Her--Natural and Cultural Scenery

When we talk about scenery, no doubt one that comes to mind is the natural scenery around here. We’ll certainly be examining the natural scenery in the MidWest, but also a little about the cultural scenery here.

The natural scenery in the MidWest consists of mainly vast plainlands. The overall feeling you will experience with the scenery here is a very peaceful one. Unsurprisingly, there are many national parks located in the MidWest: Theodore Roosevelt National Park in North Dakota, Black Hills National Park in South Dakota, and many more.

Depending on how well dressed you are for winter, winter in the MidWest may feel peaceful or quite uncomfortable. The region gets lots of snow in the winter, and is pretty cold starting from early November to late March. There are certain times of the year when temperature falls sub-zero degrees in Fahrenheit. However, even with all the accumulation of snow, I like how MidWest cities are generally well prepared for clearing the roads in events of heavy snow, though one still needs to learn how to drive in the slippery winter conditions.

I’ve also found the naturally inhabiting wildlife in the MidWest to be quite interesting. You will often see squirrels, rabbits, and deers while walking or driving on the streets. Wildlife is much better protected here than it is in Asian countries. In forested areas, drivers will often slow down or come to a complete stop to let deers cross the road.

On the side of cultural scenery, it seems that the MidWest is very open minded of other cultures, and very friendly to all kinds of people. I enjoy the interactions that I spend with people here, even if it’s just nothing more than a greeting from a stranger during a walk, or small conversations with cashiers. Overall, I think the region is much more welcoming to foreigners than other parts in the United States.

When you speak more than one languages, you get to know a little more about the world from a different perspective. I used to not enjoy learning English when I was still in China, as I found it difficult to learn. Only after studying abroad, that I felt the importance of being well versed in multiple languages. It allows me to not only correspond with people from English speaking countries, but to learn much more about their culture and backgrounds than the translated text I read from the books. It also allows me to understand how humor in the United States is special, with cultural references being the main theme in most jokes.

Although the scenery here in the MidWest is quite different from the scenery back home, I think it’s a welcoming one that I’ve enjoyed thus far. I would highly recommend visiting the MidWest if you’re longing a break from the rushed city life.

#HeGao