Madison, Georgia, and into Social Circle...

Georgia is certainly full of history. All types of history. Madison is a charming old town, although in common with the rest of Georgia it tends to be ungodly hot during the summer. It is known for its Antebellum homes (neoclassical style of buildings in the South). Here is an example:

And here is the beautiful Court House:

Madison's shops and galleries are full of antiques, and, what more, knowledgeable and friendly salespeople. They are happy to chat about this and that. One can learn lots more than the price of some trinket: including the item's history, the history of the shop, etc, etc.

Another interesting place, with an even more interesting name, is Social Circle. It is the home to the famous 'Blue Willow Inn' (Southern Food Heaven), and the Museum of Natural History. The latter is a fascinating place, especially for a European who is just starting to touch the surface of the American psyche (if there is such a thing; the more I am here, the more obvious it becomes that there is no one 'American psyche', but millions of them). Frankly, I first expected it to be something akin to the natural science museums which I visited in Europe. This one, however, emphasises the religious aspect of Natural History: it is the 'Gallery of Creation'. Never seen anything like it.

Atlanta and its shabby anti-chic

Just started exploring the 'hood I've moved into, and loving the vibe! I was not sure what to call it, so I came up with 'shabby anti-chic'. Atlanta, and Decatur, are full of hang-out places, restaurants, bars and interesting shops which look unimposing and low-key. Especially from the outside. But inside... look beyond the shabby interior and there always seems to be a deeper thought. There is some creative spirit in this town! Just a few places I (and my stomach) have explored: 'Sun in my belly' (great coffee!), 4th and Swift (old dairy - great vibe! serving dishes like 'three little pigs'), Pastries a GoGo, Dancing Goats Coffee Shop (these people are serious about coffee), or last but not least the Decatur CD - our local record store which has the best CD collection and the most knowledgeable staff I've encoutered. And the decor in most places: cosy, shabby, cute, definitely welcoming. Getting settled here!

A Marriage or a Pistol?

The relationship of Americans with weapons is mind bogglingly complex. This one calls for a longer post, which is coming soon. Now, just warming up my fingers, I cannot help myself making a short comment on our marriage licence experience. Why would it have anything to do with weapons, one may ask? Good question. A pistol was the last thing on my mind when we entered the Dekalb County Court House in Decatur (actually, the Court House Annex - much less romantic and much more office-like than the beautiful old Court House), looking for a marriage licence office. We found the office, but to our dismay it offers two types of licence. The thrill when, upon entering the office, one hears a loud: 'marriage or a pistol?', beautifully articulated in the sweet Southern Accent, is difficult to describe. Very polite ladies at the office serve either licence with the same smile on their faces. Bliss... The merciless, down-to-earth reality of state bureaucracy...