John at Vons

"Make sure you get the golds"

It's very hard to find friends in the suburbs. First of all, I feel weirder about it because people in my town seem more private. Or maybe it's just my imagination but regardless, I feel more in my element finding friends in Boston.

My friend today was very welcoming though. He was sitting on a bench outside of Vons listening to his iPod and although wary when I first approached him, he warmed when I explained my purpose. His accent  was so charming!

John is from Louisiana. He has only lived out here for a year and LOVES it. After hearing his description of Louisiana, who wouldn't? 15 degrees during the winter and 110 during the summer? No thanks. Another reason why he moved out here was because of Hurricane Katrina.

Trailer that FEMA gave him

He and his neighbors scattered across the United States, mainly westward, after trying to restart their lives in Louisiana. John had to stay in a hotel for a year after the flooding and FEMA only gave him 2,000 dollars plus food stamps in compensation for the flooding. According to him, it was not enough to replace his home and memories. After that first year, he got a FEMA trailer and stuck it out for four years before moving to San Diego. He now works at Vons and dislikes the higher cost of living but lower wages.

John - I really wish I had gotten to talk to you for longer. You have a great personality and an interesting life. Hopefully I'll see you around again before I leave for Boston. Happy almost Thanksgiving!