Carolina in my mind
25 Jun 2011
I worked myself into a frothy lather thinking about the flight to the east coast. Then I saw the plane we’d be on. I did feel a little better.
My iPhone and the “Haunted Mansion House of Mirrors” application made the 5 hour flight a little less horrifying. We were met by our good friend Jason at the Charlotte airport. He thought my smile meant that the flight was great. What it meant was that I was finally on the ground. Thanks Vern for the great photo.
Scott was waiting outside in the car. We were driven through beautiful green, tree-covered rolling hills to their lovely very upscale home in a very lovely upscale neighborhood. The house was warm and comfortable and very well appointed. We were hobnobbing with the rich people.
The next day we drove to Ashville, NC. We toured the Biltmore mansion. America’s largest home.
It was a self guided tour, an absolutely amazing home and acres of gardens and lakes and waterfalls. George Washington Vanderbilt was the one who had this built. It was inheritance money from his grandfather. The house was full of naked men paintings and statuary… not so much of the naked women. His wife had her own bedroom and George’s bedroom doors had state of the art locks, fortress like. Here’s a picture. You decide.
This mansion was so amazing and I was just wishing I could come back at midnight with a flashlight to complete my tour.
The next day we went to Charleston, South Carolina. I’m a real history buff, but some history is unsettling. I don’t like civil war history but there was enough earlier history to hold my interest. This is one of the thirteen colonies and is the most charming little city I’ve ever seen. These homes were here before the U.S. was the U.S.
Most of these homes had widow walks on the roof so they could look out for English ships coming in. It was like going back in time. The streets were very narrow and European like and I expected to see a Southern belle with an umbrella drinking a mint julip.
Scott and Jason treated us to a lovely suite in a Charleston hotel for the night. Next day was back to Charlotte.
I think we ate all their cashews and of course drank all their beer. It was a great visit made comfortable by perfect hosts. Thanks guys. 
7 Responses
2011 Jun 25
Great to hear you had a fun time in the Carolina s. Glad it all worked out.I am glad you had a safe trip and arrived back home without too much problem. It is always great to have such good friends in your life.
As far as all the naked men in the mansion, ya think!!!
I still think that you are an excellent writer (blogger)and need to keep working towards that book. You just have that knack. Oh and your welcome….(YAY I am finally published.)
2011 Jun 25
I love your bloggie thingies – keep writing them.
Sounds like it was a great trip and worth the terror of the flight. Has it given you courage to explore other parts of the globe?
2011 Jun 25
no
2011 Jun 25
Glad you could enjoy your trip. The mansion looks lovely and after hearing about the owner, it sure makes you wonder…
Charming buildings! That’s a part of the country I’ve never seen.
2011 Jun 26
Sounds like such a lovely trip! Glad you could brave the plane ride. Charleston sounds like such a fun place to visit as well as that cool mansion. As far as George goes, I’m left wondering why he even bothered with having a wife at all…
2011 Jun 29
I’m glad you had such a great trip. I remember touring the Biltmore House when I was 17. (Craig, did you go with us?) I remember there was a bowling alley in the basement and a beautiful rose garden. Funny, I don’t remember the naked men paintings. (Mom probably tried to shield my eyes or something). How scandalous!
2011 Jun 29
I didn’t see it with you guys because I had the 2 jobs while living with Darrellyn, but I have been there a couple of times. That’s why I wanted Paul to see it. Knew he would love it. The naked men paintings were classicly tasteful and Romanesque, but it was very obvious which variety of naked body he liked the best!
The trip was great fun. Great spending time with our friends Scott and Jason. Next time we’ll take the train though…I hate the airport lines, security, crowds, check-in almost as much as Paul hates flying. And with my fairly recent claustrophobia I can’t stand being in certain seats in smaller planes. But it was worth it!
It was my second trip to Charleston and I knew Paul would love the architecture from the 1600′s and 1700′s that are all very well restored and kept up. Fabulous!