USA, Savannah

“Frankly my dear, I don’t give a damn!” An immortal quote from a legendary movie based on the classic “Gone with the Wind”  by Margaret Mitchell.
Oh how I adored Clark Gable, playing Rhett Butler in my favourite film.
I could imagine being Scarlett, having all the Beaus around me, begging for a date. What a life!
When my friend suggested to go for a visit to Scarlett and Rhett territory - Savannah, Charleston and surrounding area, I couldn’t  pack my bags fast enough.
Savannah is one of the prettiest places I have ever visited.

It is steeped in tradition and has its share of famous sons, real as well as much loved through movie history.
I sat on the park bench where  Forrest Gump uttered the words:  “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get” . We had a meal in Clary’s Cafe, made famous by the book and movie “Midnight in the garden of good and evil”.

This film is based on the true story of James Arthur (Jim) Williams who was alleged to have committed murder and got away with it. He is the only man in the State of Georgia who was tried 4 times for the same crime until he was finally acquitted in May 1989
Williams played an active role in the preservation of the historic district of Savannah,  restoring more than fifty homes.

Who remembers ‘Alexander’s Ragtime Band’?  Or how about the famous Sinatra hit, ‘One  For My Baby?’ Those and so many others were written by local son Johnny Mercer. 

Born in Savannah in 1909 this musical genius received 19 Academy Awards nomination – he won 4.
And then there is the food!  The place that comes to mind is Mrs Wilkes Dining Establishment. Want some real Southern Food? This is the place. We waited for over one hour in a queue about 50m long. We were very thankful for the shade provided for us by the lovely old trees in the street.

Mrs Wilkes is only open 3 hours for lunch.  It is listed in the book “a thousand places to see before you die” and it is popular! The food is out of this world and to finish it all off, we were required to take our plate, glass and silverware to the  kitchen for cleaning.
An equally fun place for a terrific meal is the Pirate’s Cove. This is a treat for all the family.
Returning to our B & B we became lost. Because of the way old Savannah is laid out, one square looks just like the one a little further on. So we asked for directions. The very nice and patient  police woman told us to keep left and of course we kept right. So 10 minutes later we ended up with her again. Lots of laughter -  she told us ‘where to go’ and we found our way home in no time.
What I loved best in Savannah was the Spanish moss growing on all the trees. It does look so soft, which it isn’t, but ‘doing’ the horse drawn carriage tour, it was a delight to see it so close up.

And what a blessing the fountains are! Every Square has one and it is such a nice break when you’re walking to just sit in the shade by the cool fountain and watch life pass you by.

Our next stop is Charleston, Rhett I am coming!