Put on Your Chaps

…we’re going to the rodeo! Tonight was a great start to North Dakota as I got to go to my very first rodeo. It was a pretty big rodeo with only standing room left. Ah, the joy of seeing a body bend in ways it’s not supposed by being tossed like a rag doll from a huge bull. I’d have to say with a little training and practice I’d be willing to give it a go.

Have you ever had culture shock in your own country? If not, I suggest you do some traveling. Perhaps it’s not shock, but there is such a contrast between the folks at a rodeo here in Minot compared to the folks at the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis. I’m really starting to get a great taste of how other people live in the country. I learned that North Dakota is one of the last places in the U.S. to enforce blue laws. That is no stores are allowed to open before noon on Sunday so people can get to church. It’s a different lifestyle here than even in the Great Lakes Region.

There are so many regions with different interests. It’s one of the coolest parts about the U.S. I’ve been seeing how much open land this country has for people to ranch and farm. Then I’ve seen the mesmerizing Mall of America. The U.S. has a tremendous array of traditions, hobbies, and pastimes.

I would have gone to the dance after the rodeo, but I figure I don’t have the proper attire. I might just have to get myself a pair of cowboy boots, cowboy hat, and a pair of Wranglers.