Church building near Falls, NC, north of Raleigh

Santa Barbara, California. A gem of a place nestled between the Pacific and the rolling hills of California…. That’s where Jessica and I are spending our Easter weekend. Enjoy the pics of our arrival!

I’ve been practicing the “art of seeing”, like a tourist in my own backyard. Not only that, but I’ve been looking for beauty, for the things that capture not only the eye but also the imagination. This past weekend was a superb opportunity for both. Our friends Matt and Jacey invited us to spend a weekend with them in their house on Stone Mountain, near Asheville, North Carolina.

Here are some pictures of the relaxing weekend: Drinking in the view of the mountains from the living room couch, enjoying the company of friends, visiting the near by town of Black Mountain for pizza lunch and a stroll through the streets and specialty stores, and exploring the property on an afternoon hike. Enjoy!

Last weekend was a great collection of some of my favorite things: Camping. Friends. Canoeing. Water. Fresh air. Trees. Wood fires. We got to see North Carolina from quite a unique angle. We saw backyards of houses lining the water front. We navigated under bridges of highways we normally drive over.

We put in on Saturday, near Haywood, NC.

We made it through Lanier Falls and the Fish Traps rapids, although one boat capsized! Our tents got wet, and we lost our lantern.

We set up camp at Raven Rock State Park for the night.

And continued on to a pick up spot near Highway 401.

So much fun! And practically in our backyard…!

So… I’m back. And adjusting to the heat, the A/C, the fluorescent office lights, the easy country driving of Raleigh, North Carolina. I’m happy to say that the state of shock is slowing wearing off!

I’ve decided to keep posting cultural stories and photos from North Carolina, inspired by the questions of my Chilean friends about life here. It will be a fun challenge to keep my “tourist eyes” open here and simultaneously learn more about the history behind this place.

“What is this place, Raleigh?” Even after living here for 10 years, there are things I still don’t get. I imagine this is true for all those of us who moved here from New York, California, and the Midwest. I hope you will join me in my observations and questions about what makes part of the South unique!