October, 2008 was vacation time for us! Jim, our friend Tina and I left on Saturday, October 4 and drove to Brevard, NC where my cousin Raoni lives. We stayed overnight with her and then went on to Charleston on Sunday. Raoni, Tina and we had rented a three bedroom condo on the Isle of Palms, about 20 minutes from downtown Charleston.
Our condo was absolutely beautiful! It was listed as a penthouse villa, probably because it was on the 5th floor. There were two large windows overlooking the beach and ocean and sliding glass doors that went to the balcony, also overlooking the same scene.
We had a wonderful time the whole week walking the beach, finding shells, sightseeing, playing cards and just spending quality time with each other. Unfortunately, the temperature was around 70, making it too chilly to spend time in the water. But I made it a point to wade in above my knees several times. It's not everyday you get to go to the ocean!
Charleston is a great place to visit. We had been advised by others who had been there to go on a carriage ride first. Good advice! It was a great way of getting a feel for the town and its history. Along with visiting the downtown during the week, we also went to Boone Plantation and Patriot's Point. Oh, the night before we left we even found a Goodwill Store!
We went to Piggly Wiggly for groceries for breakfast and lunch. Also, Tina cooked a couple of delicious dinners! Eating out was a joy too. Our favorites were: Seewee, Hyman's, and Jestine's Kitchen. All three were YUMMY!
It was a really nice week. Unfortunately, Raoni had a sinus infection and had to stay in most of the week. But she enjoyed the view! She is originally from New Zealand and decided about a year ago to get her U.S. citizenship. Her final interview was to be on the 14th. Part of the interview included answering questions about U.S. government/history. She had a list of nearly 100 questions and answers that she had to know. They were to ask her five of the questions, but she wouldn't know which ones. So, Tina and I helped her study each day and guess what...she passed! She is now a full-fledged U.S. citizen!
All in all, we had an awesome time. Charleston and the Isle of Palms are great places to visit. Will we go back someday? You bet!
