Beauty is all around us, but we often don’t see it because we are in a hurry, our minds are somewhere else, or our surroundings are too familiar.
When you travel, do you find yourself noticing things you probably wouldn’t notice at home?
This week, we have been in Savannah, Georgia, for a college visit. Savannah has a long and interesting and sometimes tragic history. Founded in 1733 by British General James Edwards Oglethorpe, the city overlooks the Savannah River, which feeds into the Atlantic Ocean 18 miles away.
Oglethorpe created a unique city plan with a series of one-acre squares and parks that provide more open spaces than in any other city in history, according to the Georgia Encyclopedia.
Oglethorpe’s plan, which is still studied and consulted today, has resulted in a gorgeous old city with historic homes, an unusually high amount of green spaces, and the iconic huge trees laden with Spanish moss. I love it for its charm and beautiful green spaces. Having visited several times, I’ve toured the historic district and some of the museums. I’ve walked the river walk, eaten in the eateries, and shopped in the shops. Savannah is one of my favorite places to be.
This time, instead of staying in a hotel, we decided to rent a townhome so we could make our own meals, cut down on expenses, and have more room to spread out.
We found a gem of a place in the historic district, located on the ground floor of one of Savannah's historic row homes. It has been renovated, thankfully, but still has exposed brick on the walls and the floor in the dining area, ceiling beams, and three fireplaces.
Being in this location has allowed us to get out and walk every morning, at lunch, and then after dinner. We feel like locals—almost.
I’ve been taking photos of details that catch my eye: the beauty in the buildings, the green spaces, and the unexpected. I’m sharing a few here and will have others on Facebook and Instagram.
I’d like to leave you with a little challenge: over the next few days: look for beauty in your surroundings that you wouldn’t ordinarily see. Keep your eyes and ears open for interesting details and then let me know what you find, either in the comments below or on Facebook. I can’t wait to hear from you.