pet?’
‘Your wildlife is really dangerous!’ (statement). ‘Pretty much everything there will kill you right!’ (another statement). ‘I want to go there but you have really poisonous animals there and the shit in the water will kill you then eat you right?’ (question and statement).
‘What is the one best thing to see in Australia if I go there?’ – far too difficult a question to answer.
‘Do they drink coffee in Australia?’ ‘Yes’ is the answer and try not to look puzzled by the question however continue with the reply ‘but not as much filtered or drip coffee as you drink here in the states’.
‘Can you buy instant?’ (coffee) ‘Yes’ is the answer along with ‘And the instant coffee is very good in Australia unless the label reads Pablo or International Roast! If someone tries to serve you either of those brands throw down the gauntlet as a challenge to this lack of hospitality’………..its the Australian thing to do.
‘How come ya’ll don’t get tips in Australia?’
‘I loved my visit there but it was very expensive and the food is minimal when served. How do you live in such an expensive country?’

Whilst skulking about in a second hand book shop yesterday the owner struck up a conversation and therein asked a couple of questions such as ‘what is the main thing you found different between the two countries and what has been the hardest thing to adjust to’. My answer wasn’t very interesting or well thought out however it was quick. ‘Driving!’ He laughed then said ‘yeah, ya’all drive on the wrong side of the road down there’.

His questions and our conversation got me to later thinking about the many differences we have encountered since moving here so I have listed a few:

1) Gun ownership: I have never believed that guns kill people. Usually very stupid or completely deranged people with guns kill people! The gun figures in America are startling. There is no gun register to speak of here so it is almost impossible to pin point how many guns there actually are but estimates put it at around 270 million. That figure would probably make America the best armed civilian population in the world. Does that make me feel safe? Absolutely not! Every year just over 39,000 people die from gunshot wounds and over 200 people per week attend a medical facility with non fatal gunshot wounds. Almost everyone carries a gun and you can buy them in the most obscure places such as Wal-Mart, pawn shops etc. There are guns for children, pink or purple guns for women and crazy guns for everyone else. And did you know that ‘during your driving test no firearms are permitted in the vehicle’. I like our Australian gun laws and I thank you former Prime Minister Howard for your strong stance and foresight on the issue.

2) Drive thru’s: America has an awful lot of drive thru’s and I’m not just talking take-away food. There are drive thru’s for banks and atm’s, drive thru’s for chemists/pharmacy’s (drug stores), drive thru goodwill/op shop drop off centres. Drive thru coffee/bread/milk etc……..almost everything has a drive thru therein, once in your vehicle you never have to get out again during your journey.

Drive thru bank and ATM’s

3) Clipping coupons: A national pastime.

4) People: The people are incredibly friendly. In America people talk to you and they want to talk to you. They are open and friendly and are great to be around. Sure, occasionally (and this is rare) you will run into the stereotypical brash outspoken yank but the rest of the population more than make up for those small few.

5) Cheques: Americans still use cheques (they spell it checks). And the cheques are required to be written in a certain way otherwise they are invalid. For example: a cheque for $25.22 is written like this – twenty five dollars and 22/100. Dates are also different: today it is the 11th of February which in Australia we would write as 11/02/2014 however here it will be written 02/11/2014. We haven’t had a cheque book for about 20 years in Australia but here cheques are currency. You buy your groceries, pay bills such as rent and utilities and buy clothing etc. with cheques. Most companies such as real estates and utility companies only take cash or cheques and most times you are required to mail the cheques. Internet banking is pretty much obsolete here. For a country with such seemingly high tech expertise (this is the country that bought you the ipad and iphone) their banking practises seem a little archaic.

6) Driving: see previous blog!

7) Wall Switches: The light switches etc. are upside down and power points are completely different. You will also find that in some rooms there is no over-head lighting at all as lamps (lots and lots of lamps) are used.

8) Toilets (restrooms): bare with me! Firstly, don’t use the toilet here without having a dollar bill or three in your pocket. The reason for this is often there will be a restroom attendant in there. Once your job is done, theirs begins. Once you wash your hands they will offer you a handtowel. You may even be offered gum, mints, a squirt of perfume or hand lotion. In some towns you may even be offered cigarettes. When you leave, thank them and tip them. Another thing with the toilets here is that they are full of water. Really, really full of water but amazingly it all disappears in a huge swirling whirlpool when you flush. It is quite fascinating. Oh, and no push buttons here, it is all little handles for flushing too.

