Starbucks is to Seattle as churches are to Florence, Alabama. I spent 8 days in this adorable little town with the Zeta Eta chapter of Alpha Delta Pi at the University of North Alabama, and I swear these women stole my heart. I can tell you about the recruitment prep, the crafting and the workshops, but really the things I will remember most about this visit are the food, the Southern culture, and the sisters.
First: the food.
Thank goodness I wasn't placed in Alabama for the whole semester, otherwise I am certain I would leave with extra weight in more than just my carry on, if you know what I mean. From the moment I set foot in the state I was eatin' good, and how could I say no to new opportunities? It's all part of the cultural experience. Or at least that's what I'll tell myself when I'm on the treadmill for the next week...
We also visited Trowbridges, a long time diner and ice cream shop that was delicious and so cute!
Not pictured but definitely note worthy was Miami Ice shaved ice, Zaxby's, Casa de Mexicana, and lots and lots of chicken.
Next, my favorite: Southern culture.
Probably my favorite thing about the South is the accents. Playing the game of 'Wait... do I have an accent?' with sisters was quite comical, and decoding Southern slang proved to be hilarious. Here are some of my South to West Coast translations -
"y'all" = you guys
"hoot and a half" = hilarious
"buggy" = shopping cart
"Bless her heart" = Giiiiiiiirl
"can't swing a dead cat five miles" = yeah no, that one is actually beyond me.
Perhaps my favorite story from my stay was when all the women kept talking about a fraternity philanthropy event they were going to paint a sheet sign for. I head them talk for two days prior about Sigma Chi's Shrimp Bowl, until finally I took a second look at the sign they had been painting - turns out it was a Shrimp Boil. (Are you saying that in your head with a Southern accent? Yeah now you feel me.) In the South I quickly learned that you don't order an event t-shirt smaller than a large, chacos go with everything, you must specify if you would like your tea anything but sweet, and the only way something truly belongs to you is if it's monogrammed. I. loved. it.
Finally: the sisters.
On a more serious note, I have to say that I feel so blessed to have been able to spend my first visit with this amazing group of women. They welcomed me with open arms, and proved that sisterhood does extended beyond our individual chapters. I instantly felt comfortable around them, and their enthusiam, sincereity, and loyalty made me proud to share their letters.
UNA was an amazing visit, and I think it's safe to say that I left a little piece of my heart in Florence, Alabama. But, such is the #ConsultantLife to be on to the next one! I arrived this evening in Fairfield Connecticut and tomorrow will begin my semester with the Theta Rho chapter at Sacred Heart University. Sneak preview - I love it here already. But more on that later, g'night y'all!
Overlooking the lawn from the UNA Amphitheater.
Awesome to hear your updates! I love the good ole Southern cooking, too. :)
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