Bellhaven

Today I went to the neighborhood of Bellhaven in Jackson, MS, and it was incredibly lovely. I was driven there by a cab (let me just say I didn't hail it, it basically hailed me and I couldn't resist). Ashley had told me that there would be lot of shops around and when I didn't see any (but plenty of beautiful Southern houses) I asked the only people I saw: two women out for their weekly walk. One was a little older than the other, and when I told them that I wasn't from around here, they decided to change their walking pattern, and walk me to the more exciting street instead. We introduced ourselves and I found out that the younger one was named Sarah, while the older woman was Val. We talked and suddenly Val said "Nadia, what do you think of God?" Oh no. This is the conversation I don't want to have, but somehow it gives a better insight of the mentality of the South and it was interesting to hear the opinions of the two women. I might not be a Christian or religious at all (and I'm sure that I will never be), but somehow all these people that I've met so far make me a more tolerant person. It's like this: as long as people respect that I have no belief, I respect them. As long as they don't try to convert me. Thankfully, Sara and Val didn't try, and instead I experienced some of that Southern hospitality that is so famous.

Well, I walked around the neighborhood for a while, and I am so in love with the houses of the south. When I got back to downtown Jackson I understood why Ashley had wanted me to see Bellhaven. Downtown was a ghost town. There was no one. But it was hot. Mississippi is one warm state, and finally I'm able to get out my sandals and pack those Converse away.

On a final note, Amanda, the cool Vegas-lady, got me a place to stay in Gainesville! Hooray!