Pirates http://www.trifter.com/tags/Pirates New posts about Pirates Savannah, a Lady of the South http://www.trifter.com/USA-&-Canada/Georgia/Savannah-a-Lady-of-the-South.277445 Ah, Savannah! Still one of the great cities of the south, she is a gracious hostess that welcomes you with beauty and charm. Savannah sits on the eastern U.S. Coast along the Moon River (yes, the one in the Andy Williams tune of the same name). The city itself is one of the oldest in Georgia and retains it historic waterfront much the way it was in the early 1800’s. In fact, the entire down town area with its planned parks and perfectly grid streets lined with homes dated well into the early 19th Century, is a gateway to the past.

But don’t be fooled. The down town area also boasts A Hyatt Regency, a Westin and numerous other upscale accommodations for the benefit of visitors and business alike. And then there are the restaurants and southern hospitality. If you enjoy fresh seafood prepared in a Savannah style all it’s own you are in for a treat!

Savannah festivals and celebration of the holidays are promoted to the fullest. Music, plays and other cultural events are scheduled throughout the year and should be taken advantage of during your visit. And if it is a night life you are interested in you are in luck. The streets hum with locals and visitors alike and the various evening establishments are alive with people having a good time.

Savannah Waterfront

 

The majority of streets throughout the Historic Waterfront are paved with the original cobblestones from the 17th Century. They are fascinating to see and add to the aesthetic beauty of the district. However, these are not your modern suburban driveway version and should not be traversed by anyone who experiences walking or balance difficulties.

Cobblestone Streets on the Waterfront



Walking the downtown streets of Savannah is a portal to the past. You are surrounded by beauty and elegance at every turn. Most folks will be able to imagine themselves very comfortable living here, particularly if they are attracted to a quiet serenity and grace.

One of the Many Garden Parks Throughout Downtown Savannah




Savannah is also associated with 16th Century Pirates of which the inhabitants take a certain pride. If you bring the kids, a visit to the Old Pirate House for lunch is a must. The story goes that the place inspired Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island Story. Built in 1754, I am inclined to believe it.

The Old Pirate House



If you are a fan of the Paula Deen’s Cooking Show you will have to visit her restaurant in Downtown Savanna. Be forewarned that the lines to get in are brutal, but the food is pure Paula Deen. You can be sure that a little “Budda” has been added.

Paula Deen’s



Do try the seafood at any of the fine restaurants. If nothing else brings you back to Savannah this will.

 Clams and Crawfish



Savannah is unique in so many ways. Even though you may find some of its attractions in other cities you will not find them all together and so perfectly blended as Savannah. Sight-see and shop during the day, take a “Ghost Tour” in a Hurst during the evening (Oh yes, Savannah is haunted you know) or just follow the night streets to where they lead you and enjoy the adventure.

Spanish Moss Covered Trees

]]> Mon, 29 Sep 2008 07:48:27 PST A Volcanic Paradise in the Mediterranean http://www.trifter.com/Europe/Spain/A-Volcanic-Paradise-in-the-Mediterranean.175335 As I always liked looking for lost pieces of land in the middle of the sea, my eyes always look for this one among the scattered clouds, one of my favourite views from a plane. It's not more than a tiny spot about 30 miles off Spain's Valencia region coast, like a stone ring open to the north east, laying on the very edge of the continental shelf, and a candidate to slide down to the depths of the Mediterranean, together with the many other rings and sunk boats of any size that this old sea is keeping for nobody else.

It doesn't stand more than 25 or so metres above sea level, so when the sea gets brave, big waves jump one to the other side of the ring when the Tramontana wind blows hard from the north. What from the distance looks like bare rock with no more human presence than a lighthouse and a small grave yard is home of many birds including some rare and endangered ones. On the ground there are some shrubs and a few species of insects including a few endemic of the islands.

The islands were known long time ago as the snake islands, but none of them survived the fires set to exterminate them. Since ancient times they were used as a shelter for fishermen and a safe base for smugglers and pirates. The best treasure is kept under the water. Clean and crystalline like the air and boiling with life after being a military area for many years and declared afterwards marine sanctuary. Huge groupers, shoals of barracudas and giant size lobsters are common sight both inside and outside the caldera, being the channels that link the lagoon with the open sea the places where you find huge static fish floating in the current. I've personally been in Columbretes a couple of times both over and under the water and I've seen them a handful more times from the air. Every time I am surprised by the magic of the place and astonished to find so much life and beauty in such a tiny and distant place.

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