Eldest and I are halfway through round one of college tour 101. Our first adventure takes us down east to the flat, ex-tobacco lands of North Carolina. Our first impression was one of relief as we stepped out into 50 degree weather during one pit stop.
"You mean I could wear flip flops year-round?" asked eldest.
"You do anyway. It just means you won't slip on the ice down here" I explained.
There were several other things eldest noticed and was curious about on our adventure which caused me to stop and realize how much she need to stretch past our mountain borders. This hillbilly kiddo has lots to learn.
First, I explained all over again the optical illusion of highway mirages. You see, our mountain roads are too short and winding to see a faux oasis in our neck of the woods. And although my child is a born southerner, she had never seen the skeletal vestiges of kudzu in winter nor has she ever imagined the enormity of a February's flock of grackles flying over a fodder field. And, she never contemplated the practical possibilities water towers provide flat-landers-not to mention the large artistic canvas they make for errant and bored teenagers.
So, even though we still don't have a clue where she will end up going to school or what she'll eventually do in life, we both agree she wants and needs to see much more of the world. Thanks to a brief, but important visit to Farmville U.
And yup, that's a good start.
The photo is of an abandoned house about 2 miles from Farmville, NC. Drifting off the beaten path is always pleases me and this time, oddly pleased my daughter as well...