The 'Sip!

So we had a great couple of days in Mississipi! The 'Sip, as the locals call it, was an amazingly historical and beautiful place. The stately homes are spectacular and the gardens to die for.

On recommendation we went to another 'hole in the wall' restaurant that was well off the beaten track (it was in the projects!)  - let's just say we got some very funny looks, the locals wondered what the crazy Aussies were doing in a neighbourhood where they clearly didn't belong - but as soon as we opened our mouths they became so friendly!

Miss Jacky looked after us and introduced us to soul food - the cook (owner), "Bully" and his wife came out to meet us and had a big ol' chat about food here - and in Australia. We learnt that the reason it is called soul food (as opposed to southern food) is because it is all the dishes that the African American people made from the second rate ingredients they were given to survive on in the dark days of slavery in this country - the past is acknowledged in a very respectful way here but the scars are still evident.

So we had this amazing meal, complete with sweet iced tea, in a restaurant that only the locals know about - "Bully's" was a perfect introduction to soul food. It is spicy and soooo yum but very very bad! Lots of fried chicken and corn bread made with butter. I'm really proud of our foodie children who have tried everything put in front of them and have rarely disliked any of it.

So Miss Jacky brought us all something different and we tasted eachothers. It was not fancy food but damn it was tasty! The whole meal cost $42 (wow) and we left Miss Jacky a $20 tip because she had been so lovely - her southern hospitality was first rate! Well apparently that made her day because she chased us out to the carpark and gave us big old hugs! We've since learned that the wait staff here only earn $2-$4 an hour and survive on tips.

We then drove into the city to check out the original old buildings. I have given myself whiplash looking at all these amazing hold homes. I really wanted to go inside but more so I wanted to know the stories of the people who had lived there over the years over a century of great change and turbulent times.

After exploring Jackson we hit the highway for the drive to Birmingham, Alabama, where we spent two days with our friends Chrissy and Scott. Scott is a United States Marshall and took Glenn to work with him for the morning which Glenn LOVED. Chrissy took me to the day spa and then we all met up for lunch at this amazing Mexican restaurant. Then the boys took the kids rockclimbing and go carting while Chrissy and I did a spot of shopping - knowing someone makes all the difference! I found so many beautiful things! My faith in shopping in the US is restored! I have to say, Birmingham and the area Scott and Chrissy live in is amazing and I could imagine us living here.

Then last night we went to this amazing restaurant that did a fusion of Kentucky and Californian food, all organic and seasonal produce. Glenn and I were introduced to grits (yum) and okra (also yum) and Bison (buffalo meat) - also yum! It was so good to catch up, especially because we laughed a LOT.

 "Christmas" (as Will used to call Chrissy when he was about 3) and the boys

Chrissy and the LOVELY Scott - thanks so much for the southern hospitality!

Today we hit the road again for Atlanta, Georgia, and can't wait to experience the music and the city we have heard so much about and wanted to visit for so long!