Love letter from California
Editor,
My wife and I just returned from a vacation to the Historic District of Savannah. We hail from Santa Rosa, Calif., in Sonoma County, about 50 miles north of San Francisco in the “Wine Country.” We both travel quite a bit, and it was our first time in the South.
I’m ashamed to say that my friends and I all made fun of the fact that I was going to the South for vacation. I planned on changing my cellphone’s ring-tone to the theme song from “Dukes Of Hazzard,” and it was decided that I should watch several episodes of “Hee Haw” to ensure that I learned the language and dress-code.
I even called Hertz Rent-A-Car to see if they had any white pickup trucks for rent! In this part of California we’re used to very fine cuisine, and I had prepared myself for days on end of “fried everything.”
Boy, was I wrong...
It only took a couple of minutes in Savannah for me to realize how wrong my preconceptions were. Not only was Savannah MORE upscale than anything in Sonoma County, but the people were friendlier, better dressed, better looking, and exceeded our level of “Class” by quit a bit!
The architecture and Old World royal magnificence of the Historical District simply took our breath away. The history and charm of that area far exceeded anything else we’ve witnessed in the United States. The riverfront section was amazing. We actually walked on the same pathways as pirates, and the buildings all seemed to have a soul of their own!
The restaurants and cafes were of the finest quality and ambiance possible. This was made even better by the nicest staff on the planet. We ate at several establishments through out the city, and never once got a bad meal or service. I’ll sure miss “Sweet Tea” and “Grits”!!
We like to walk a lot, and there is no better city to walk in than Savannah’s Historical District. Oglethorpe was a genius in city design and planning. We rented a car at the airport, but never used it once we got to our B&B.
We walked from square to square to square every day we were there. While a cold and rainy 55 degrees back home, Savannah was in the mid to upper 70’s. What a place to walk!
Speaking of “B&B”, we stayed at the Foley House Inn. What a place! It was finer than any upscale hotel we had ever stayed in. It was like staying in a museum, except we could actually touch things!
Regina and everyone there were friendlier and more helpful than any staff we have ever run across in our travels. We hear this is typical for all Bed & Breakfasts in that area.
On a Sunday, we visited a large church next to the Foley House Inn. We were actually out front taking a picture next to the placard (I know it sounds tacky), when we were approached by a fine gentleman by the name of Mr. Hilton. He offered to take our picture and then invited us to attend the church service.
As if that wasn’t nice enough, once we entered the church we were constantly being welcomed by countless individuals. I have never in my life been made to feel so much at home. In California, we all seem to be surrounded by a force field that is never to be crossed.
I have never in my life written a letter of this kind before, but felt it necessary to atone for my preconceptions of your wonderful city. I consider our visit to be one of the highlights of my life.
I will forever be indebted to the people of Savannah, from 1733 to present! Thank you so much for being who you are...
Daniel S. MosierDon’t forget Club Sweets!
Editor,
I understand that Connect has a sponsorship relationship with the Savannah Danse Theatre’s Nutcracker production, but I am sure you agree that this should not keep you from providing coverage to other dance shows.
I would like to tell you about a show that you may not know about. It really represents the type of show I would think your publication would be interested in; which is a hip, daring, and creative artistic endeavor.
This show, Swingin’ at Club Sweets, was at the Lucas this Saturday night and was the best show I have seen yet this season - I have been to two other Nutcracker productions to include Sue Braddy’s Nutcracker.
The STUDIO production includes local legend, Roger Moss, and local live jazz music by Ricardo Ochoa. The dancers at the STUDIO are some of the best Savannah has to offer and many plan to have professional ballet carreers.
This show is not a recital, but rather a professional level production. I hope that next year Connect includes this avant-garde show in its coverage of the season’s dance shows. Thank you for your time.
‘mmmsci’
