I have lived here for almost 4 years...
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1/14/2007
First of all let me say that I love change so coming from Colorado where I had to endure terrible storms and cold,I have thoroughly enjoyed the southern climate. I have never been a snow or outdoor enthusiast so trading that for "almost" (stretching it a little) year around decently warm temperatures has been truly wonderful. The summer humidity is way out there, but I can survive as long as there is air conditioning in my car and home and in all the stores I shop in. I am two hours from the beach and really nice campgrounds when I want to camp out. The Palmetto palms are nice along with the gorgeous azaleas, pines and the abundant woods that are natural to this area. The state is made up of three areas, the midlands, the upstate and the low country which is really interesting in culture. Everything is so different of course than Colorado, and I love it. So much to learn and experience. Barbeque is the name of the game here. It's either tomato based or mustard based flavored pulled pork. Back home when you invited someone over for a BBQ you served grilled hamburgers and hot dogs. Not so here, they would laugh at you probably when they got there. Love it or hate it along with the grits and bologna for breakfast. Mexican food and decent flour tortillas are a disappointment. Excellent sea food and you gotta try the fried catfish, coleslaw and hushpuppies. A biggie here is macaroni and cheese and delectably sweet sweet potatoes with pecans.
Terrible drivers!!! No one uses their turn signals, drives me nuts! Property taxes on everything.
Most families have been here forever and although they are nice, just remember they are related to everyone else "everywhere" so don't gossip. They stick together and hate northerners. Prejudice is still alive and well here, the klan etc., but the blacks have been very pleasant everywhere I go.
The language (accent) is different from place to place and like the food you will hate it or just get used to it. It has been fun experiencing the people, history and sites of interest. I will miss this place when I leave here due to my husband retiring. Where will we go? Out west I guess. Everyone should experience the south on vacation or just move here. You'll love it I bet.
Virginia | Lexington, SC