Summer Vacation 2016

We visited the US from mid-June through mid-July. I know, the hottest time of the year! First stop - Atlanta, GA. Thanks to our friends Phil and Ronnie for letting us stay with them. Our favorite Mexican restaurant in Atlanta is El Potro. After a year of not having access to "American" style Mexican food we were happy to indulge!

Another favorite eating place is Six Feet Under. The rooftop deck overlooks the famous Oakland Cemetery. 

After our meal we walked around the cemetery. Sounds creepy, but so much fun and so much history. Here is the grave of Margaret Mitchell Marsh. She is the author of Gone With The Wind. You can see Phil paying his respects. 

Here are a few more pics from the cemetery. 

We also got to see our friends Bill and Barbara Martin. They treated us to dinner at the famous Colonnade Restaurant. My choices were fried chicken livers followed by coconut cream pie for dessert. 

A couple of days later we headed to Hilton Head Island, SC for our three week home exchange. The house is located in Sea Pines Resort and was located in a true nature lovers paradise. 

As luck would have it, my good friends Eric and Christina were in town. It was nice to catch up and get to spend time with the kids. 

Of course food was involved. I had a traditional Low Country dish of Shrimp & Grits. 

Our friend Mark, from Atlanta, visited with us for a few days. We enjoyed One Hot Mama's together and the sunset at Tower Beach. 

During his visit we were able to enjoy our first trip to a Salty Dog restaurant. 

The next day, this happened!

Goodbyes are always difficult. 

Later that day we decided to jump on the bicycles and tour the island. 

The next day we enjoyed the beach and Sea Pines Forest Preserve. 

After that fun day it was time to rest before frying up some okra!!

Three days later our friend Houston drove up from Mt. Dora, FL to spend a few days with us. He took us to lunch at Palmetto Bluff. 

Houston's dog Spencer joined us for the trip. 

And, of course, there was more eating to be done. 

July 3rd, a very special day for me. My friend David "Lach" and his wife drove up from Port Orange, FL to visit us. David and I had not seen each other for 32 years!  It was nice to catch up with each other and share our life experiences. 

And we celebrated Independence Day in style. 

We had three great days together. 

July 9th we traveled to Brunswick, GA and had our traditional all you can eat buffet at Pizza Inn. I'm sorry to say that I did not take any pictures. We were so excited and had so much fun that I completely forgot to take photos. Mike and I both realized it as we were leaving the restaurant. 

Hilton Head Island is a beautiful place and was named the #1 island destination in the 48 contiguous states while we were there. Here are some random photos that I wanted to share with you. 

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We then flew back to Atlanta to finish our vacation in the US. My mother, sister, and nephew drove down to see us. We enjoyed lunch at the famous Mary Mac's Tea Room. 

And spent some time at Ponce City Market. The visit was too short, but it was a fun filled afternoon. 

The next day we were planning to fly to Columbia, SC to visit my dad and step-mother. All flights on Delta were full or oversold. Needless to say, we never made it to Columbia. 

Before leaving the states Phil and Ronnie, our gracious hosts, suggested that we eat dinner at my favorite restaurant; Nancy's Pizza!

While in the US I decided that I would spend less time on Facebook and would use that time for personal improvement. How has that worked out? I'd say it's worked out perfectly!