Yesterday was a very full day here in Savannah.
We had a cooking class scheduled from 10 - 1. We drove early so we could wander around Forsyth Park. The weather was cloudly and overcast but it was still wonderful to be out in the warmth. When we arrived at the class we were directed to sign a waiver which always makes one wonder . . .
I moved on and went with it. The class was outstanding! It was one of the best classes I have taken - a professional chef, the most amazing kitchen (yes, it is official, I have kitchen envy) . . . The food - what can I say other than the diet will start some other time. Fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, biscuits, black eyed pea salad, and the most incredible praline angel food cake YUM YUM YUM. It wasn't the most traditional version of these southern treats but it was incredible. Tradion be damned.
Once the class was over we were back out in the city and the weather had changed - for the better! It was now sunny, hot, and humid. I put on a pair of shorts and we went on a self-guided tour of the city (lead by Paul . . . I just walked, listened, looked, and burned in the sun). This is a beautiful and fascinating city. We are constantly surprised at the depth of history here.
One of the neat things has been wandering the city and popping into our fellow slowtravelers everywhere. We were sitting in a quiet square enjoying the surroundings and heard our names called - it was Jill. Later we were walking around and who should call us in for some wine but Jane.. It has been a friendly time!
By the time we returned to the house I was fried - literally! It was only an hour until we had to be at the reception but I had to nap!
We weren't too late for the reception, other guests straggled in after us. Fashionably late - that is us!
The bar was open (sadly the bartender would not make me the martini I wanted), staff wandered about passing out treats. The web cam was set up (which I studiously avoided). It wasn't long before the food was served - stuffed potato skins, crab cakes, grilled veggies, southern fried chicken fingers, various dips and breads, and smoked pork loin served with biscuits and a red onion confit. I seem to be doing nothing but eating and drinking! It is a tough life . . .
We got back to our rental in time to see the fireworks display over the river. I had read that the city features fireworks over the river on the first Friday of other month but hadn't but together that this was actually the first Friday. DUH The sky was lit with colour, the houses shook. It was a spectacular display.
After quickly changing we took advantage of another famous Savannah tradition . . . here it is legal to wander around with an alcoholic beverage - so long as it is in a plastic container. What a civilized piece of legislation THAT is!
It was midnight before we crawled into bed - I will likely pay for it tomorrow . . . .
Fireworks in April? I was going to ask if it was in honor of SlowTrav... :)
Thanks for the trip report. I can enjoy Savannah too... between yours and Jill's blogs... albeit it is only virtually...
Posted by: Eden | April 05, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Eden - it is too bad that you couldn't join us in Savannah.
Posted by: Jerry | April 07, 2008 at 04:35 PM