I got back into the states just over two weeks ago now and if you think going from a developing country to the states is a change of pace...try going from a developing country to the dirty south! Everyone keeps asking me if I have culture shock, but really it hasn't been that bad. It was way harder going from India to Tanzania then going from Tanzania to Atlanta, because everything here feels familiar. Every once in a while I get REALLY excited about something that I realize I haven't had in such a very long time...like a root beer float or wearing high heels. I think in general, its just nice to be able to rely on people and things and to know that they'll function like what I'm used to!
The day after I arrived in Atlanta, my entire family had to go to work. But...my Aunt gave me the keys to her truck, and the instructions on how to get to Wal-Mart. Whoa. Driving was interesting...since it had been 6+ months since I'd done that, but on top of that going into Wal-Mart was overwhelming. I just stood in the clothing section for 5 minutes, not knowing what to do. I felt like I wanted one of everything, but also needed nothing. Boy, do we live a charmed life in the states. Going from one of the poorest regions in the world to Wal-Mart? That will throw anyone for a loop. So I got myself out of the clothing area as quickly as possible and found myself some shampoo and chocolates.
I've now traded in my "wewe" (meaning "you" in Swahili) for "y'all", and have easily found my groove and sweet spot here in Atlanta, which to no one's surprise is dance. Apart from teaching dance classes during the week, I've also been enjoying the Atlanta nightlife. Dance in Atlanta is not only a past time, but it seems to me that it is an integral part of the culture.
My dance friends would feel like they died and went to heaven going out dancing here. Why? Well I'll tell ya. You know how they have country line dancing for songs in the Midwest? Well the equivalent is true here in Atlanta for hip hop. You go into the club, and everyone knows the same dance to the same song. Heck, my Uncle even knows the dances! For some reason they all start with the letter "W"...like "the wobble". I felt out of place at first, but it hasn't taken me too long to learn the steps. Everyone here was in shock that I didn't know what was going on. "You don't know the wobble??!!!"
So...to my dear dance friends in the Northwest, this one's for you. I'll be teaching y'all these dances when I get back up North, but you can start practicing now. Here's a couple versions of your first little number, "The Wop":
A couple southern girls breakin' it down: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0AdZhZnGo98
A hip hop dance class: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1GClFcBg4nU
So...when the weekend rolls around, you can envision me "wopping" and "wobbling" to my hearts content with my cousin. And...hopefully in no time, you'll be joining in too!
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