SNOWBIRDING – Divining Each State’s Personality

December 26, 2022

As we travelled down the west coast to the southern US border and headed east, we passed through a series of states.  Each seemed to exhibit a particular personality.  Sometimes my perceptions were influenced by external factors or by previous travel in that state, but no matter how they were reached my impressions were strong.

Take Washington State, for example.  She is like a good friend with whom you feel comfortable.  You live in the same neighborhood.  You’ve shared the same experiences.  You know what you can expect from her.  There are few surprises.

Oregon, on the other hand, is totally unpredictable.  Like a kaleidoscope she shows you constantly changing elements that are diverse and dramatic.  No sooner do you fall in love with one facet of her personality than without warning she shows you another that is totally different but equally attractive.  You cannot help but be excited by her.

California is like the most popular girl in school.  There is nothing overtly superior about her, yet she draws others in.  It is not just her appearance but her self-confidence that compels others to emulate her.  They neither recognize all that she lacks nor realize they have great qualities of their own.

Arizona is the trust fund kid.  He has had riches bestowed on him that are the envy of many.  His is a life of grandeur, beauty, warmth, and wonder.  But he played no part in its creation.

New Mexico is the poor relative.  He is needy and apologetic.  Sandwiched between a cousin who flaunts his wealth and another who has hidden treasures, he is often pitied but rarely seen and never embraced.

Texas is a self-made man.  He eschews his birthright and forges his own path.  With considerable resources at his disposal, he is confident and fearless.

Louisiana is reputed to be a party animal, but we found her to be a bit of a wet blanket.  Perhaps she was just having an uncharacteristically bad time, but she was disheveled and came across as moody, both gloomy and sullen.

We didn’t see much of Mississippi or Alabama, but they both gave off a neighborly vibe.  Although they look a lot like Louisiana, they seemed more accepting of their appearance and were very hospitable.

Unlike some of her neighbors to the West, Florida makes a great first impression by taking pride in her appearance.  However, she appears to have multiple personalities.  One is that of a creepy cousin who keeps reptiles as pets, unnerving you with the possibility one may be found coiled up in your bed, falling from the trees overhead, slithering across the floor, or snapping at your heels as you flee in fear. Fortunately, her alter ego is full of fun and wonder, and that’s the one we’re focusing on for now.

We look forward to interacting with the personalities of other states, or perhaps seeing a different side of the ones we have already met.