Fairy Tale Fairmont

So I bet you all thought I would stop writing now that I am no longer living in an "Exciting" place. Well, you thought wrong. I realized that towards the end of my time in Palestine, that in a place filled with conflict, there were still many beautiful things you could find. You just had to look a little bit harder. It became the simple things, like hikes, sunsets, and time with friends that got me through the days. Now that I'm back in Fairmont, I'd like to share some thoughts about my transition and the simple treasures found in good ol' Minnesota.

My first few days back in Minnesota, I really felt like I was in a fairy tale land, where everything was covered in green grass, green trees, shimmering lakes, sweet smelling flowers, and happy people that walked their dogs, played in parks, and soaked up the spring weather. I'm sure Minnesota hasn't changed much, but I'm seeing things in a different way. Everything is so peaceful. My only complaint is that the happily chirping birds wake me up in the morning, but then that is not much to complain about. Is it?


The GREEN and the SHIMMERING LAKES of Fairmont.




I was having coffee with my friend Elise last week, who just got back from teaching English in France. During the course of our conversation Elise share one of the same thoughts I had been having all week, "Everybody here is SO NICE!" Maybe it's the familiarity with the language or a sense of comfort in one's home culture, but I was shocked the first day back when my Dad and I went to Applebee's. There was a host standing in front, who opened the door for us, greeted us, and made small talk about the weather. Then the waitress did the same and was extremely efficient. She told me where the bathroom was, before I even asked! Coming from a place where the service is "laid back", I didn't know how to respond. It wasn't just Applebee's! Everywhere we go, people are making small talk: in the grocery line, at Shopko, on the street. I have gotten used to looking forward and ignoring everybody around me while walking. The first time I went for a run here, everybody was smiling at me and saying "hello". I was so stunned, that I didn't know how to respond. After I passed them, I felt cold and mean. Today, I thought I would practice getting back into the small town groove, so I said "hello" to everybody I walked passed. I got some funny looks. There must be a difference between old and young, older people you greet with "hello" or "good morning". Young people you should maybe just smile. I'm still learning the balance.


A few years ago, my Mom read a "You know you're in Minnesota when..." lists. One of the trademark Minnesotan things was wearing shorts, yet a jacket at the same time. Here I am in "true" Minnesota fashion in shorts and a jacket.









Good News! I found a job. I'll be working as a Nanny in South Minneapolis. It will work out perfectly, because they do not need me to have a car and I'll live with a friend nearby, from whose house I can bike. I'm going to learn how to be a REAL biker this summer and an evermore eco-friendly person. Even though Fairmont is very peaceful, I am excited for a new place to explore and to live near dear friends from college.