Raleigh, North Carolina

After celebrating thanksgiving at Southport my family and I embarked on a delightful journey to Raleigh, North Carolina. Known as the "City of Oaks" for its beautiful oak trees that line the streets, Raleigh offered us a blend of rich history, modern attractions, and a vibrant culinary scene.

Our first stop was the **State Capitol Building**, an architectural marvel and a testament to the city's historical significance. As we wandered through its halls, we were captivated by the stories of North Carolina's past and the elegance of the Greek Revival style architecture. The Capitol, standing proudly since 1840, has been a silent witness to the state's evolution and is a must-visit for anyone interested in American history.

In the afternoon, we explored the **North Carolina Museum of Sciences** and the **North Carolina Museum of History**. The Museum of Sciences was a wonderland for both kids and adults, with interactive exhibits that spanned topics from astronomy to zoology. The Museum of History, meanwhile, offered a deep dive into the state's rich past, from its indigenous roots to modern-day achievements. These museums not only educated us but also kept us thoroughly entertained.

After a day full of explorations, we checked into our hotel, freshened up, and headed out to downtown Raleigh. The evening was reserved for a leisurely walk through the vibrant streets, lined with art installations, quaint shops, and bustling cafes. The city's energy was infectious, and the friendliness of the locals added to the charm.

Dinner was a delightful affair at **Sitti**, a renowned Lebanese restaurant. The authentic flavors of the Middle East were a treat to our taste buds. From the perfectly grilled kebabs to the flavorful mezze platters, every dish was a culinary masterpiece, leaving us craving for more.

The next day, our adventure continued at the **James B. Hunt Jr. Library**. This library, located at NC State's Centennial Campus, is a marvel of modern architecture and technological innovation. With its robotically-assisted book retrieval system and a vast collection of resources, the library was a fascinating experience, especially for my tech-enthusiast son. I have been impressed with Public libraries here in the US which are managed like a first class institution that we were not surprised by the ambience of this library.

Our Raleigh journey concluded at **Pullen Park**, one of the oldest amusement parks in the USA. Here, we enjoyed a nostalgic train ride, which took us around the scenic park. The highlight, however, was the historic carousel, a beautifully restored piece of history that charmed both young and old. Watching the joy on my kids' faces as they rode the hand-carved animals was a memorable end to our trip.

The day being cold since morning I craved for Chola Bhatura and found multiple Indian restaurants, so we went to one nearby in Cary called Indian Mithai and had Chola Bhatura, Samosa chat and vegetable cutlets. It was a savoury treat.

Raleigh, with its unique blend of history, science, architecture, and green spaces, proved to be the perfect destination for a family weekend getaway. Its ability to cater to diverse interests made our trip both educational and immensely enjoyable. Whether you're a history buff, a science enthusiast, or just looking to spend quality time with your family, Raleigh, North Carolina, is a destination that won't disappoint.

Thanksgiving @ South Port, North Carolina

Thanksgiving, a quintessentially American holiday, was an experience I had only read about or seen in movies. This year, our family had the unique opportunity to witness and participate in this festive occasion with our American hosts in the charming town of St. James, North Carolina.

Upon our arrival, the warmth and hospitality of our hosts enveloped us like a cozy blanket on a chilly autumn evening. They introduced us to the essence of Thanksgiving - a celebration of gratitude, family, and togetherness. The highlight, undoubtedly, was the Thanksgiving feast. The table was a sight to behold, adorned with an array of dishes that were as new to us as the tradition itself. The golden-brown turkey, the centerpiece of the meal, was surrounded by a variety of sides like stuffing, cranberry sauce, sweet potatoes, mac & cheese and green bean casserole. Each bite was a delightful exploration of flavors and traditions, making us feel truly a part of this special occasion.

Our Thanksgiving adventure extended beyond the dining table. Other traditions are 1) watching Thanksgiving day parade on TV live from New York 2) Watching football on TV as there are some teams who definitely have a game on that day 3) playing the cornhole game and 4) indoor card games and all. That's the essence of thanksgiving, gathering the entire family. Our host had also invited some more families and we ended up talking for long time with them.

In the morning morning, we had visited **Oak Island Beach**, where the Atlantic's waves whispered stories of the new world. The beach, with its serene expanse of sand and calming ocean breeze, offered a tranquil escape from the holiday bustle. Due to cold, there were few people on the beach but it was great.

Another memorable experience was our visit to **Fort Fisher**. We journeyed there with another family, taking a scenic ferry ride that offered panoramic views of the water and sky converging at the horizon. The entry and exit from ferry absolutely smooth. The historical fort, a Civil War relic, stood as a silent guardian of the past, its stories etched into the landscape. The adjacent beach provided a stark contrast to the solemnity of the fort, with its lively waves and playful ambiance.

Lunch at the **Ocean Grill & Tiki Bar** on Carolina Beach was another highlight. The restaurant's unique location on the pier offered stunning ocean views, complemented by an array of delectable seafood dishes. The casual, laid-back atmosphere made it the perfect spot to relax and savor the local flavors. The most common fish is Mahi Mahi.

Our journey back, driving through **Wilmington**, was a delightful conclusion to our trip. The city's historic charm and vibrant riverfront provided a picturesque backdrop as we reflected on our Thanksgiving experience.

As a non-American family, this Thanksgiving trip was more than just a holiday; it was a cultural immersion, a chance to partake in a tradition that symbolizes gratitude and family. St. James, with its coastal beauty and historic significance, served as the perfect setting for our first Thanksgiving. The holiday's spirit of giving and sharing resonated deeply with us, transcending cultural boundaries and leaving us with cherished memories and a newfound appreciation for this unique American tradition.

Before leaving for Raleigh, capital of North Carolina, we took drive on the Oak Island sea side upto Fort Caswell. There were beautiful beach houses alongside. The Fort Caswell in allowed to roam only for people staying inside and we were given just 15 mins to drive around and no pictures.