Wilmington

It was Azalea Festival time in Wilmington, North Carolina. I spent a few days with Peter Ferguson who has an apartment in the downtown area. Wilmington downtown is a pretty little historic town with beautiful azalea and wisteria filled gardens at this time of the year.

One day was spent at the beaches around Cape Fear but the water was still a bit chilly for lil ol' me. We also took a horse-drawn carriage ride around the historic area of town as well as enjoying much of this area on foot. Due to the festival, many homes were open to visitors so wandering around was very pleasant.

One evening was taken up with a ghost pub crawl with the guide, a crazy, drunk, old fella with a rather dark side, taking us to all the underground watering holes where sinister happenings have occurred. I'm not sure I believe all the stories (Jack the Ripper is supposed to have spent much time in Wilmington?) but it made for an entertaining evening.

The festival also involved a parade with far too many and too young beauty queens and marching cadets carrying rifles at the age of 12. There was also lots and lots and lots of American Deep Fried Goodness available for consumption. My favourites are "Bloomin' Onions"- onions opened up into a flower shape, battered and deep fried and "Funnel Cake"- a plate full of deep fried dough covered with icing sugar.

A pleasant afternoon was spent at the home of some friends of Peters with a keg of beer, games of beer-pong and a bar-b-que.

I have been very lucky with weather lately (about time!) and I find it incredible how quickly winter has turned into spring. I am now back with George and Chris in Columbia and the neighbourhood is almost unrecognisable with bright, green leaves and spring flowers.