TWIMO Observes: The South

Upon my recent adventures in the South I've made some pretty interesting observations about this here country below the Mason Dixon line I call home and the main summary of those observations is this land called Dixie is a weird place.

1) It's Not the Civil War, It's the War of Northern Aggression

With the new year R and I have decided to do more "active" dates that included walking about 400 miles, so we headed to Stone Mountain, GA one weekend. Stone Mountain is an area touted for it's lovely natural setting and giant rock with confederate heroes carved into it. Yes, that's right good ole' General Lee and Co. Now, Stone Mountain is not only just a rock, but also includes a "frontier" themed amusement park and little pavilions dedicated to each state that seceded from the union. As R and I walked around the park I was quizzed on my knowledge of the War of Northern Aggression and thank goodness I got close to naming everyone on the rock or else R and my relationship might have been over, as knowing my confederate heroes is obviously a deal breaker. I got bonus points for knowing Gen. Lee's middle name. It's Edward, in case you ever play trivia in the South. So, point #1 the South is not over the civil war.

2) Southern Children experiencing snow is pitiful.

While at Stone Mountain I also observed a Southern tradition, Snow Mountain. During the winter Stone Mountain is transformed into a winter wonderland with the modern miracle of man made snow pumped in through a maze of tubes. So all of these poor Southern children were brought in wearing their snow suits (mind you it was 60 degrees out) and made to think snow is something you pay for to experience. Just pitiful.

3) Ruffles Are Big News

Last weekend I travelled to Chattanooga, TN to shadow the event planner at my cousin's, who is a chef, place of employment. (I'm exploring new career opportunities as drywall and autoCAD might just not being doing it for me) I went to help out with a wedding. So between hauling ice, polishing glasses, and pouring wine I made a very important fashion observation. Ruffled collared dresses are a big deal in Scarlet O'Hara land. Nearly every woman at this wedding was wearing one. Note to self: get a really big ruffle collar for my next wedding attendance aka Queen Elizabeth big.

4) Atlanta = the Urban Safari

Last weekend while hitting the town with the lovely E and S we encountered the African Hunting Show 2012 at the Grand Hyatt in Buckhead. Yes, that's right, a conference dedicated to the killing and stuffing of African animals in the middle of the South (I'm pretty sure Atlanta, or perhaps a Texan city, would be the only places in the US that might find this type of conference slightly acceptable). Let me tell you, not only did it make a great photo shoot, but also some amazing people watching at the hotel bar. I continue to be amazed at the worlds out there that I just am not a part of (fortunately, this one I am now a part of thanks to my new friend Pumba)