Southern Hospitality

What they say, it really is true.

Don't get me wrong - I'm a proud Northerner. But we really have nothing on the South in terms of genuine kindness for kindness' sake.

I'm sure there are some qualifications, but we three young women have been on the receiving end of endless favors and generosity of spirit. We wanted to recognize some of these instances before we pull back in to Washington.

Obviously our hosts have been most graceful. They not only helped us keep the trip affordable, but also so much more enjoyable and educational and enlightened than we could've imagined. You not only showed us the best sleeping place you had (whether it be floors or newly renovated bedrooms), you really shared with us your lives and your hometowns. As Amanda said, you seemed to stop your lives to make sure we got to know these places, and had fun in the process. We got to go to a premiere equine hospital, the local speakeasy, and a self-sustaining farm. We petted bunnies and alpacas. We were treated to dinners and driving tours.

So, Pam, Bob, Ryan, Jon, Brent, Kathryn, Anna, and Patty: thank you, for everything. We had so much fun touring the monuments, seeing the lands, and mostly hearing your stories.

And Raja. Somehow you have not made it into the blog, but we hope you are reading. We met Raja in the line at the Pancake Pantry in Nashville (it was down the block!). She offered to show us around, as a native of the city, and gave us directions, tips, and answers. Then she paid for our brunch - a total surprise. Thank you.

Jackie has already posted about the nearly-toothless mechanic in West Virginia. In addition to thanking him, I also want to recommend the services of Import Auto Repair in Nashville. The overdrive on my car stopped working somewhere on the journey down to Tennessee. When I took it in to Import and explained my story, about how I was on a road trip and due in a National Forest later that day, they moved me to the front of the line, fixed the problem, gave me recommendations for the upcoming stop in Savannah, and even recommended a good car wash to get the filth of the journey off of my ride. Fully respectful the entire time. Thank you.

There are so many other favors that I haven't detailed here (like the discounted meal at Bluebird). We hope (and believe) that we've spiced things up for the people we've met, as well. And please know that anyone reading this is invited to stay on our floors, and tour our cities, anytime.

We'll try our best to exhibit some of that Southern charm.