First Impressions and Images of Savannah
Our first full day in Savannah was warm and overcast. Luckily, the rain held off and we were able to spend the afternoon getting familiar with the city that would be our home for the next few months.
Our landlord had offered to let us make use of a couple old, rickety bikes he had in storage. We wobbled into town, unsure the ancient contraptions weren’t going to fall apart, but comfortably inconspicuous. A sleek mountain bike would be out of place in this eccentric, slow-moving city, but ambling along the wide streets on these quirky old things, we fit right in.
Over the course of the day, I gathered the same impressions of Savannah which must strike every newcomer to the city. The haunting beauty of the Spanish Moss. The crowded riverside promenade with its shops and tour boats. The incredible Victorian architecture. The parks and squares, with their monuments to Savannah’s rich history. The looming mansions, which always evince an air of mystery. And I don’t mean one or two foreboding old mansions… Savannah must have hundreds! Biking around them was enough to send shivers down my spine, especially on a dreary day. It’s no coincidence that the city is home to so many ghost stories.
But what impressed us most of all was the people and the relaxed way of life which reigns here. Nearly everyone we encountered was smiling, happy to stop and chat. Savannah boasts an eclectic populace, with proper, society-type ladies sharing the squares and sidewalks with panhandlers and flannel-clad students. It’s an old city, but one with a vital infusion of youth that keeps things fresh. Thanks to SCAD, the Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah might have a higher percentage of hipsters than Brooklyn.
This initial tour was fascinating, and by the time we returned to our own foreboding old mansion just off Abercorn, I knew that we had made a great decision in coming here. Savannah is stunning at first glance, but the city’s true beauty lies in its depth; its history, secrets, and legends. Our 91 days was already ticking down, and I could hardly wait to get back out there and start exploring.
How cool – 91 days in my fave city. Be sure to have some Tutti Frutti ice cream at Leopold’s and a Fried Pork Chop at The Pink House.
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Mike & Jürgen,
Perhaps I haven’t been paying attention to your blog, lads, but this is a surprise. Savannah! A gorgeous city, but why Savannah in particular? A job? Friends? The scenery? House-swapping?
And does 91 days (as opposed to merely 90) this mean that certain European spouses have solved a visa dilemma?
Looking forward to plenty of amazing pictures.
headbang8,
yeah after Valencia – Oviedo and now Savannah! Why? Good question 😉 But Mike and I haven’t been living back in the US for 9 years now. So it was about time, so picked a city in the US.
Savannah or in general the south neither one of us is very familiar with – it’s not too cold in the winter and not too many people outside the US know about this little Georgian gem. It’s gorgeous.
91 just had a better ring to it and yes – most travel visas are for 3 month – that’s why we are going for 3 month at a time.
Thank you for catching up. How are things for you?
Really cool idea guys, I am really looking forward to the updates and the progression.
I have had a liking for Savannah for a while, and it is cool to see someone taking it in the way you are. Never been there, but feel more familiar with it now than looking at pages of tourist sites.
Just finished your book today and absolutely loved it. We came to Savannah 2 years ago From Texas. My husband had retired and came here to worth for Gulfstream. We fell in love with the area and bought a house in Rincon, we’re staying. Your book was very I helpful in helping me learn about this lovely area of the USA.Thank you so much,Linda
Good day, i know this is a very weird question, i just wanted to know if you happen to remember the store of the lace umbrella picture. I really need an umbrella like that for an event this Saturday. Any info would be very much appreciated! Thank you in advanced.
Hi Stephanie, unfortunately I don’t recall which store that was… that picture was taken a few years ago, so it might not even be there anymore! But best of luck with your search 🙂