8) Food: I think America may have a food obsession. Everything comes super-sized and there are no huge white plates with a tiny garnish sitting prettily in the centre which the waiter refers to as ‘your main meal’. Nooooo sir. Here you get what you pay for and a whole lot more. With your meal comes salads or soups and bread rolls or sticks all at no extra cost. Iced tea/soft drink (soda’s) or iced water are constantly refilled – again at no extra cost although you really don’t need a refill as the first glass of your chosen beverage is HUGE. And sure, there is some artery clogging food available (and the Americans do love to deep fry) but on the whole it has all been very good and very cheap. You just need to be a bit adventurous. All salads come with a huge selection of sauces too. And just a tip: always ask for the dressing on the side otherwise your salad will be swimming. And marinara pasta sauce does not contain seafood – it is just a tomato based pasta sauce. An entrée here is actually the main course, it is very hard to find bread without some sort of heavy sweetener added and they also manage to mix sweet cinnamon sugar into a main meal be it either sprinkled on top of a sweet potato or on savoury hush puppies. It’s either that or the meal will come with marshmallows and caramel sauce. You also get pickles with everything (as in a whole pickle) and at KFC, which does taste very different to Australian KFC, they will ask if you want dark or white meat! And always ask for fries and not chips as you will actually be given a small packet of chips.

9) Post: Your letter box (post box) has a neat little red flag on it. It is up when you have mail and down when you don’t. You can also post mail from your letter box. Before the delivery person comes, you can put your stamped letter into your letter box, put your red flag up and they will take your post away for you. How’s that for service and they deliver on Saturdays as well as through snow, sleet, rain, hail and shine.

10) Deadly animals: Americans are infatuated with our seemingly deadly and dangerous species in Australia although I have never thought of them in that light. Given Grizzly bears, mountain lions, cougars, coyotes, bobcats, killer bees, bears, deadly snakes, bison and white tail deer – deer kill about 130 Americans per year but don’t panic, it is due to the road accidents the deer cause and nothing else more sinister – roaming about I am charmed they are so obsessed with our ‘dangerous wildlife’.

A beautiful Grizzly bear

11) Dryers: Almost every home has a dryer right next to the washing machine. There is not a hills hoist, washing line or peg to be found.

12) Tipping: Tipping in the US is ‘compulsory’ and not that we mind given most people are on below minimum wages and tips are meant to make up the difference. Such things as hairdressing, grocery bagging, wait staff, hotel staff, bar staff etc. etc. etc. require tips. Generally it is $1 to $2 for skycaps, bellhops and valets. Around $1 per grocery bag and around 15-20% of the total bill at restaurants or on bar tabs. I don’t like people who don’t tip especially when you are a guest in the US. Its disrespectful and rude. You may think it is un-Australian or un-British or un-where ever it is you come from, but your not in your home country now so when in Rome eat spaghetti and when in the USA tip!!! Oh, and apart from tipping you also pay taxes on everything. Here’s an example – a coffee will be advertised as $2.25 however when you pay for it, it will actually cost around $2.75. Also don’t go to a ‘dollar store’ with only one dollar in your pocket because the item will cost you over a dollar due to the tax.

13) Australia is completely metric. We don’t use Farenheit for temperature, gallons, pounds, miles, yards etc. It takes a little while to convert and sometimes my maths have been a little off in a recipe but all in all its quite good fun.

14) Our seasons are opposite. Winter in America officially starts December 21, Spring is March 21, Summer is June 21 and Fall (which is Autumn) starts September 21. Your summer is our winter so when you are baking in the summer heat of December, January and February we are in much colder temperatures. We are also due for another winter storm toward the end of this week and snow is expected………yipeeeee 🙂

15) Americans dislike Vegemite IMMENSLY!!!!

Well, I guess these are but a few of the small differences that I can think of at present. No doubt as time goes on I will think of and happily encounter many more differences. I will close in saying, with hand on heart, that I love living in America. I am so lucky and I thank you USA for having us in your home and for making us feel so welcome xx

Australian gothic

Footnote: updated 7 hours after posting – in number 14 (the seasons) I was happy another winter storm was brewing however the state has now been placed on a catastrophic weather alert. This is due to the amount of damaging ice predicted to be received, so I will admit I may have been somewhat overzealous (okay, selfish) with the thought of more snow coming. Fingers crossed all will be safe and well and that the beautiful state of Georgia comes through the storm with very little to no damage.

