As many of my most devoted readers may know, I recently moved to the South Bend, IN area from DC. I'd like to take a few minutes to capture my initial thoughts of the place. Contrary to most moves, I had never been to the SB area before, so it was quite interesting to drive in and know this would be it, at least in the short-run.
My first stop was the mall. I generally think a mall in any city is one good way get a feel for the place. What a cultural difference! It was shocking and almost seemed as though I'd migrated to a different country. I was surrounded by mothers in their early 30s, at the latest, walking with several of their children. I realized I had lost touch of the family concept since moving to DC, where having one child in your late thirty's and early forties is a huge deal. Here in SB, having kids is a welcomed way of life. In DC, having kids is almost something that is put off until the most perfect and convenient time, as one pursues their career aspirations. While I do not condemn the DC way of life nor condone the former, it's good to know that people are happy once they have children and that life for parents does not end when that happens - a seemingly popular belief amongst the night-hawks in the capital.
Next, I took a quick stroll around the city, or I tried. I was a little disappointed with the city's overall condition. The infrastructure, particularly the roads, seemed rather old and run-down as did a lot of the city's homes and buildings. I'd always heard that due to outsourcing of many industrial jobs, many in this area were left unemployed over the years. If that is true, it is certainly visible.
A quick ride into Notre Dame's campus later, though, seemed to redeem a few of the city's dilapidated qualities. While I have yet to visit the main campus, it certainly seems very lush and very well maintained.
Aside from individual instances and examples, the overall mood of the city certainly seems laid back and people seem content. Strangers are very nice to each other and sales people in the stores are exceptionally helpful, at least compared to DC. The lack of compactness is also noteworthy for this former DC-area resident. Most of the major stores are large square boxes spread out over several acres, with lots and lots of vacant parking spaces.
This will certainly be a change from the bustling and crowded life I lived for the last 2 years. The pace will be slower, reasons for a heart attack will decrease, and hopefully I'll grow to be a better blogger!
And, on a final note, everyone seems to wear 'ND' attire in some form or another. Go Irish!
