Atlanta to Columbia

I started the morning sharing breakfast with AJ, the gentleman I met at the bar last night. (Minds out of the gutter please) I enjoyed the far-ranging conversation and learned, among other things, about the factors that determine world-wide drug prices. We agreed to keep in touch and perhaps meet when I am back in the Bay Area next year.

I then drove out to Columbia, SC. Before checking into my hotel, I stopped at the South Carolina State Farmer’s Market . The offerings were a little different than I expected, being dominated by horticultural items rather than edibles. Oh, there were several stands with fruits and vegetables, but even all together, far fewer than my home farmer’s market in Mountain View. There were also a large variety of crafts, household and garden items. It is still early in the growing season so perhaps the balance will shift with the summer and fall harvests.

Regardless, I was met with the now-familiar Southern friendliness and hospitality. I spoke with a number of vendors and they not only welcomed photos but were eager to tell me about their wares and give me their names. I first spoke with Mandy (Daughter) and Phyllis (Mom) of The Veggie Patch . Jerry (Dad) was working in the back, but they credited him with managing the operation. They explained that they do everything themselves, they don’t hire any help, migrant or otherwise. Mandy showed me here callouses to prove it.

Next I chatted with Andrew of Dune Lane Nursery . He asked me to make sure that I mentioned that Mike was the owner. They specialize in Japanese Maple trees (this seemed to be a popular item as there were a number of vendors).

Finally I spent some time speaking with Karen who was working at the Coddle Creek Farms stand. Again, she asked me to mention that Steve is the owner. This stand offers a number of jarred and preserved items, some obtained from the Amish community. They had honey, peanut butter, Amish popcorn and many different kinds of preserves, all beautifully displayed. I purchased a small jar of yummy peanut butter to add to my snack choices. She offered me a discount, which I declined. These people work hard.

After checking into the Aloft Columbia (thankfully a nice normal one, with an actual desk and my very own climate control), I went down to the bar, where I chatted with Kelly and Bill from New Jersey. I shared some of the stories from my trip thus far, and we had an interesting discussion about interacting with people with different world views. They asked me where I was visiting in New Jersey and dared me to find something good in Atlantic City. Challenge accepted.

Tomorrow I will explore Columbia.