Montana

I went to my cousins wedding in Montana.
Why Montana? Aren't I Persian? Do Persians live in Montana?
The answer is yes, one does, my cousin.
He's a surgeon, and a few years ago he took a position
at a hospital in a small town in Montana,
I think he may even be the only surgeon there.
He owns a huge ranch and is the most happy I ever saw seen him
in overalls smeared in dirt fresh from bailing hay.

It was a culture shock to say the least to have a gaggle of Persians
roll into a small Montana town.
At the rehearsal dinner the grooms side showed up, ninety percent doctors,
the women wearing chiffon dresses and pearls and black stiletto heals
and the men in Armani suites.
While the brides side wore mud caked work boots and t shirts.

But I have to give due credit to both sides,
they tried their very best to mingle and understand each others world.
The whole time I was in Montana I experienced no prejudice or small minded racism whatsoever.
Quite the opposite in fact, almost every person I met showed a genuine interest and curiosity
in learning more about my family and culture.
I'm always struck when traveling through America
how kind, earnest, hospitable, and polite small town people are.

Montana has these unbelievably huge skies stretched over beautiful rolling hills.
The last few days of the trip we spent at glacier national park
and I was overwhelmed by the beauty.
Quite possibly the most beautiful natural scenery I've ever seen, which is saying a lot.


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