Mother's Day in Charleston, SC

It's been a lovely weekend here in Charleston - pictures, pictures - I know.

Yesterday we crashed in on two families for Mother's Day. The first was brunch at John's friends' Michelle and Sid's out in Park West. They have two kids and spread a quichetastic meal for us. The entire weekend I've been wondering if we made a mistake in deciding to move back to Southern California. I know it's the right decision family-wise, but it's hard. Charleston ranks right up there with Bay Area in terms of how many good friends we have in this town. Sid and Michelle gave us a look at what our life might be like. They are laid back Californians and although they live at least 30-40 minutes from downtown Charleston, we still got a glimpse of some difficulties we might face here. Sid wears a t-shirt and shorts to work, a business he owns. This sometimes gets strange looks from the suits that he sees around his building or at lunch. They also told us about being somewhat ostracized because they don't go to church. It was an interesting perspective considering we usually hang out with locals that don't have these issues (that we know of). Artsy alternative locals, but locals still the same.

I try to keep in mind that this is vacation. But every restaurant, every wine bar, every gorgeous historic house that we see nags at me. Did we make a mistake? Would we be happier here? We eventually let it go and dream talk about a future in which we can be bi-coastal. Or tri-coastal. Some of our friends here are encouraging us to buy some beach front property with them in Panama. John is super keen to find out more info. I'd like to see pictures and hear more about the three hour drive from the nearest city first.

Ok, back to bed for a nap. After all, it's only 5am PST.

CURRENT: Charleston, SC
NEXT: Las Vegas, NV