Moving to Asheville has provided some interesting insights into humanity. Thus far, Indianapolis is the smallest city in which I've lived, so this is my first town experience with a population of not even 100k. The flow is very odd though, in the sense that it never stops. People are always walking, biking, driving, etc., and getting somewhere in a hurry is not a great idea because there's just too many possible things to slow you down here. The attraction for me is the Old World feel while still living in the States. There are some many quaint aspects of Asheville, the number one piece being the massive influx of independent shops stuck in every which-way. Not a box store to be seen :)
Don't get me wrong, there is a commercial side of Asheville (west), conveniently on the other side of the mountain where I never have to drive, and there is a slummy side of Asheville (south) that I also never have to drive. So I can easily live in my little bubble up here just north of downtown where very little has changed over the decades.
There are a few chain stores, but they are small and without the 15 football field sized car parks. In fact, finding a car park over 20 spaces is a little shocking. It helps that they are useful chain stores (Ace, CVS, and Staples). Other than that, find the local version!
This brings me to a real example of the culture here, which is at a friendly level that is putting my system into a bit of shock. Moving into a house built in 1941 instead of a modern flat has required a lot of hardware store runs, which was to Ace, only one mile away. I buy the items on my list for that run at least (the first in a long series), and she asks me for an Ace card.
"I don't have one; it's fine."
"Oh! But if you have one, you'll get lots of points for this items."
"Um, that's fine, really, I'm good."
"Those points equal .10 cents on the dollar - you'll have lots of future savings!"
(I'm thinking, Oh good God, WHATEVER)... "OK, fine, my husband will probably appreciate it."
"Wonderful...*some additional talking of the great values that we will get that I don't remember...*
I think that's over, and scuttle back to the house determined to send Eric there for any future purchases as I have never been required to actually communicate verbally with people in shops before, let alone in a bantering "welcome to the neighborhood" sort of way.
Eric takes his turn. I suppose coming from a town himself makes him fall in love with everything around here even more. Ace quickly turns into his hero place as he returns flushed and excited with this new found friends.
I get a voice mail...from Ace.
"Hello! I just wanted to say that Eric forgot his Ace card and he was going to come back with it so that he could get his points, but I found his card number and applied his purchase to the card! Now he doesn't need to come back unless of course he needs materials."
SERIOUSLY?
The next day, Eric had to be in meetings, and really wanted to get some things done that required a few more hardware pieces. I anxiously ensure that I have the stupid card because no telling what would happen if I forgot it, and make my purchases.
The clerk goes "Oh Willeke! I left a voice mail for Eric Willeke yesterday *repeat message here*."
I am dumbfounded. I just sort of stare at her wondering what obsession this place has for their crazy card and point savings system. She continues to excitedly chatter about cool things in Asheville as I continue to somewhat stare at her wondering if I accidentally fell into a time capsule or different planet.
Those of you who reside in large cities will totally get what I'm saying. Those of you who don't, well, let's just say this is quite an interesting perspective for some!
