It took us about 8 hours by car to reach Charleston from Naples (Florida), which put us there around 8pm. We were very excited about visiting the town’s historic parts the next morning so we got an early start. Known for its southern hospitality and politeness, Charleston’s American roots run deep as does its religious tolerance (it was one of the first American towns to allow religious freedom to non-Catholics). Interestingly, it’s also the place that sparked the first battles leading to the Civil War. Continue reading Day 233 – 238: Charleston (SC) & Wrightsville Beach (NC)
Monthly Archives: January 2012
Day 222 – 232: Los Angeles & Naples FL (USA)
The inevitable – returning home to America – had finally happened. Facing a 9.5 hour long flight from Fiji to Los Angeles, we had plenty of time to reflect over the past 7 months. I was wired with emotion and reluctant to fully understand that the next country we’d land in was “home”. Brigitte too was overcome by sadness and just as incredulous about our 7 months having expired. As I wrestled with the notion of this is it – the end – Brigitte seemed to effortlessly find the alternative, sleep. But as the overnight flight bounced its way across the Pacific Ocean, I was kept awake for just about the entire ride. Continue reading Day 222 – 232: Los Angeles & Naples FL (USA)
Day 212 – 221: Fiji
The end of the year marked the final phase of our trip (the international part of it anyway), and it also raised some key questions like: where would we be for New Year’s, and what should we do? Given our proximity to the Pacific islands from New Zealand, we figured that Fiji would be a good way to close out 2011. And the prospect of returning to New York in the dead of winter just reinforced the notion that one last hit in the tropics would be necessary. Continue reading Day 212 – 221: Fiji
Day 208 – 211: Auckland (New Zealand)
With 3 days left in New Zealand, we headed further north towards Auckland for another urban experience. The metropolis is the country’s largest (population 1.4 million), and served as its capital for years (prior to moving to Wellington). The city’s defining feature as seen even from miles away is the 1,076-foot tall Sky Tower, which we noticed on our approach from the highway. Also notable was the elevation of the sprawled out city as it’s situated amongst dozens of volcanoes (many of which are still active). Continue reading Day 208 – 211: Auckland (New Zealand)