Savannah- Georgia

Savanah is a coastal city separated from South Carolina by the Savanah River.  It's known for its manicured parks, horse -drawn carriages and antebellum artictecture manicured parks, horse-drawn carriages and antebellum architecture. The historic district  is filled with cobblestoned squares.  It has many beautiful parks and lots of history.
River Street runs along the edge of the Savannah River which is a very busy river way,  There is an active rail tracks along this road.  There are many cafe's restaurants and bars that populate this area.

Looking up the river is the third largest bridge in Savannah.  The Paddle Boat Steamer can be seen in the middle ground.  More about this later in the blog.

Savannah was a Confederate State during the American Civil War and its role was legendary .  It was one of the only towns left standing during Sherman's famous march to the sea. as it was preserved and given as a Christmas present to Abraham Lincoln in 1864.  It has a rich history 

It is also the third largest shipping port in the USA.  This day this massive ship passed by added by four tugs.

We purchased tickets for the luncheon narrated cruise.

The Georgia Queen Paddle Boat Steamer.

Lunch was in the dinning room and consisted of a variety of Southern foods.

Ross was enjoying the view.

There is a lot of industry located along the river bank.

Points of interest include a tribute to Florence Martus called  The Waving Girl.  Florence was a Savannahian  who is perhaps better known in worldwide maritime communities than in her own .  From 1887 to 1931, she greeted ships entering Savannah by waving a cloth at approaching ships from the lighthouse on Cockspur Island, in search of her long lost love.  Her fame spread and ships would return her greetings with a best from a ship's horn.  Many still sound a salute to her statue.  However, the real story is that as she had nothing to occupy herself so she did this to fill in time.  Her feet appear rather large given that she spent a good deal of her life barefoot.

Fort Jackson was created in 1808. 

The Historic part of Savannah is very pretty and so pleasant to walk around.

We are spending two weeks in this area as there is so much to see and do.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross 

Universal Studios - Orlando

The last time we visited the Universal Studios Florida, also known as Universal Studios Orlando was 2013.  it is a theme park located in Orland.  It opened on 7 June, 1990 and the park's theme is the entertainment industry, in particular movies and TV.  It has lots rides, numerous attractions and live shows.  

What has been attractive to us is Harry Potter's World and since our last visit it has been extended to now include a train ride in the Hogwart's Express. Whilst the ride is rather short it is a fantastic ride and runs between Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade.  During the trip holograph scenes appear at the window of the carriage which tells the story of this make beleive community.

The park is divided into several areas and in 2016 , the park hosted an estimated 9,998,000 visitors, ranking this park as the 6th most attended theme park in the USA.  

Universal welcomes you.

It hosts many restaurants. 

Many rather nostalgic.

Lots of rides, none of which appeal to us.

Recreations of a lost time.

This area features the Hulk, Spiderman, Popeye and many other notable film characters.

 Then onto Harry Potter's World.

Hogwarts.

Entry to the Hogwart's Express.

The Hogwart's Express which now runs and is great fun to ride,  The 6 seated compartments have the wire luggage racks and as the train travels images of the story appear which are part of the experience. 

Walking around the village you are reminded of the Harry Potter experience which is protected by a Hippogriff.

Book store.

                                                   

                                               

Any Harry Potter devote has to start the day with a Butterbeer.  These days they also serve a Butterbeer smoothie.

 At various times throughput the day live performances are provided.

For those who are unsure of how to get home there is always the Fire Bolt which is a magical broom.  At least it is light on fuel.

It was a great day even though there was a hurricane alert and lots of rain we were fortunate to stay dry and have a fun day.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross

Florida Historic Capital Museum

Since 1845, the Historic Capitol in Tallahassee has symbolized Florida State Government.  Restored to its 1902 appearance stands as an icon at the centre of Florida's Capitol Complex: the modern day nerve - centre of the Sunshine State Government.  Under the stained glass dome, political history and tradition come alive in its exhibits.  

By the use of photographs, recordings and audiovisual  displays the visitor has the opportunity to experience the people and events that have shaped todays Florida. photographs, recordings, and audiovisual displays, visitors experience the people and events that have shaped today’s Florida. 

Old Government Offices.

The Senate

The Supreme Court

The Seminole Indians are a union of several tribes from the Southeast United States.  These Tribes, which were mostly from Florida, Georgia, and Alabama unified in order to better protect their people.   

During the history of Florida there was also scandal.  

There are many parks throughout the city of Tallahassee.

Our next stop is Jacksonville, Florida.

Cheers,

Beverley and Ross