USA, Winnona Mississippi

Winnona Mississippi Lesson Number One: Don’t ask dumb questions.

Me: I was looking for a place to stay when I come to Winnona and I was having some trouble finding a place. Do you have any suggestions?

My Client: Oh…Well sorry about that. I should’ a thought of that one. I’ll get you the number for the hotel.

Me: Thanks. I was looking on the web and couldn’t seem to find anything.

A few hours later

Me: I’d like to book a room.

Woman: OK

Me: I’ll be in town for a few days in December

Woman: OK

Me: Can I book a room?

Woman: Yes

Me: (I was starting to feel a little strange but I could not put my finger on why) Great my name is Erik Rudolph and I’ll be in town December 1^st though the 3^rd.

Woman: OK

Me: (I paused not to sure how to respond) Can you send me a confirmation email?

Woman: No. Computer don’t do that.

Me: Well…uh…OK…(I was at a loss for words) How do I find you?

Woman: We’re behind the Exxon.

Me: Behind the Exxon?

Woman: Behind the Exxon.

Me: I’m from out of town. You probably guessed that. Where’s the Exxon?

Woman: At the Exit.

Me: (I was starting to think that this woman might have a son with a kitchen knife) I’m sorry I don’t mean to sound rude but I need to know which exit.

Woman: It’s the Winnona exit.

Me: Do you know which number that is?

Woman: No

Me: OK so I take the Winnona exit and then you’re behind the Exxon.

Woman: That’s right.

Me: Is there only one Exxon in town?

Woman: Only one gas station.

Me: Its easy to find then?

Woman: Its at the exit.

Me: (Feeling more aquward) So you’re just at the Winnona exit then?

Woman: No. Were behind the Exxon at the exit.

Lesson Number Two: Winnona is not San Francisco

Me: Where can I go and get some dinner?

My Client: Hmmm

Me: I saw a Chinese place on the way over here. I think it was called “Number One Wok” is it any good?

My Client: Hard say’n. Never tried it.

Me: I wouldn’t guess that you had many Chinese people here.

My Client: Me either.

Me: I’ll give it a try it might be interesting.

My Client: Let me know.

The next day

Me: You fry a lot of food here.

My Client: It’s the south. It’s why we’re all fat.

Me: The Chinese in The South fry a lot as well.

My Client: Figures.

Me: When you fry something how long do you let it sit before you eat it?

My Client: It can be a wile.

Me: That’s what I thought.

My Client: Was the food any good?

Me: No

My Client: Didn’t rec’n it would be. Not a lot of Chinese in Winnona.

Me: Three I think.

My Client: Four and they’re thin.

Me: They fry all their food.

My Client: Don’t rec’n they eat it.

Me: So who eats there?

My Client: Don’t know of anyone. (My client pause in thought) I do know one person but he probably anti go’in back.