Diary of a Tourist: Ode to the City

How I #ExploreCharleston

I often think about what makes up a perfect day. And while it consists of restaurants, tours, shows, and tourist attractions, for me, the best experiences are truly the simplest ones. Sitting in Waterfront Park at sunset, the smell of salty air, the feeling of uneven sidewalks and cobblestones beneath my feet, the sound of children’s laughter in the Pineapple Fountain, a horse and carriage clopping by, the soft swell of waves in the harbor… To me, these are the things that make Charleston so great. I love the sight of people passing by brightly colored single houses, and if I close my eyes, I can almost imagine a time when two hundred years ago, a wall loomed around us. In my short three weeks here, I tried my best to live like a local, but enjoy like a tourist. There’s something so special about living in a mindset where everything is new, and your one job is to explore. Embracing this mindset allowed me to indulge in every sip and bite, stare at every spectacle, talk to every stranger, and let my imagination run wild. To me, exploring Charleston was expanding my curiosity and independence, and finding connection. I fell in love with the Holy City and I already cannot wait to come back. Thank you, Charleston.