things I've learned about the south

*disclaimer: these are just my opinons and based on me living in nc for around a month so I'm sure they will evole.

1. people drive like idiots, and merging is seriously almost a death wish. granted, I am used to chicago driving but still.

2. there is a chick-fil-a on almost every corner. no joke.

3. men seriously do hold the door open for women....and get mildly irritated if you open it for yourself. they also will call you sweetheart and hun.

4. grits. people down here really like grits. personally, I've only tried shrimp and grits. it was pretty good but the shrimp were definitely the highlight of the meal.

5. BBQ sauce is different. it's not very thick, and kinda vinegary in nc. it's still pretty good, just not what I was expecting when I heard BBQ. plus, the guy at work from wisconsin knew all this, and purposely didn't tell me so he could watch my reaction when I ate it. RUDE.

6. Everybody talks a little slower down here. I didn't realize I talked fast until people have literally told me to slow down while having conversations down here.

7. Not a ton of people listen to hip-hop or rap.....especially not white girls driving saturn ions. lesson learned.

8. the south is actually making me like country music. all my friends back home would be shocked. I also want cowboy boots...and a cowboy. pleaseandthankyou

9. the south has sayings and phrases completely unique to the south such as, "Can I carry you home?" now if you're a yankee from the city like me, you immediately take this phrase literally and get creeped out. thankfully, one of my roommates was nearby and explained that this means driving you home. good to know! there's been many a time where I've not understood a saying or phrase.

10. it's the bible belt. like bumper sticker, pamphlets, churches on every corner, everybody asks you about your religion, jesus on my t-shirt bible belt. also, there's apparently snake worshippers in the mountains. I'll have to check into that one and get back to you.

11. good luck trying to find ethnic food like indian or thai or even sushi. no bueno.

but everyone is seriously so nice down here, and the comfort food is amazing. the slower pace of life takes some getting used to, as does the accent, but so far so good.