November 23
In my previous blog, I talked about things that are changing as we head South. I talked about language, trees and birds. I forgot two other things that have changed: cuisine and guns.
It's surprising to me how I had forgot to talk about cuisine, as food is one of my passion. Cuisine has changed to, I wouldn't say more flavorful but, different flavors: from oragano/sage/dill/basil to chili/cayenne/chipotle/cumin/paprika; from pork/breakfast/italian sausages to andouille/smoked sausages; from pasta to rice and beans and grits. Also, the quantity of food is so much more. I guess locals get used to it. But for me, it's way too much food. Still, we love it all!
As for guns, not that we've seen any so far but there are "no concealed weapons" signs in many public buildings we enter (restaurants, shopping malls). Hum! It makes me a bit uncomfortable. I think I'd walked away from any situation where hot tempers arise. Just in case ....
<span;>Before we arrived in Savannah, we sailed overnight on the ocean from Charleston. I don't really know the reason for the obvious discrepancy between what we thought the weather/waves forecast would be and what actually we got; but it was not fun at all, actually pretty tiring and frustrating. The winds were supposed to move from starboard close haul (30-40 degrees right side of boat, slower speed) to aft (back) by 2:00am. It never moved from close haul; yet waves were coming from portside (left side of boat) and bow (front). Also, waves were supposed to be less than a meter high; we got 2 meter high from the side and the front. Remember, in one of my blogs, I mentioned some trips feel like a metronome, a bronco ride or a hot knife through butter? Well this one felt like a bronco ride, for 6 hours. In a bronco ride, I can't cook or make coffee in the morning. Not good. Then, by the time we tried to go inland (noon by now), the winds and waves were against us so we had to tack all the way in. We wasted a good 3 hours. Not fun! No more night sailing on the ocean for a while now. I need a break!
The break was 3 nights at the Thunderbold Marina in this Savannah suburb. It was only 10 kms bike rid to downtown Savannah. I liked the city but honestly I found Charleston more quaint and fun. Savannah does have a few original buildings and much history of course; but it also had a lot of newer hotels and infrastructures that tampered down the cozy, homey feeling of Charleston.
We used the Uber transportation service for the first time today. This is so convenient and interesting. You have the convenience of phone apps: easy to set up and pay and realtime location and predicted time of arrival of your Uber car. And you meet new drivers: different personalities and life experiences. Also, compared to taxi where you pay by the minute and kilometers, Uber is prepaid; so you don't care what roads the driver takes; you already paid for your ride. Very colourful experience! It's like B&B's and Airbnb's where each location is new people and new stories. Can't wait for the next one!
Frank is in heaven. He's got new electronics to figure out their settings and installation: IridiumGO, a new wall-mounted smart tv, etc. He loves that kind of stuff. If you need to set up, repair and troubleshoot some electronics, ask Frank. You'll make him happy.
At the end of my last blog, I mentioned our new purchase of an IridiumGO. While we're in the US, you can contact us through our cell phone: text, call, email. When we leave the States, this cellular communication will not always be available. Hence, IridiumGO. For many offshore sailors/boaters who have families and friends who care to know where you are and what's going on, it's a must. At this time, I can't give you a lot of details until Frank figures it all out and explains it to me. What I can tell you is that with IridiumGO those who care can track us down, text and call us with the satellite network of IridiumGO instead of the usual cellular network. For us, IridiumGO can also give us ontime weather forecast through PredictWind. Bottom line, IridiumGO ensure constant communication with family members.
Oh before I forget, 2 more things to mention. In my New York City blog, I mentioned that I walked by a known actor but I couldn't remember his name. I saw him a few days ago in the series called "Young Sheldon", a prequel to the Big Bang Theory. The actor's name is Richard Kind.
The other thing is about marina wifi's. They either have very little bandwidth or don't work at all. So don't think you can rely on them.
Our journey South continues tomorrow morning through the ICW for a few days, until our next stop for provisioning and laundry. Talk to you later! xxxx
