re-enculturation

I must admit that being back in the "real" south is a bit of a culture shock (I put "real" in parentheses because somehow people in Missouri think they are in the south! Hahahahahaha).  First, I am struck by the friendliness that I am experiencing.  Don't get me wrong, people in the midwest are friendly.  However, I guess that I did not realize the disparity.  I enjoy talking to just about everyone that I run into.  Second, I had forgotten how much time it takes to go 10 miles in Metro Atlanta.  You had better plan ahead.  Furthermore, this is not one single road that goes in a straight line for more than 200 yards.  Also, someone actually planned and coordinated how traffic signals change to keep traffic flowing (somebody at MoDOT needs to take a seminar or something).  Anyway, I will leave the south kickin' n' screamin' next time.