Before I came to Georgia, I heard many things about the area. No one really had anything bad to say about the place except for the fact that it would be very hot and humid. All other comments were positive and emphasized how Atlanta is such cool city. But, I also heard that I'd face a culture shock, that many things would be different from the West Coast. So far as I've spent the first couple of weeks, I've noticed a variety of things. I haven't faced anything too shocking but nevertheless there have still been some surprises and notable differences. Here are some of the quirks of Atlanta that I've picked up on:
1. Southern Accents
As expected, I've encountered southern accents. Some so thick, I can't understand one word and some very faint with only an occasional y'all. Side note: I'm still trying to figure out the correct way to use that phrase. I find the expression "all y'all" quite confusing and contradicting.
2. Trees, Trees and More Trees
Atlanta has soooo many trees. It makes it very beautiful but they get in the way when trying to navigate around a foreign city. I got lost trying to find my way to Target because there were so many trees. I could see it afar off but when I got closer, I didn't know which street to take since the trees were covering the store.
3. One - Two Lanes
Streets are only one, or if you are lucky, two lanes wide in the direction you are traveling. This causes the streets to back up fast which can be very bad during rush hour. Some of the lanes will also suddenly change into a turn only lane without much notice. Good thing I have out of state plates! Hopefully, people will have mercy on me. Also lights take very long to change, so once you are stuck at a light, you are stuck there for a good while. I've also heard that some of the roads were once cow paths! That explains the excessive turns and loops and non-direct routes. In general, Atlanta traffic is pretty bad.
4. My Name is Famous
I see my name featured all over town. From street signs, housing divisions, and shopping centers, "brooke" or "brook" is heavily used. I've seen Brookside, Brookridge, Brookwood, Brookhollow, and my favorite, Sterling Brooke. I love that Georgia loves my name!
5. Alligator on Restaurant Menus
Yep, that's right. I found fried alligator on a restaurant menu. I was out to eat with some coworkers and they made me try it. What does it taste like? A very tough, chewy version of chicken! Scratch that off the bucket list.
6. Fried Foods Galore
The South is known for its fried southern comfort food and I've had a chance to try it already. I went out for a birthday dinner to a very typical Southern food restaurant, Mary Macs Tea Room. I had the opportunity to try some very interesting, and even new, foods. Have you heard of pot likker? It is a broth from cooked collard greens and you use it as a dip for your cornbread. Oh and southern corn bread is not like the typical cornbread most of us know. It isn't the slightest bit sweet and is rather... dry. It doesn't taste good by itself and with the addition of dipping it in pot likker, I'd guess I'd say it at least, well, becomes manageable to swallow. Let's just say after one bite, I was satisfied. I also ordered "chicken fried chicken" with gravy sauce (why the need for the extra chicken in that name, who knows?) with some fried green tomatoes and mac 'n cheese. The meal was then topped off with a peach cobbler - of course since Georgia is known for peaches. I'd say that was one complete Southern meal.
6. Sudden Torrential Rainstorms
The sudden summer rainstorms catch me off guard. About 80% of the summer has about a 40% chance of rain. When it will hit? No one knows. Fifty feet away from torrential rains, it can also be perfectly dry so watch out. It is scary to watch the storms move in too. A perfectly bright sunny day can instantly change to a dark sky full of heavy clouds. Before you know it, you can be stuck in a torrential down pour. After getting stranded in a storm my first week, I always carry an umbrella with me... You never know when you might need it.
7. Foggy Glasses
Beware of the foggy glasses! It is so humid here that I have to worry about my glasses fogging up while outside. Especially right after a rain when there is extra moisture in the air. Ridiculous, if you ask me! I went to a company BBQ after work, and fought to keep my glasses clear the whole afternoon. Note to self: if outside, wear contacts! The foggy glasses problem is as bad as it was during the UT winters.
8. Sunsets?
Ha, good luck seeing one. I still have yet to see one since I've been here. There isn't a good spot to really see the horizon here, again due to the trees. This is quite disappointing to me because I grew to love watching the sunset each and every night while living in Jerusalem and having one of the best views to watch it. I miss that opportunity to watch the day change from bright to dark and see the bursts of colors shoot across the skyline. However, I have seen some glimpses of pink and orange skies between the trees or buildings of Atlanta. One of these days, I'll have to find a good location where I can really watch the sunset.
9. Gorgeous Homes
The homes here are gorgeous and so different from the West Coast. I see a lot of brick buildings and huge white columns. Most subdivisions have large plantation like homes and are nestled in among trees. While driving through North Atlanta with a friend, we had to drive super slow down the street, just so we could gaze at all the homes. They are beautiful!
10. Fireflies and Pesky Bugs
Each evening, I look forward to watching the fireflies emerge from the trees. I think fireflies are the coolest bugs and I'm fascinated by their bursts of light. One of these nights, I want to catch some and put them in a jar! In addition to the fireflies, there are many other bugs but ones not so nice. Mosquitoes are everywhere and it doesn't matter if it is morning or night for them to be out. I feel like I always have a scratchy bug bite on me, no matter what!
Anyways, these are just a few of the notable differences I've encountered. With that being said, I'm sure there will be even more along the way. In all reality, the people I spoke to before coming here were right. Besides the heat and humidity, I really don't have anything bad to say about Georgia. The things I've pointed out are all minor differences or inconveniences that don't matter very much. I'm truly having so much fun exploring this new city and area. Atlanta is wonderful! And, I have many more things on my bucket list that I want to do while I'm here!
