American Homecoming — Reverse Culture Shock and the Race to Survive

                                                                     Managing a home share in Savannah feels like being the keeper of countless untold stories. The mahogany floors creak with history, and antique appointments whisper tales of yesteryear. While some might call it "just another Airbnb," I prefer to think of it as a stage where life's most fascinating dramas unfold, two or three days at a time. For seven years, I've welcomed travelers from across the globe to this slice of Southern history. They come to explore Savannah's infamous historic district, but sometimes they leave me with stories that could fill volumes. It's not always the loud or obvious moments that stick with you – sometimes it's the quiet ones that linger longest in memory. Just today, a striking couple checked in: sh...

In the heart of Savannah's vibrant urban tapestry, an unconventional building stands out – if you can call anything shaped like The Alamo ‘unconventional’.   For the residents of Cuyler-Brownsville, this quirky landmark is as dependable as the afternoon mail, with its doors always open to serve the community.   Welcome to Baby Cakes.  Take a drive along Burroughs to 34th Street to this unassuming fortress where convenience meets necessity.  With its potted exterior, Baby Cakes is more than just a "hood store”, but a testament to the resilience and warmth of this urban surrounding. In the morning the store pulses like a beehive, where the bees wear hard hats and drive school buses. The store's shelves are a carefully curated collection of essentials, where panty hose might share space with glue traps, and pullovers nestle next to detergent. This efficient use of space ensures that every item earns its place. What truly sets Baby Cakes apart is its knack for breaking—a...