Mom's Condo

Earlier this year, my mom and step dad purchased a condo in Cherry Grove, North Myrtle Beach, SC.  It's a two bedroom, two bathroom condo one block back from the ocean.  It's on the 9th floor and has great views of the beach and pier since only a parking lot is between the condo and the ocean.  There is a pool, a lazy river and two hot tubs.  They are renting the place out whenever they aren't using it so I decided to give them professionally done photographs to help attract renters.  I wish I had some off camera lighting to help with some dark areas but I flew so I couldn't bring it.  They wanted me to wait until the renovations were done but with weird HOA rules, the renovations got pushed back.  I went ahead and photographed it but keep in mind that in a couple months, there won't be carpet and different kitchen countertops.  Here are the photos, enjoy.

New Orleans

Last month, I took a trip to The Big Easy with my dad and his girlfriend, Melinda.  This was one of the american cities I've been wanting to visit.   Of course I brought my camera to document this weekend getaway.  Best part was I was only an hour flight away.
We visited the business district, the garden district and the french quarter.  We also visited a couple of cemeteries since they are very different from what we're used to seeing.  I didn't realize the reason all the tombs are above ground are because of how close it is to the Gulf of Mexico.  We also ate some great cajun food.  Shrimp creole, shrimp po boys and an amazing peanut butter and mango jelly marinated pulled pork sandwich. 
Two drinks that are well known there are the Hurricane and The Hand Grenade.  I tried the Hurricane but they mix red wine in it and I'm not a fan so unless you join mixing rum with wine then I would suggest skipping that.  The Hand Grenade has gin in it so I didn't even bother trying it.
And it wouldn't be a complete trip to New Orleans without listening to some jazz music.  One night we hit a couple of bars on Frenchman Street to see and listen to some great jazz bands.  I personally loved Frenchman street over Bourbon, it was less crazy and better music. 
One of the highlights of the trip was visiting a place called The Music Box Village.  This unique spot has musical instruments made out of different types of materials.  Local artists put together these musical installations to help raise money to fund music and arts education in schools.  This is a must see if you're ever in the area.
Another highlight was a rooftop bar in the Garden District called Hot Tin.  Amazing views of downtown, the Mississippi River Bridge and the sunset. 
I had an amazing time seeing a new city and spending time with my dad but I think this was a one and done for me.  Like Key West, I had a great time but don't care to go back.
Here are the photos......

27th Birthday Trip Day 6