An American Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is a truly American experience that might be celebrated slightly different all over the nation, varying between family traditions, communities, cities, or religious backgrounds. But what seems to hold the American people together on this solemn occasion is the central idea of this national holiday: To thank for all the blessings that people have in life, from seemingly trivial things like jobs, to one’s family, children, fortune in life, a home, and to one’s faith and creed. Thankfully, all of us international students found American homes to spend the day, as campus was deserted and our living complex resembled a ghost town. Some hours out in the woods at our host family’s property, a little shooting practice (an essential part of our American experience. I swear we only shot at clay pigeons), and then a peaceful day amidst the most hospitable people and with gorgeous Southern food made it unique.

A calm Thanksgiving Thursday is followed by Black Friday: For many people, this is the day to score cheap deals at nearby shopping malls – most of them opening at midnight, to allow people to go shopping right after Thanksgiving dinner and the football game. Attracted by 50%-off offers and discounts all around, their shopping fever lets businesses and stores be in the black again…

An old New Orleans drawbridge out in the swamps, constructed in 1934. Albeit a little rusty, it is still in operation. Call four hours in advance and it'll lift to let ships pass.