Leading up to our trip to Charleston:
My mom raised me as a single mother from when I was about 11 years old. She took care of my brother and I as an immigrant to this country. She was a former stay at home mom until she had to take the role of both parents. I’ve mentioned how I didn’t have the chance to travel just for fun as a kid, since we were pretty low income. When I had the means to travel on my own, it was something I had dreamed about. And although I love traveling and love every moment of my trips, I’m constantly thinking of home while I travel. I think of my mom who sacrificed so much for our family and who I wish had the privilege to see all of the world’s beauty for herself, and not just from me or others.
My mom and I have grown so close since it’s been the two of us for so long. She’s my best friend and partner, so having the chance now to travel with my mom, is like combining two of my favorite things together. It brings me so much joy.
Let’s go to Charleston!
Last April, my mom and I took our first mother-daughter trip together, just for fun, to Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston exudes a timeless charm, with its vibrant culture, renowned culinary scene, and captivating waterfront views. It provides the perfect blend of cultural immersion and relaxation. From leisurely strolls along the waterfront to exploring the downtown market and finding loads of homemade arts. Along with the rich Black history and infusion of Gullah history around the city, it was the perfect place to explore with my mom.
As I sift through the memories of our trip to Charleston, South Carolina, last year, it feels like flipping through the pages of a cherished photo album. Each snapshot holds a story, a moment frozen in time, encapsulating the essence of our experience in this charming southern city. I want to use this post to share the emotions of that trip through the lens of my camera.
The city tells a story…
Our adventure began with the click of my camera shutter, eager to capture every detail of Charleston’s historic streets and picturesque landscapes. Walking through the cobblestone alleyways of the French Quarter, we felt transported back in time. Not a time where we would’ve necessarily been welcomed lol, but it’s still beautiful to see. Vibrant buildings adorned with colorful shutters and blooming window boxes provided the perfect backdrop for our exploration. As we admired the way that the colors reflected against one another or the stunning architecture highlighting the historic nature, we couldn’t help but feel the joy of the city.
There’s a certain gratitude even in a quick glance of something beautiful. We can notice the original thought and purpose behind the architecture. See the wear and tear of the years and acknowledge all of the uses of a certain building. It has depth to it, and I believe that we felt that walking through all of the streets. Everything had a story, as did we.
The people have a story…
One of my favorite photographs from our trip captures the serene beauty of a woman seated by the tranquil waters of a lake, lost in conversation on her phone. The image speaks to the laid-back pace of life in Charleston. Where moments of leisure are savored and time seems to slow down. I don’t know anything about that woman’s story, or what she was talking about or why she was out. But, I do know that the nature of her state in that location spoke to me. It gave me a sense of calm and relation. Like the architecture here, she too had a story, one that in my eyes continued to tell the story of Charleston.
The history in this city rings through, especially in the famous street market. Hundreds of booths lined down the streets selling a myriad of homemade goods. From jewlery to hand woven baskets. Spices and art, I was entranced by the originality and creativity showcased by all of the vendors. My mom and I settled on some homemade spice mixes and jam to try. I was giving a very homestead vibe, which I loved lol. We had the pleasure of speaking with a man weaving an intricate basket made of sweetgrass, telling us of his Gullah origins. Moments that make you stop in time and slow down.
Our place in Charleston
As we wandered through the historic district, each photograph became a piece of a larger narrative. Weaving together the tapestry of our journey. From the grandeur of antebellum mansions to the quaint charm of hidden courtyards, Charleston revealed itself to us.
I began to photograph my mom filling in the space of these areas. Her natural movements, her natural beauty combined with the natural beauty of the city. My appreciation for her grew even more as I saw the natural mannerisms that made her who she is. The joy that became her face when she would see something that she saw as so beautiful such as the cathedral, or the flowers. A spark was coming out of her that brought me so much joy. It was like opening a new chapter to our story together.
Even on the beach, I decided to go on a run one morning, and saw a mother and her daughter playing together in the sand. I had to stop and take that beautiful moment, it was like the bow on top of our trip.
Our takeaways
As we got lost in the sights, sounds, and smells of Charleston, it got me thinking about some bigger stuff. Like, the whole resilience, love, and family deal that’s been a big part of our trip. It’s like every nook and cranny of this city is telling a story that hits close to home. My mom’s been the rock. The one who’s shown me what it means to keep pushing forward no matter what life throws at you. And here we are, soaking in the vibes of Charleston. It’s like all those lessons are coming to life right in front of us. It’s a reminder of the strength in sticking together, the power of love, and the joy of sharing moments with the ones who mean the most.
So, as we wandered around Charleston, taking it all in, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the journey we’ve been on together and the lessons we’ve learned along the way. Charleston may be a destination on the map, but for us, it will always be a cherished chapter in the story of our travels together. And as we continue to explore new horizons and capture new memories, I know that the spirit of Charleston will remain with us, a timeless reminder of the beauty that awaits those who get the chance to wander.
