Blog #8
After selling the Airstream (aka “it”), we headed over to Charleston for MLK Weekend. It’s about a 90-minute drive through the Low Country which is aptly named. Everything is flat and clearly wetlands that help the tidal ecosystem. The trees never seem to be higher than 20 feet and are all slung with Spanish moss. The sunset over these parts was absolutely incredible.
We rented an AirBnb for us and our kids for the weekend, but had to board the dogs. Before we headed over to my cousin’s for a Friday night dinner, we dropped off the dogs at a luxury K9 Pet Resort. It happened to be near the house we rented in Mt. Pleasant and got good reviews. When we got there, we understood what they meant by “luxury.” Just look at the entrance to the place below.
While it snowed in Asheville, we had dinner outside by heaters and a fire with a few family and friends. We made it to our AirBnB which was a cute well-appointed 3+ bedroom in a suburban neighborhood. It may have been minutes away from the water, but since we were only there to sleep, we’ll never know.
On Saturday morning, we donned our “going to temple” clothes and headed off to America’s oldest synagogue in continuous use. KKBE’s sanctuary was renovated within the past couple of years and it looks beautiful. Before we entered, we all had Covid rapid tests in addition to submitting our vaccination cards in advance or at the door.
Can I just kvel a little at how well my cousin did becoming a Bat Mitzvah? As generations of Jews know, this literal rite of passage requires lots of study and practice. Only we would ask 13 year olds to complete a public speaking challenge in a foreign language! She was wonderful.
The Jewish history in Charleston is amazing. One example: the first known Jewish settler comes from records in the 1600’s. The colonial Governor needed an interpreter and called on a Sephardic Jew to translate between him and a Spanish speaking Yamasee. Wow. Here’s a link to more info: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_Charleston,_South_Carolina
KKBE, the synagogue we visited, is the second oldest in the U.S. and the oldest in continuous use. It was established in 1749 and when the first building burned down, they build another in 1843 – after the first one burned down. The congregation is the oldest in continuous use. More links that hopefully are not as negatively slanted as the Wikipedia one above:
https://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/charleston-south-carolina-jewish-history-tour
After the synagogue, we stopped off at a childhood friend’s house in downtown Charleston. It’s historic, but it’s been updated by our friend to be thoroughly modern and livable. Amazing job Julie! Wish we met more of her family but we did get to spend time with her precocious, precious youngest daughter. Not including photos for now because mine don’t do it justice.
The party that night was a the aquarium! Black tie and so much fun. Photos below
The next day we got together for BBQ. David declared Lewis BBQ the best Texas style (no sauce, dry rubbed) he’s ever eaten – and he’s been all over TX and the south. I have to agree. Definitely make a stop there for the really moist turkey, perfect brisket and sumptuous ribs. Even the mac and cheese and collards were perfect.
Later that day we gathered at my cousins and hung out. We talked, tackled a puzzle and otherwise enjoyed each other’s company.
We had brunch with my sisters’ families on Monday at Toast All Day. Afterwards, Rachel and Madison got some one-on-one time while we toured downtown Charleston with Brianna. Not surprisingly, we shopped a little and she got a few outfits. I got a fitting sweater.
Of course I had to stop by Savanah Bee Store..
Continuing my tour of libraries around the country, happened upon the Charleston Library. So historic. So impressive. So windy.
You know I love our libraries. Our freedoms are based on an educated populace. Public Libraries are the cornerstone. And this one has cornerstones!
Sadly, we had to say good bye to Madison on Monday night as she was going back to training at the Federal Law Officers Training Center. That’s what you do when you are law enforcement for the National Parks. The parental taxi service dropped Bri at the airport on Monday night and Rachel on Tuesday super early. The dogs came back into our lives (hurrah!) on Monday night, and Toby brought along kennel cough for the ride. He’d been vaccinated for it and the flu, but I guess this strain wasn’t covered.
That’s all I can bring myself to post right now. Maybe more later this weekend.
The Long And Weinstein Road 