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Thirteen Different things about Georgia
I lived in California for the majority of my life, mostly in the Bay Area. In about a week, I will have been here for three years. It's so hard to believe. The time has just flown by. I remember when I first moved here how lonely I was and how much I missed my friends. I felt so lucky to have my parents live only about 3 hours away. I think that was one of the things that helped me keep sane.
I've often been asked if it was a culture shock to move here and I always respond affirmatively. Truth be told, I really believe the biggest culture shock would be moving from Georgia to California but that's just my perspective.
For my 10th edition of Thursday 13, I decided to list some of the differences I've noticed during my time here. Hopefully, my blog won't crash this time.
Enjoy!!
- Heat and humidity: That took some getting used to.
- Bugs: I'm convinced that some of those bugs are big enough to carry off my oldest child.
- Hurricanes: Call me crazy but I still prefer the idea of a hurricane over an earthquake. At least you can see those coming!
- Traffic: Keep in mind that I'm 35-40 miles from a big city. I find it amusing to listen to people talk about traffic. I itch to show them what real traffic is all about by taking them for a drive on 101 during rush hour.
- Yes Mam: It took me a while to get used to this. Everyone uses Mam or Sir. My kids picked up on it really fast. I've come to really like it.
- Southern Hospitality: The majority of people here are very friendly. I can't tell you how many times a perfect stranger has struck up a conversation with me in the grocery store. This was a major adjustment to me, but definitely a pleasant one.
- BBQ: It's something you eat, not a way of cooking. I've been initiated into the world of pulled pork and beef brisket.
- Grits: Like BBQ, I love this southern dish and have learned that "grits aren't just for breakfast anymore. Sadly, only Meelie shares my love of them.
- Self imposed segregation: There is a definite distinction between the black and white populations, mostly self-imposed, on both sides. I must admit to being completely blown away by this. California is a melting pot, in which all races for the most part, co-exist. I still don't like it but have learned to keep my foot out of my mouth.
- Housing Costs: Holy smokes! The house we are living in right now (we are on an acre) would go for at least 1 million where we lived in California. The difference is hard to fathom.
- Country Music: It's seriously popular here. Most of the major radio stations are all about Country Music. The scary thing is? I'm starting to like it.
- Religion: Baptists are a serious presence here. 80% of the churches here are of that faith. Religion is much more prevalent here.
- Slower pace of life: This one took me a long time to get used to. Nothing is hurried here. I had to conscientiously force myself to slow down and relax. It used to drive me nuts!
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments, including mine! It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! Please feel free to comment even if you don't want to play!
Comments
I'd love to visit Georgia! And I will one day, just have to save somewhat longer since I'm on the other side of the ocean. :-)
My TT is about TV-series.
Posted by: Tink at November 9, 2006 6:51 AM
Georgia does sound different from California. We experienced culture shock moving from Canada to Germany this summer. Some things we love (all the bike and running paths) some things we don't (smoking everywhere - it's been outlawed in public places for many years back home.)
You're starting to like country music? You need to get back to California. ;) Just kidding - although the only country music I like is the pop/country stuff, like Shania Twain.
Happy T13. :)
Posted by: Caylynn at November 9, 2006 7:13 AM
We've lived in Georgia and I MISS the slower pace of life and grits! I LOVE GRITS! At all meals. My fave is cheesy grits with thin slices of good deli beef in it. Man, I'm craving grits big time now. Someone once told me the Spanish moss was grits growing on trees. Ha. Ha. Yeah, right... ;)
I've posted my Thursday Thirteen, too. Enjoy! ;)
Posted by: Chaotic Mom at November 9, 2006 8:06 AM
I'm going to actually stop in GA one of these days and visit, instead of driivng through it. :)
Posted by: carmen at November 9, 2006 8:34 AM
IM from the atlanta area and i love your post
Posted by: amy at November 9, 2006 9:27 AM
And it's not just where you are... the many corners and nooks and crannies of this country are soooo different! Like foreign countries, sometimes!
Posted by: Uisce at November 9, 2006 9:51 AM
I never lived in Georgia, but I have visitted there and I did live in the south for three years! I miss it SO much!!
Posted by: Imperfect Christian at November 9, 2006 11:08 AM
Ummm....... Yes mam it's a little different down there isn't it, it does sound like my kinda place but me like you I'd have to hold my tounge less I wanted a visit of the wrong kind.. I don't mind baptists but hmm I couldn't eat a whole one ;)..
One day I just have to get off my ass and come visit.
Posted by: Gopher at November 9, 2006 2:36 PM
I'm laughing so hard at the BarBQ thing... my husband is from Colorado and doesn't understand. I keep telling him, we're not barbq-ing, we're GRILLING. It's not a bar-b-q, it's a GRILL. It's only barbeque if it has barbeque sauce on it!
And I grew up in the South and hated all things country music until I was about 17... I guess it grows on you.
Happy TT!
Posted by: Sadie at November 9, 2006 4:30 PM
the bugs! yes! the bugs! my dad lives in atlanta and every so often we come across a GIANT bug...like the size of my hands. yikes!
Posted by: ali at November 9, 2006 5:25 PM
This is a great idea for the 13 things. I love what you said about the bugs, how friendly the people are and that you prefer hurricanes to earthquakes....ME TOO!
About the self-imposed segragation: when I was in Italy and France recently, I noticed how well-integrated the races were and I thought about how we in the US are woefully behind in that. Maybe we will eventually get to be like the Europeans and Californians in that.
Michele sent me.
Posted by: kenju at November 10, 2006 7:52 AM
I remember the humidity. Sorry to say... in 14 years, I never got used to 100% humidity 24/7 11 months of the year.
I remember the bugs. Florida Bugs are even bigger, I think.
Fun post.
Michele sent me!
~S
Posted by: Shephard at November 10, 2006 4:09 PM
It's great to hear about all the major differences going from CA to GA. I long for so much of what you described...except for the bugs! :)
I'm here from Michele's and sorry I've not visited in so long!
Posted by: Julie at November 11, 2006 2:33 PM
