United States

United States

It’s hard to describe the any specific appeal to travel here, as there’s almost anything you can think of. Delicious food? You got it. Stunning scenic views? Plenty. World class museums? For sure.

 

Currently, I’ve visited these states:

The United States’ superpower: diversity

From North to South, East to West the United States covers 3.8 million square miles. To accompany its impressive size, the U.S. boasts 332 million citizens. These Americans are quite different from each other with terms like “melting pot” often being used to describe a deeply diverse state.

If you look up “the most diverse country” you won’t catch the U.S. on the list. Not having extreme racial diversity, the U.S. can not compete in numbers. Where the U.S. can really show off is in culture. Every state seems to have its own identity: Texas with its cowboy boots and Tex-Mex, Colorado with its outdoorsy and art-loving people, Georgia with its pecan pie and Southern love, etc…

Even cities have an individual culture that permeates through its people. The modern and flashy people from Atlanta could not be compared to the military influenced Columbus GA. If you look a bit closer, into the schools and communities, a myriad of cultures coexist. During my schooling in Georgia, I saw girls with Hijabs, Spanish speakers, and children of preachers – radical thinkers, unbelievers, and those with distinctive racial features.

Immigrants, those who built this impressive North American state never lost their roots. Mexican supermarkets and Asian restaurants are dispersed throughout the U.S.

This individuality is a cherished ideal in the U.S. – one fought for since the very creation of the republic.

With diversity routed to its core, the United States is a home for everyone. And here lies its super power. In a place where diverse people live, ideas can be approached from a thousand different ways. Talking with that girl- hijab worn proudly, speaking Spanish with those who can, and learning about someone’s Christian family fosters a considerate and open mind.

I don’t mean to be too idealistic or naïve, but the United States, imperfect as it is, is an impressive hub for the diverse and unique of this world.

Banana Pudding and College Football: Welcome to the South

The South.

Florida swamps filled with gators and Georgia peach tree orchards. Tennessee’s smooth whiskey and the University of Alabama’s football team. The term “the south” encompasses a lot. From individual ideas to big ones, the South certainly has a culture of its own.

Now, why am I writing this post? Honestly I could write about why I love the South and that would be that, but today – I have a purpose. With my quick description of Southern Culture, I hope to inspire you to experience it. Whether that be by listening to a new song, trying out a new restaurant in your town, or finding someone to talk about football with, it doesn’t matter. Shoot, I wouldn’t even mind you packing your bags and taking a little road trip! I just hope that one day everybody can see just a little bit of what makes the South such a beautiful part of The United States.

Now let’s begin:

What’s an essential part of any culture?

Food.

Each southern state has its own specialty, but Southern food in general is simply mesmerizing. My personal favorite is banana pudding (hence the title.) Taking a bite of perfectly smooth, delectably sweet banana pudding is unforgettable. Just the textural contrast between the wafer and pudding will put a smile on your face.

Pecan pie takes a close second from me. Having lived in the North before, I can say there’s just nothing like it. The sticky, almost creme filling weighs out the Pecan’s tough crunchiness to make an impeccable pie.

Moving away from dessert, soul food reigns supreme in the South. Every Thursday my high school in Georgia would bake/fry chicken and serve it with mac and cheese, collard greens, and black eyed peas. I’ll just say that Thursday is my favorite day of the week, even now.

Ok, food: done… Now what?

College football.

Notice how I didn’t just say football. Professional football is certainly popular, but it couldn’t hold a candle to college football’s popularity in the South. In Alabama, “roll tide” (a cheer referring to the University of Alabama) is almost equivalent to saying “hello” and “goodbye.” Long lasting college football rivalries can even be seen in everyday life. In my town, the discussion on which team was better, the Georgia Bulldogs or the Alabama Crimson Tide, was hot. You had to be careful who you told your favorite team to because you might make enemies. I’ve even seen teachers in my highschool give extra credit to kids who showed up in jerseys from their favorite team! 

I’ve never paid much attention to football, not to mention college football, but I’ve certainly enjoyed playing into the culture while living in Georgia. When someone would shout “roll tide” I would respond with “go dawgs” (a chant for the University of Georgia) just to start a fight. And even though to this day, though I still haven’t watched one full game of college football, I would discuss and argue over which team was better. 

So much fun, would recommend!

Lastly: country music!

Ok, I know what you’re going to say. “Wha wha, country music is always about the same thing: trucks.” And you’re right. A truck is mentioned in probably every single country song out there, but that doesn’t mean it’s not good. 

So many great American classics are country songs: Sweet Home Alabama, Take me Home, Country Roads, Ring of Fire… need I say more? I know a lot of people really, really don’t like country – I’m sad to say, even I was one of them. But once you go country, you never go back. There’s nothing quite like listening to Country Roads, Take me Home when you’re far away and feeling home sick. At least give it a try.

A particularly fun extension of Country music is line dancing. Down in Georgia I learned the Boot Scootin’ Boogie and Cotton Eye Joe. Teaching foreigners or even people from the north a line dance always bodes a good time. If you’re not currently in the South, consider looking up a tutorial on YouTube, it can be stupendously fun. And pulling out a fresh Cotton Eye Joe at you’re next party will definitely get you some cool guy points.

And all of this is to say, if you have the opportunity, don’t think twice. If you get the chance to order banana pudding but you’re already full, don’t hesitate. You might die tomorrow. And who wants to die on a banana pudding-less stomach?

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