I know that I’ll never be fully accepted as a local in Oaxaca, but I’d like to think I could pass a “local citizenship test” if asked:
* What are the names of 15 of your neighbors?
* How many times have you volunteered in the last year?
* Who are your elected officials?
* What’s the name of your mail delivery person and the people who haul your garbage?
* Where does your drinking water come from?
* What are the sources of the electricity you use?
* What are the current exhibitions at the local museums?
* Name the native plants
* Where are the local farms
* What are the demographics, past and present?
I’m not quite there, but I’m working on it.
We’re fortunate to more easily live in places that suit us than previous generations. As a result, I think our sense of patriotism has shifted from nation to city. But I wish the culture nudged us toward more local, public participation.
When I was thinking about this concept, having an understanding of your local watershed, flora, and fauna was top of my mind. Being able to understand the plant and animal life around you, and the sources of water that make the life possible, is a gift that you don't realize the value of until you lack it when you first arrive somewhere new.
Frankly, even having lived in the same house for more than three years, I'd fail most of your questions of neighborliness and civic duty. I love this list.
You truly are like a “kid in a candy store” in Boulder. Thanks to you and your friends, Anna will have a smooth transition. She never meets a stranger. Another wonderful article to ponder. Keep on writing!
Very nice story! And thank you for mentioning my less-than-satirical version of a local as inspiration. I think we’ve all been a jaded local at some point, so long as you recognize the signs you’ll gonna be okay 😂 just be the type of person you wish you had to show you around when you moved there and all will be well.
I feel like we’ve talked about it before, but I also grew up in NC. I’m originally from near Asheville!
“Asgard isn’t a place. Never was. This could be Asgard. Asgard is where our people stand.”- Odin (Thor: Ragnarok) -- If you're not a Marvel fan then this might not hit as hard, but the sentiment stands: home/locality is more about the people than the place.
So happy you guys live close together now! I haven't lived close to family since I was 22. It would defintely be nice to have someone close by and make you feel more at home.
Great article Ole Buddy. Your mom and I are so happy to have you guys so close together and hope Anna grows to love the area as much as you do. Such a beautiful place to do a little "Passing Time" that has so much opportunity. More importantly and as you said there are so many like-minded people who share your interests and values. Your Greensboro foundation will serve you both well as you continue your journey and build your lives. I have a hunch you are going to be doing a lot of "Passing Time" in that area and no doubt will be considered a local soon and for many years to come!
I know that I’ll never be fully accepted as a local in Oaxaca, but I’d like to think I could pass a “local citizenship test” if asked:
* What are the names of 15 of your neighbors?
* How many times have you volunteered in the last year?
* Who are your elected officials?
* What’s the name of your mail delivery person and the people who haul your garbage?
* Where does your drinking water come from?
* What are the sources of the electricity you use?
* What are the current exhibitions at the local museums?
* Name the native plants
* Where are the local farms
* What are the demographics, past and present?
I’m not quite there, but I’m working on it.
We’re fortunate to more easily live in places that suit us than previous generations. As a result, I think our sense of patriotism has shifted from nation to city. But I wish the culture nudged us toward more local, public participation.
Also, great shot of you and your sister.
When I was thinking about this concept, having an understanding of your local watershed, flora, and fauna was top of my mind. Being able to understand the plant and animal life around you, and the sources of water that make the life possible, is a gift that you don't realize the value of until you lack it when you first arrive somewhere new.
Frankly, even having lived in the same house for more than three years, I'd fail most of your questions of neighborliness and civic duty. I love this list.
You truly are like a “kid in a candy store” in Boulder. Thanks to you and your friends, Anna will have a smooth transition. She never meets a stranger. Another wonderful article to ponder. Keep on writing!
Very nice story! And thank you for mentioning my less-than-satirical version of a local as inspiration. I think we’ve all been a jaded local at some point, so long as you recognize the signs you’ll gonna be okay 😂 just be the type of person you wish you had to show you around when you moved there and all will be well.
I feel like we’ve talked about it before, but I also grew up in NC. I’m originally from near Asheville!
Asheville is a great spot. I've got some family that lives up there. Easy transition to the west from Asheville!
“Asgard isn’t a place. Never was. This could be Asgard. Asgard is where our people stand.”- Odin (Thor: Ragnarok) -- If you're not a Marvel fan then this might not hit as hard, but the sentiment stands: home/locality is more about the people than the place.
So happy you guys live close together now! I haven't lived close to family since I was 22. It would defintely be nice to have someone close by and make you feel more at home.
Great article Ole Buddy. Your mom and I are so happy to have you guys so close together and hope Anna grows to love the area as much as you do. Such a beautiful place to do a little "Passing Time" that has so much opportunity. More importantly and as you said there are so many like-minded people who share your interests and values. Your Greensboro foundation will serve you both well as you continue your journey and build your lives. I have a hunch you are going to be doing a lot of "Passing Time" in that area and no doubt will be considered a local soon and for many years to come!