I’m spending a long weekend in Savannah, Georgia. It is a beautifully unique and old (by American standards) southern city. It clearly is a place that is protected and loved by its citizens. Savannah lives in the shadow of the ‘War between the States.’ Live oak canopies draped in veils of Spanish moss protect the charming leisure of well worn southern decay. I like it. The old humid air, lard filled home cooking, pork ribs, the leisure of southern comforts – after nearly 3 years in the northwest I have not forgotten how to appreciate this place.
In spite of my gratefulness and nostalgia for the southeast, my daughters are both from east Tennessee, imagining a life here is not easy. I can’t find a barista that knows how to pull a descent shot of espresso, much less make an macchiato. The local brewer’s use of hops created an IPA that made me long for a PBR. And southern country kitsch continues to be a bad idea no matter how exclusive the boutique that sells it.
I’m becoming a provincial Pacific North-westerner: a west coast snob. Self knowledge is a painful process.
the air is so sweet, mossy and fresh here today. We miss you and can’t wait for you to be back in Oregon…a growler will be waiting.
-Caro
I always enjoy reading what you write…you write far too little! I miss the South! I love the Northwest as we’ve experienced it. I enjoy Colorado still, each day rejoicing in its beauty. I even miss Texas! And, you are so right….self knowledge is hard to face sometimes!