Blue Ridge Mountains

Though I have driven through the Blue Ridge Mountains once or twice in the past, this was been the first time seeing them in the blazing sun and bright blue sky. Wow. What a magnificent sight. There's little else to say, the Blue Ridge Parkway is quiet, windy, with few cars and incredible views. While it takes about three times as long as taking Rt. 81 (through VA) it is SO worth it if you're travelling through. There appeared to be some amazing hiking trails too, which I would love to explore in the future!

Here are a few shots of the mountains from the parkway. Plus a cow and farm or two. Enjoy!

Nashville, TN

I've been lazy and neglected this blog since getting back from the trip last weekend. I do apologize. I hope everyone enjoyed a thankful and lovely Thanksgiving! I have a plethora of photos still to edit, thus more blogging will commence.

Getting back into the swing of work after an eventful week off was an adjustment - but quite a good one. Good things keep happening! More on this soon . . .

Back to the trip. While we spent less than 24 hours in Nashville, it was time well spent. Mostly in the hotel making our delicious - but marginally ghetto - Thanksgiving meal (strange hotel hot plates in the very Ikea-like kitchen of our hotel suite) with my mother's birthday Rose. Yum. Besides our meal, with explored the to-scale reproduction of the Parthenon (who knew??) in the center of Nashville. For real, there is an actual PARTHENON in the middle of a park. This beautiful country never ceases to surprise. I had quite a time taking photos in the bright sunlight - beautiful day, beautiful light, and a magnificent structure. Looking up at the pillars was just dizzying. 

If you are ever in Nashville, I highly recommend exploring this place. Quite a visual treat!

Oh, hey sunlight.

 Texture.

Loved the gritty texture of the pillars in contrast with the smooth tiles underfoot.

A little perspective.

My mom using my iPhone

A special treat.

Day Five and Six: Happy Thanksgiving

I'm tired from all the driving but happy to be drinking a little champagne in Nashville.

New Orleans was, as one might expect, amazing! My legs are still sore from all the walking around. We had perfect 73 degree weather for all three days - just right for aimless exploring marked with brief stops for coffee, beignets, and beer. What else? A bayou swamp tour with the a nice cajun who lectured us on exactly why Louisinans take offense at such shows as Swamp People (rightly so). Saw some alligators, armadillos, herons, and floating trailers. Also learned a whole lot about the swamp of Slidell, LA.

I have way too many photos to go through - which I will do as soon as possible. Here are a few of my favorites from days five and.

Happy Thanksgiving! We are enjoying a Food Network-esque cooking challenge in the hotel room (hot plates and thanksgiving dinner?) and as I mentioned - some delicious champagne.

More to come!!

A view of Jackson Square and the St. Louis Cathedral

Cafe Du Monde.

Jackson Square with filters

Birds in a fountain

Sunset

Road Trip Day 1

Did I mention this whole road trip I'm taking over Thanksgiving? No? Well here it goes . . .

We (my mother and I) have arrived at stop number one. Our dear family friend's home in Durham, NC. We made it from NJ to NC in under 9 hours! Whew, I'm pretty sleepy. Tomorrow is a day of adventuring and then on to the ATL Sunday, before heading to New Orleans. I'm so excited to see that beautiful town - neither of us have ever been!

I promise to keep updating as we go. I have no good photos from good ol' Interstate 95, but I plan on finding something pretty to take pictures of tomorrow. Perhaps a cup of coffee . . .