Toto, we're not in Canada anymore

Its been a bit of an adventure getting to know the culture here in the South. I've experienced things here that I'd never even heard of or thought of before. For example: Does anyone know what a Chittlin is? One day in class, the instructor, who likes to get off on any topic other than the one we're studying, asked the class what they ate growing up. Almost every one of them said "chittlins." I'm sitting there thinking... am I miss-hearing the accent? What in the world are they saying?? Finally, feeling quite stupid, I leaned over and asked the girl sitting next to me, "First, what is she saying and then, what is it?" "Girl", she drawls, "you don't know what a chittlin is? Well its pig intestine of course." She continued to go on and explain how she liked them best cooked, and that it was practically all she ate growing up, but I wasn't hearing anything... I was to busy trying not to vomit and imagining what her insides must look like. It's also common to eat squirrel. Apparently they're hard to skin, and there isn't much to them, but "Boy are they good!" I really did start to feel nauseous when they started talking about the swamp rats. How they were introduced to the bayou and have since taken over. Apparently there are restaurants in Lousianna that serve them. No wonder America is one of the most unhealthy countries in the world! Will someone please bring them the health message??

On Halloween we had a lunch together with everyone...we were all to bring something to contribute. Before we left class the day before, the instructor asked if there were any vegetarians in the class. I raised my hand, and as I looked around, realized... I was the only one. Out of all the food that showed up the next day, one dish had no meat in it. I think my teacher (Miss Marcie, as we call her) felt sorry for me. They are watching me though... several times people have offered me meat at lunch, but I always kindly refuse it. One girl even tried to persuade me, saying "It isn't gonna hurt nuttin' to jest eat a lil'".

Also, there are things like this...

It reminds me of those horrible smelly chicken barns in Aldergrove, but I get a kick out of it every time I pass the sign. I really want to go check it out some time... see what the locals are like. Or how 'bout this one? Since when does Wendy's serve gospel music with their burgers?

Then, after the election, the racial jokes and comments I heard were shocking! Never in my life have I had to deal with racism, and it makes me sick. Here we are, in 2008, and people still havn't managed to expand their minds beyond their own selfishness and pride. It disgusts me! I'm so grateful to my mum for raising me better than that, and just knowing that God created us all equal. What a blessing it is not to be so caught up in the hatred and anger people feel... so much so that it consumes their lives. I've learned alot in the last few months; about myself and the world around me, and God only knows how thankful I am that this isn't our home.