The US election debate hotted up last week with a big democratic candidate debate on CNN, on US TV. It was fascinating to see each of the candidates answer a range of questions and to hear what were considered to be the key hot topics. It seemed like a lot of candidates to me! Now we wait to see who will progress to the next stage.

Meanwhile, there is a serious Trump supporter whose house I pass on the way to the supermarket. I stopped to take this photo and noticed he’s flying the flags at half mast – I’m not sure if that is anything to do with the threat of impeachment! North Carolina is a swing state, so I’m expecting to see and hear a lot more discussion of the election in coming months. I noticed that the Sheriff lives next door to this ‘dude’, so I didn’t  loiter too long in case I was considered a troublemaker, or worse, a Trump supporter collecting campaign related photos!

On Thursday 17th October, I was proud of myself because I drove to downtown Greensboro – about 40 minutes away – on my own and with no SatNav – to go to the theatre. That’s my furthest drive solo so far – I returned in the dark, afterwards and despite getting lost in Greensboro’s one way system I made it home safely eventually.

When I heard I’d been successful getting my Fulbright Scholarship, and I knew I was coming to North Carolina, there was one thing near the top of my cultural list of things I wanted to do – to see David Sedaris live. I am a big fan and although Allan and I have seen him at the Edinburgh International Festival, he’s always talking about his family in Raleigh, so I thought it would be good to see him on his home turf. It was lovely to meet up with good friends Victoria and JP, (who live in NC, but had been living in Glasgow for 3 years) to share the experience. David Sedaris was on great form at the beautiful Carolina Theatre in Greensboro, and sure enough there were quite a few local references. He as hilarious, my face ached afterwards from laughing. He referenced artwork his partner Hugh had done on the side of the wall of their beach house on the East Coast of NC, and described him as the ‘Outer Banksy’ 🙂

I arrived slightly early for the theatre on purpose to give myself time in case I got lost, but also I had noticed there was a book store around the corner. Scupperong Books is a lovely independent book seller with a coffee shop, so I’m sure I’ll be back. I also discovered a yarn store across the road by chance, so that was me happy: David Sedaris, books, coffee and wool in one evening!

The following day I set off for Charlotte, the biggest city in NC. I was given a lift by Deandra Little, Assistant Provost, Director, Center for the Advancement of Teaching and Learning and Professor of English. Also with us was Kelly Reimer, Director of Teaching and Learning Technologies. What lovely people to share the drive with. We were all heading to Charlotte for the Elon University Board of Trustees retreat, which happens every 10 years when Elon writes a new strategic plan.

The next few days consisted of a number of business meetings to discuss the draft strategic plan. These were fascinating for me, to be able to observe how the Board of Trustees works and how Elon staff and faculty interact with the Trustees. I was able to spend time getting to know more people and develop a deeper understanding of the ways Elon operates.

There were several very nice buffet dinners and good  musical entertainment from the South. One of the dinners was also held at the NASCAR Hall of Fame, so needless to say those into fast cars were very happy! We were located on the outskirts of Charlotte, so unfortunately I didn’t really get a chance to explore the centre. It’s 10 years since I was in Charlotte when I was at a conference and once again, I didn’t get a chance to explore the centre!

Although the temperatures here are holding up in the 20s Celsius, with 28C predicted today and thunderstorms, we are starting feel a bit more autumnal as the leaves are starting to turn wonderful colours and the mornings are a bit more chilly. I don’t think I’ve introduced you to Elsa, our house dog. She is very lovely natured and has been enjoying the autumn sunshine! Last night, Kristen, Babu (my housemates) and I headed to an El Salvadorian restaurant locally for a house meal – it was quite similar to mexican food and extremely delicious.

Trips to downtown Greensboro and Charlotte NC / Star spangled banter by blogadmin is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY 3.0