Culture Shock

Some of you know that I was recently out of the "country" to officiate at my nephews wedding. Actually, I was still in the U.S., but as the wedding was being held in Mankato, Minnesota there were quite a few instances of culture shock.

I'll overlook the more mundane, like the groups in our hotel who had traveled in from out of state to visit the worlds largest mall, and just offer this compelling bit of evidence:

On our return from Mankato, we stopped to fill up the rental car. We were in Minneapolis, about 1 mile from the airport. As I looked around to distract myself from the snow flurries and near arctic temps, I noticed a tall wooden box among the usual news racks and other "front of a gas station" articles. This narrow box, approximately 5 feet tall, was made up of narrow slats with 1" gaps between the boards. The first thing I noticed is there appeared to be bits of animal fur peaking out. Then I saw the sign... "Hides for Habitat", and a graphic depicting a leaping deer.

My nephew (not the one who got married) approached the box and peered in, confirming what we were beginning to suspect. This was a drop box for unwanted deer skins... at least, skins that were unwanted by the hunters... I assume the original owners would love to have them back.

This is not a joke. I'll forever regret not taking a picture. It just goes to show that you don't have to travel far to enjoy a different culture! I was very pleased to return to someplace normal, with 90 degree weather in November and smoke on the horizon... ahhhh... you can't beat So Cal.