Charleston, S.C. 2010

I haven't worked on this in awhile. Life keeps getting in the way. The April trip included an overnight trip to Charleston, S.C. Penny and I spent a day in historic Charleston, playing tourist and enjoying the old city. I'd love to see more of it. While the trip was in mid April the tourist traffic was in full swing. Parking near the shoreline was impossible.

One of the neatest locations is 'Angel Oak Tree' which is kinda off the beaten track. It's a 1500 year old tree, still alive and healthy in a campground.


Downtown historic Charleston has a population of citizens in the middle of what most people think of as a huge tourist destination. The homes are behind stone walls with hidden alleys and entrances. But if you walk the side streets you get a glimpse of beautiful courtyards and gardens.



The courtyards and gardens are hidden so well you actually have to do a little snooping down tiled alleys to see them. There were lots of 'for sale' signs in the windows, if you have the money to buy 1000-1500 sq. ft. for over a million dollars.

There is a historic theater on Queen St. The building has been completely restored and still has plays on the stage.


When you go through the building you come out into a courtyard that was used to stable the horses of theater goers. Now it's used as a small dining area before and after a play.



Like all historic towns the churches are important. There are several, all beautifully built with wonderful gardens and ancient cemeteries.




There is a great Irish Pub in a corner of one of the streets. Great place for a break, snack and a drink.


Then of course there is the bridge to get there. It's a great bridge.



Once I finally retire, I will spend a few days there.

Pittsburgh 2010

Pittsburgh is an old city in the middle, with lots of great buildings. I got to wander part of the city for part of the day. While I don't know the names of them, or their significance, I had a blast with my camera.

The old fortress for the city is now used for city offices, like courthouse, jail and administrative offices.




What a wonderful building to restore. Can you see the courtyard the way it was once, with flowers and shrubs, with vines everywhere with a center fountain? Instead of a place to take a smoke break.
Then there are the churches.
Between the beauty of the churches and the sculptures, the history of the city is well preserved.

Pittsburgh, playing tourist

Pittsburgh has lots of buildings with historic towers in the corners to keep part of early American history.

And historic churches. It is always amazing to me to find out that the beginning of a new community, in a new world, always start with sinking money and effort into a church, when life is such a struggle. The history of man is written in the buildings raised to an imaginary deity.


The statutes represent saints, priests and hope. The skill to carve marble in such detail is another thing brought to the New World hundreds of years ago.


Ever look at reflections? One of the most enjoyable things about playing a tourist with a camera is sometimes you get unique perceptions on mundane things. Like the American flag reflected in a glass tower across the street from a church.