Many people take for granted where they live. They grow up in the same place and start their lives not far from their original home. But very few are uprooted and moved across the United States to the polar opposite of the original land they lived on. And even more rare, almost no one goes from living in the flattest, windiest, driest place in America (well almost the driest) to living in a wet forest with a ton of rain, hills, trees, and almost no wind. No matter how new and welcoming everything is, oftentimes the move is not the easiest transition. While still rewarding, this shocking move may pose some unforeseen challenges:
1. There's not enough umbrellas in the world to prepare you for the rain.
Even a light sprinkle can seem scary sometimes.
2. Nothing can prepare you for the fun in the rain.
Sure, it can be scary, but it sure is a lot of fun too.
3. Prepare to walk a ton of hills and stairs.
Give... me... a... second. Trying... to... breathe.
4. Not understanding what the term "humidity" is until it's too late.
Oh... so this is what they meant by don't wear long pants today.
5. Not comprehending the severity of a football rivalry.
Wait, what do you mean I can't wear purple just because that's their school color?
6. Not understanding a word anyone says for the first three months you live there.
Wait, wait, wait, can you slow down for a sec and speak each work very carefully?
7. Learning that "bless your heart" is actually a very effective insult.
"Bless your poor heart honey."
8. Finding out everyone is VERY passionate about their opinions.
Don't y'all dare try and talk me out of it.
9. Everyone is addressed as "darlin," "honey," "sweetheart," or "sugah."
"Honey, will you bring me that book right over there?"
10. Before long, you have an accent too and none of your old friends understand you.
"Dude, repeat that one more time. I don't have a clue what you're saying."
Although many initial challenges are posed, after a few months, you'll usually fit right in with everyone else, after many, many hearty laughs. Each new friend you meet is always so friendly and welcoming; southern hospitality truly does exist. The life experience is well worth it and you'll get a new vantage point on different cultures and places. It is easy to make new friends when everyone you meet is so welcoming and truly kind and just as easy to keep your old friends as they too are their own special kind of people. Although at first challenging, the transition from one place to the opposite other is definitely worth it in the end.
