A FLURRY OF CULTURE SHOCK

Savannah, GA

Historic Savannah, a kind way to reenter the country.

While we were enjoying our three-hour tour of Savannah, I had three culture-shock moments that made me have a good laugh at myself.

First, as we were leaving the restaurant where we ate lunch, I had a near panic attack that I hadn't tracked down the waiter and said, "Merci. Au revoir," an obligatory courtesy when leaving any establishment in France.

Second, we popped into a coffee shop and an employee shouted, "Hello!" I thought, "Finally, someone who knows about proper greetings." I returned his greeting, and he said it again, louder, "HELLO." I thought he was getting a little too carried away when I realized he was saying, "We're closed."

Third, we left the coffee shop and walked to the corner. I said to Chip, "LOOK, macarons!"

Soap. Quel dommage.

To explain my confusion, here is a real macarons display:

The exquisite La Durée near Madeleine in Paris.

Curious about macarons? Here is everything you might want to know plus info about La Durée, where, I just now learned, these amazing clouds of French deliciousness were born.

HELLO SAVANNAH

Savannah, by boat, is a considerable side trip off the ICW, so on our road trip back to St. Augustine after Thanksgiving, we decided to have a look at this southern city by land.

I wondered, could Savannah compete with Charleston for my affection?

While Charleston is a grand, pampered lady, who will serve you a mint julep on the veranda ...

Savannah, in a well-loved housedress, will sit down at the kitchen table with you and share some homemade biscuits and redeye gravy.

She's grit and grits, the wealthy and the homeless piled in together. She likes good old southern food, she has an ear for music and an eye for art -- and I love her too. 

GOODNIGHT, GOD

Savannah, GA

We crept in the darkened door of a candlelit chapel
filled with the believers, the hopeful and a homeless man in a dirty knit cap.

Angelic voices flowed over us evoking the pinnacle of heaven
or a nicely appointed movie set.

The believers silently faithful.

The two of us quietly wistful.

The homeless man warming his bones
at the hearth of a Gregorian goodnight to God.