I was shocked and saddened to hear about the 6.3-magnitude earthquake that struck Italy last night. While I’ve never been to the town of L’aquila, I spent some time in the area about a year ago.
A traveler gains serendipitous knowledge of a place just by visiting. When we open our hearts, we gain an understanding of the people and their culture. Because I am able recall trip memories, I can visualize an Italian hill town, feel a connection and the tragedy becomes more profound.
Italians live in tight communities; they know their neighbors, they chit-chat on the streets. Young and old sit on the front steps or the benches by the town fountain. They sip coffee together or meet in the market. They love their children, family and religion.
Santa Maria di Collemaggio
Lamentably, the 13th century church of Santa Maria di Collemaggio, near the city gates of L’Aquila, was severely damaged. Pope Celestine V was crowned there in 1294. Just think– that date was two hundred years before Columbus set sail to discover what is now North America. This Pope was also buried in the crypt. And, by the way, an interesting fact –he was the only pontiff ever to resign.
Italian Men discussing the day
I’m sorrowful about the loss, but of course buildings can be rebuilt. The lives that were lost (275 dead, 1,500 injured) are gone forever. My heartfelt prayers are with the people who live in or near this historic city.
Charleston , South Carolina is what you call a southern city. The folks like grits for breakfast; they like shrimp and grits for dinner.
They’re also fond of fried chicken, cornbread, peach cider and pralines. An aura of the Antebellum Old South lingers: stately mansions, cobblestones streets, and the smell of jasmine. These thoughts set my mind a-swirling. I envision hoop skirts, confederate soldiers, debutante balls and Tara.
I decide to visit a real plantation based on a travel brochure which claims, Magnolia Plantation and Gardens is one of the top 25 most visited historic houses in America.”If true, this home joins a pretty impressive list: the Biltmore Estate, Mount Vernon, the Betsy Ross House, and Graceland. In addition, the brochure boasts, “Magnolia maintains the oldest major public garden in America, and is also America’s oldest man-made attraction, having been open to the public since the late 1860s.” Bold statements indeed; I deem this a must-see.
The historic site lies off Ashley River Road, just a 20-30 minute drive from downtown. I turn onto a long single lane, stop to pay admission (still in my car) and follow a circuitous path through lanes of tall oaks and Loblolly pines.
Magnolia Plantation Manor House
The Manor, as it is called, was originally constructed in 1775 and is the third house in the same the location. Fire destroyed the first two, the second ignited by Union soldiers during the Civil War.
First I take the house tour, which begins on the immense wrap-around porch. Once again my mind wanders: how relaxing it must be to sit here at sunset and rock back and forth. Then, I come to my senses. South Carolina summers swelter with heat, humidity and mosquitoes; consequently I disband all sentimental thoughts.
The Manor, as it is called, was originally constructed in 1775 and is the third house in the same location. Fire destroyed the first two, the second ignited by Union soldiers during the Civil War.
Magnolia Plantation Gardens
A couple stroll along the banks of the Ashley River
The owners lost most of their wealth in the war, as did many southerners, so they moved a brick cabin to the original site and added on. My guide, Wanda, explains all this and the family history and furnishings- a mix of early-American antiques, museum-quality quilts and various works of art.
She say,”Magnolia is one of very few estates still owned by the family that built it.” The current, an 11th generation Drayton, lives on the grounds. I exit into the rear garden, which turns out to be the front since it faces the river. Fuchsia azaleas, scarlet camellias and lilacs are in bloom, while delicate branches of dogwood trees blossom pink and white. The scene dances with spring color yet genteel grace.
Live oaks, doused with Spanish moss, guard the riverbank like sentries, except they appear asleep at their post. The mood is tranquil. Couples stroll along the romantic walkway while other folks laze on benches. My attitude has turned into one of, frankly, not giving a damn. The afternoon beams with radiance, gone is the wind and i”ll listen to the Song of the South.
In addition to the Manor and swamp garden (detailed in an earlier blog) Magnolia Plantation offers “slavery to freedom tours,” boat rides, a nature tram, and miles of walking and biking paths. Why you can even bring your dog or a canoe, and lest I forget, there’s a petting zoo, gift shop and cafeteria. Sounds rather tacky, but I confess, pretty well concealed into the landscape. www.magnoliaplantation.com
Wrong. The treat was launched by the Fox-Cross Candy Company in 1922, during the popular dance craze – the Charleston. I imagine the makers realized the bars force one’s jaw to do a little jig.
Nabisco purchased rights in 1980 and Tootsie added the Chew to their line in 1993. Five years later, they created Charleston Mini Chews, bite-size servings resembling Milk Duds.
