My fascination over the South started when I read the novel “Message in a Bottle” by Nicholas Sparks. I was only 15 then. The story was set on a coastal town in North Carolina. Although I was only able to see the movie years after that, the fascination lingered. Sometime between 2003-2004ish, I got hold of his other novel, The Notebook. The story resonated in me for weeks, probably months, and I still carry it with me up to this day. When it was brought to life on a big screen in 2004, I was left daydreaming and musing like all hopeless-romantics would. The thought of losing someone as they deplete memories hit me big time. It’s like leaves of story pages falling without a sound.

And that fascination also involves oak trees. I dragged my husband with me to see Boone and Magnolia Plantation. While it was a remarkable experience, it left me wondering about Savannah, Georgia. Immediately upon our return to America after living some years in Japan, hubby and I found ourselves wandering around the charming city of Savannah, the “Forest City”. Despite the holiday road blocks and the city’s ubiquitous one-way traffic, the city proved to be worth all the fascination and daydreams. All those years of waiting and wishing, while aboard a city trolley and on foot, Savannah did not disappoint, not even a bit.

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One of the holiday roadblocks we encountered during our visit to Savannah, Georgia, the Forest City.
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Looking for a parking around downtown Savannah, Georgia.
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The former cotton warehouses which have been converted to restaurants, bar and boutiques along the cobbled River Street in Savannah, Georgia.
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My husband and I waiting for our city trolley at the River Street in Savannah, Georgia.
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The Savannah Cotton Exchange now stands as the known as Factors Walk.

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Our lunch was at Boar’s Head, one of the former cotton warehouse turned restaurant. It was a lunch view to kill as it overlooks the Savannah River.

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Some interesting sights along the River Street in Savannah, Georgia
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Some random downtown Savannah, Georgia sights.
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The Unitarian Church in Savannah, Georgia where James L. Pierpont, composer of “Jingle Bells” served as the musical director.
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One of the charming Southern architecture in Savannah, Georgia that caught my eye.
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One beautiful Southern neighborhood in Savannah, Georgia, right across the Forsyth Park.

 

Savannah has 22 historic square parks to boast! It was called the Forest City for a good reason.

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The monument of Tomo-chi-chi located inside Wright Square in Savannah, Georgia. He is called the co-founder of Georgia together with Oglethorpe. He was considered a friend of the English helping the colony fight the Spanish outpost.

 

Life is a box of chocolate. I just have to say it :)

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The centerpiece of Chippewa Square is the statue of General James Oglethorpe, the founder of the colony of Georgia. This is one of the most accessible squares as it is nestled right in the center of downtown. This square was made famous by Forrest Gump with its bench scenes where Forrest waited for the bus. Life is a box of chocolate eh?

 

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Interesting architecture around downtown Savannah in Georgia.
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Interesting architecture at downtown Savannah, Georgia.

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The Six Pence Pub, located in downtown Savannah in Georgia, is one of the locations used in the film “Something to Talk About”, starring Julia Roberts and Dennis Quaid.

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The famous fountain in the center of Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia, perhaps the biggest park in the city.
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The oak trees lined the streets and parks of Savannah, Georgia.

 

And here is a photo of our cat travelling with us, Sakura Rain. She is quite enjoying the charm only the South can bring.

Sakura Rain, our adorable cat who is travelling with us. This is her looking out from the window of our hotel in Savannah, Georgia.
Sakura Rain, our adorable cat who is travelling with us. This is her looking out from the window of our hotel in Savannah, Georgia.

 

 

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