Enchanting Savannah

On February 5, 2014April 11, 2014 By oceangirl63In UncategorizedLeave a comment

Another road trip and this time we headed to the beautiful historic township of Savannah. And the best thing about this road trip – we were fortunate enough to spend two nights here.

Our accommodation was an incredibly beautiful Inn, The Ballastone, which was built in 1773 and is located in the heart of the historic district and comes complete with its own ghost. The Ballastone is one of many B & B’s of the district and they host an afternoon tea for their guests every afternoon at 4pm sharp.

The Ballastone Inn

The Ballastone’s sitting room

The beautiful southern belle town of Savannah has a reputation (thank goodness for that) and it is all courtesy of her beauty, history and charm. Once in Savannah you will find there are two types of people: those who are true Southerners’ and those who wished they were. This is a lovely town that has been settled along the Savannah river about 32 km upriver from the Atlantic ocean. Savannah is surrounded by swamps and it is one of the oldest townships in America. It is full of stunning Antebellum architecture, beautiful mansions, avenues of live oaks dripping with Spanish moss, incredible history, antiques, ghosts – Savannah is one of the most haunted towns in America and original cobblestone and oyster shell streets and lanes.

We visited in winter and it was cold. Very,very cold in fact which was possibly due to the remnants of the polar vortex. Given that, Savannah also experiences equally hot humid summers. One old local told us ‘summers are so hot an’ sticky that walkin’ around is like wadin’ through quick sand. You have to go real slow ’cause if you go any faster than an old turtle you’ll just die’.

Things to do in Savannah:

1) Walk! Savannah is a great walking destination and her charm lies in the ‘historic district’. And the best way to see it is on foot. Walk and you will see so much more. Walk and you can take in and appreciate the true splendour of Savannah’s historic mansions and Antebellum homes.

2) After the historic district, stroll the waterfront on tabby streets. Tabby streets are the old streets made of old primitive concrete and oyster shells and River Street is where you will find the old cotton warehouses which now accommodate restaurants and galleries.

3) If you are unable to or don’t want to walk, take a trolley tour. This is a great way to get around Savannah to see and hear about her history. The Oglethorpe Trolley Tours (they are the blue trolleys) are the only company endorsed by the Savannah Historical Society.

3) Walk the squares. Around the historic district are Savannah’s squares. These squares are like little parklands with a fountain or monument in the centre surrounded by lush green magnolia trees or oaks and grass and plants. Each square varies, some are more glamorous than others and all are encompassed by beautiful houses and buildings. There are about 22 in all to experience.

4) Eat! See below.

5) Food – some of these I can personally recommend, others come courtesy of the locals. Here’s mine: *Dine out at Vic’s – great wine list, great cocktails and really really lovely food (definitely try the lump crab cakes) plus you get a wonderful view of the Savannah River with its passing cargo ships. *Leopold’s Ice Creamery – pretty darn good ice cream and do try the butter pecan…..although the rum bisque is right up there as well. *Zunzi’s – a fab little ‘hole in the wall place’ with great food and absolutely try their ‘conquistador’. *Green Truck Pub for the best burgers this side of I have no idea where!

The locals recommendations: *Goose Feathers café – get in early though and don’t be put off by the line as we were. Americans will happily line up for pretty much anything. *The Olde Pink House – built in 1771 and swathed in pink stucco this is the restaurant the locals love to dine at and recommend. We tried it but were very disappointed. It is overpriced and over-rated and the food was rather average for such a sophisticated (and expensive) dining facility. *Paula Deens ‘Lady and Sons’ restaurant (I’m not a fan of commercialised ‘celebrity’ places such as these), *Papillote (French food to go) and *Sweet Spice (Jamaican).

6) See the churches – just beautiful and very serene

7) Walk through the cemetery – not a spooky as it sounds with plots dating back to 1700.

8) Visit Forsyth Park – a stunning park where the line of oak trees forms a tunnel that leads to the parks magnificent 1858 fountain. On a very cold winters day we sat on a park bench, our hands warmed with a steaming cup of coffee and watched the world pass by.

We were out day and night in Savannah and fear we only scratched the surface of this lovely town.

Scenes of Savannah:

The streets of Savannah are lined with beautiful arching live oaks that drip with Spanish moss. It is a hauntingly beautiful sight but don’t touch the moss – chiggers live in it!