Charleston

I don’t even know where to start. So many interesting choices. She-crab soup. Live oak trees. Alligators. Eagles. Gullah theater. Cannons. Salt water creeks. Pecan trees. Jellyfish. And horses.

My day started with horses. Seabrook Equestrian Center is in a gated community on an island of fancy beach side mansions. I had the day wrong, but I am glad I know where to go for my beach ride and I was up so early that I got to make the most of my day. Forts. Bridges. So much history.

First off, a nod to the food in Charleston. I haven’t tried shrimp and grits yet, but after eating the must sumptuous she-crab soup, I am willing to try all the local favorites. I wonder about how anyone can tell the difference from she’s and he’s on a crab? I didn’t ask.

Speaking of he’s and she’s. I listened to a woman explain the Gullah language. E is used for he, she, and it. I saw this presentation at Boone Farm, which is a 350 year old working farm. So, yes, a vast empire begun with slaves. Actually being on the land helped me understand so much. I understand now how tidal creeks work. I understand how fresh water and salt water can be right next to each other. I understand how wild the lowlands must have been at one time. I saw an alligator swimming three feet from the road. I walked under the canopy of live oak trees, planted by a man who wanted to build a grand entrance. But I also saw live oak trees that are hundreds of years old and saw how their limbs reach for ground, so they can anchor themselves and reach for the sky again. That was more impressive than anything I have ever seen before. I see how the thirst for money exploited the land and people. It was impossible to not feel the shame and to see how all of that history affects our nation to this day. Honestly, it made me more sad, than hopeful.

One of things I have learned about myself is that I often try to find the good in every situation, but I am learning that it is okay to acknowledge the bad.. I feel the loss here, and the uncertainty and fear that change brings. However, I also feel pride and love and hope that change will bring better. More than anything, my trip to South Carolina (so far) has taught me that telling our stories with truth has the greatest power.