Barbie Perkins-Cooper, Author

Tag: hospitality

  • Tropical Storm Bertha

    Tropical Storm Bertha


    Dearest Readers:

    As most of you know, on December 23, 2019 I fell off a three-step ladder, fracturing my back. Last night, I awoke to horrific pain by the L-1. Tossing and turning, I got up, walked around, noticing the rain. We’ve had lots of rain since moving to Ravenel, South Carolina, but in this early morning light, I could relate to the rain along with the pain in my back.

    I turned the TV on to the Weather Channel. I must say, I knew there was a storm brewing, although I did not know this storm was considered a tropical storm. Her name is Bertha. Hello Bertha. Welcome to Charleston, SC. Bertha decided to make her presence known in a city famous for hospitality, tourism and culinary cuisine galore.

    The Holy City of Charleston is considered a tourist trap, although since the Corona Virus Covid-19 arrived in Charleston, many tourist locations are either closed, or slowly coming back to life and business. The city was crippled due to the virus. No traffic jams. Everyone was supposedly staying-at-home. Shopping centers were closed. Once, we drove downtown just to get an idea what the infamous downtown of Charleston was like. No one walked on the sidewalks. Parking lots were empty. A ghost town! Many of the famous restaurants were closed, due to Corona. A few of these restaurants will not reopen. So sad. I confess, I am a foodie and hated to hear some of the restaurants I’ve written about were now history.

    Now, we have Tropical Storm Bertha. https://weather.com/storms/hurricane/news/2020-05-27-tropical-storm-bertha-forecast-north-south-carolina-virginia-heavy

    Reportedly, we are expecting a lot of rain. Nothing unusual here! Our pond needs the rain. The shore was getting a bit low, however now, the water is rising!

    I will have more details about Tropical Storm Bertha later today. For now, I want to get my hair styled, put makeup on and welcome Tropical Bertha.

    Just what we needed now that Charleston, SC is welcoming tourists again. Have a great day. More details about Bertha’s arrival later. As for my back, it still hurts with chronic pain. How I wish I could send a fractured back packing with Bertha.

  • Coronavirus – Let Us All Be Wise

    Coronavirus – Let Us All Be Wise


    Dearest Readers:

    By now, I suppose you’ve heard about the Coronavirus? Believe me, it is a hot topic, especially on social media. Here’s a warning – please do not believe the information/news on social media, or the Internet. Just because a link pulls up for you to read doesn’t mean it is true. Have you heard the expression “Fake News?” Believe me, it does exist! Please check your sources! Visit only reputable sites such as: the Center for Disease Control – https://www.cdc.gov/ or the World Health Organization – https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 for the latest information regarding this virus. PLEASE – ALWAYS CHECK REPUTABLE SITES TO GET THE LATEST INFORMATION.

    I live in the vicinity of Charleston County, SC. You are probably aware of how so many people are freaking out regarding this virus. Yes, I’ll admit it. I’m a bit concerned since I have asthma; nevertheless, I am following the guidelines from the CDC. I wash my hands constantly. I have toiletries available, including tissue, toilet tissue, and handwashing soaps. I’ve overheard people saying, well that information shouldn’t discourage us. We live in Charleston!

    Yes. True. Nevertheless, travel, tourism, culinary, hospitality are all a major part of Charleston. SC! My concern is for those the media chooses to address as the “elderly” and for those who could not get the necessary supplies – in the event the virus arrives. No, I did not rush to stockpile any of these items. They are my basic stock items.

    Last week, our Governor announced we had two reported cases of coronavirus in South Carolina. One in Charleston. Now, I discover after reading news alerts that Charleston, SC is allowing the cruise ship, Carnival Sunshine to release 3000 guests to our city. Keep in mind, Charleston is known for tourism and hospitality. This news disturbs me just a bit since we’ve had several people who have the virus within our communities. I suppose $$$$$$$ mean more to the City of Charleston, SC than the safety of our citizens. Isn’t this a shame! For more details, read the article below:https://www.live5news.com/…/thousands-arriving-charleston-…/

    According to the State Newspaper, there are more cases in South Carolina now. Every morning there appears to be additional updates as the numbers increase. https://www.thestate.com/news/state/south-carolina/article241030266.html

    While I am concerned, as a writer, I want to make certain I get the most informative information that isn’t embellished, or — FAKE! People do have the tendency to embellish stories, but not me. I go straight to the sources.

    I’m still a bit discouraged that our Ports Authority is permitting the cruise ship to dock here. If I’m correct, Carnival Sunshine does have a home port established here; nevertheless, this contagious disease will decrease tourism and hospitality within our beautiful city. This will impact our economy.

    What I found interesting and disappointing in this article is the following comment “City of Charleston officials say they have no say in cruise ship arrivals. The Port of Charleston is a state port and falls under state authority.”

    What? The State has the authority? May I ask why?

    I suppose I’ll continue following the stories regarding Coronavirus. Stay tuned. To date, I haven’t met anyone who has Coronavirus or an illness, but I’m cautious. As a woman born with asthma, I must be careful. I believe it’s only a matter of time before this outbreak in our beautiful city burns like a wildfire, and that is why I am staying inside. Whenever I get ill with a respiratory illness (acute bronchial asthma) or a severe case of asthma where my oxygen level drops, I stay inside my home using my nebulizer, washing my hands and resting.

    I pray this Coronavirus fear will decrease soon, and those who are ill will remain where they should remain — either at a hospital or at home caring for their illness. I pray all of them will survive.

    Arthur Ravenel, Jr. Bridge – an Amazing Landmark, Charleston and Mount Pleasant, SC

    Meanwhile, I pray. Let us all remain healthy!

    Angel Oak located in Johns Island, SC