Englishman in Mobile (Huntsville, Hollywood: house, live, prices)

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by albion

The last guy sent to Alabama by my company was invited by a co-worker to dinner at his house. When he arrived he was met by his co-workers bible class who tried to save him all night. He resigned from the company the following week rather than stay there, thats why i asked my original question.

I think I would have got up and walked out and said "I've heard enough, catch ya later". It's very rare that it happens, but as a native Alabamian, that would upset me too.

[Keeper]

I would 'Thank' them for the invitation to dinner but you have your own religion and leave. I would be really upset if someone did that to me too. I hope you know who that person is, if they are still working there. If it was the 'boss', just always have plans if s/he ask you to dinner.

Most Mobilians are not like that so take heart.

[albion]

I must apologise for saying " hayseed " I was just having a bit of a rant. I'm sure that the people of Mobile are very hospitable, and I apologise for suggesting that they might be less than that.

[Keeper]

LOL.. I am not sure how many of us know exactly what that means as it isn't one of our expressions.

Most of the folks in Mobile are professionals and while you may notice the southern accent it isn't nearly pronounced as some southern cities. When are going to be there? Mardi Gras was founded in Mobile and the parades usually start in Jan or Feb. Not the rowdy kind like in New Orleans, more family oriented.

Just make sure you don't accept a dinner invitation from that co-worker.

[albion]

Thank you Keeper.
I believe that most people in the UK know very little about Alabama. Perhaps the only televised exposure to the state was a "Top Gear" show shown on the BBC channel, it was'nt very flattering.
The show is easy to find on the internet. I start my stint in Mobile in September, and I won't be accepting any dinner invitations.
I wonder if you know of any blues clubs that allow people to jam with the band, I play guitar with a blues band and want to keep my hand in.

[mccarley]

Originally Posted by albion

Thank you Keeper.
I believe that most people in the UK know very little about Alabama. Perhaps the only televised exposure to the state was a "Top Gear" show shown on the BBC channel, it was'nt very flattering.
The show is easy to find on the internet. I start my stint in Mobile in September, and I won't be accepting any dinner invitations.
I wonder if you know of any blues clubs that allow people to jam with the band, I play guitar with a blues band and want to keep my hand in.

You will be only a few miles from Mississippi and the blues were born here. Check it out.
Of course, Mississippi has a worse reputation than Alabama. We are on the bottom of every list, but I guess every list has to have someone at the bottom.
I think you will be making a mistake if you turn down a dinner invite to enjoy the best food in the world.

[southernnaturelover]

Originally Posted by albion

Thank you Keeper.
I believe that most people in the UK know very little about Alabama. Perhaps the only televised exposure to the state was a "Top Gear" show shown on the BBC channel, it was'nt very flattering.
The show is easy to find on the internet. I start my stint in Mobile in September, and I won't be accepting any dinner invitations.
I wonder if you know of any blues clubs that allow people to jam with the band, I play guitar with a blues band and want to keep my hand in.

Yes, I know that show you are talking about. Even though it was funny, I kinda took offense to it. Not only is Mobile not like that, but the whole state of Alabama is nothing like what that show portrayed. I know, I am a gay man living in rural Alabama, and I have never seen anyone act like that. I'm sure those people on that show were paid actors.

[albion]

Yes I can understand why you would be upset. The only article that I've read about Alabama concerned the governor of the state a Mr Fob James calling for creationism to be taught alongside evolution in the classroom. As an engineer, a profession that encourages reasoned thought, I think Mr James plan will put pupils at a terrible disadvantage in their education If true.
Was the article accurate?.

[Keeper]

Well, many parts of AL are in what we refer to as the 'Bible Belt' as are some parts of TN, MS and GA. I wouldn't include Mobile in that part although there are some ppl who would fit that description such as your former co-worker experienced. While I live in a part of AL that is in the Bible Belt, it doesn't mean we all agree with everything they believe in. I didn't live in AL during Gov James term, so I can't say what he his leanings were, but I can guess.

There are still cities/towns/counties who are what we call 'dry' meaning they don't serve alcohol in restaurants or sell it in stores. They are in the bible belt. Yep I live in one of those

Mobile also has a large Catholic population unlike 'bible belt' areas.

[cetinmobile]

Mobile is a wonderful city and like they said most young people don't even go to church. I am catholic but I don't go to church every sunday and I don't stress religion to anyone. We accept you as you are.