A Big Hello From Klamath Falls

Hello all. So life is pretty good in Oregon/California (I live right on the border). We have a day off today and hopefully that's it, since there are many fires in the region and I came out here to be gainfully employed. The biggest trip for me has been witnessing the culture out here, as a mexican on the team often repeats to me (disgustedly at my ignorance) when I ask him about life out here: "What'chya know Minnesota?" Lost River employs two crews of 20 (ages 19-37) which for the most part work independently of eachother all over the west, and of them all, I understand I'm the only one that has been to college. Not too surprising, but coming from college and this last year amongst highly educated and intellectual Americorps co-workers it is an abrupt departure.

I'm staying with one of the crew bosses (Dango) and his girlfriend and his girlfriend's son right now. Dango's a really good man, but there's a lot of drama at the house from his girlfriend and his girlfriend's friends - which I try to avoid.

Some observations:
1) I've noticed that people out here are much more expressive when conveying a story: using sound effects and hand gestures to convey a vivid picture. I wonder if this may have something to do with oral vs. written tradition, since in the same vein, no one on the team reads.

2) There's a fairly strong gang culture here between the mexicans who live in northern cali and those that live in southern cali (sobrenos).

3) Homophobia is huge - I can't even begin to relate the insults and negativity directed at gays. I've expressed my opinion (it's not a choice, etc...) and the crew is semi-receptive to this logic though I don't think I'm changing anyone's opinion.

4) Quite a few people believe in UFO's - and very strongly. I really enjoy these conversations.

Overall I am very pleased with how this venture seems to be working out. Though the people I'm working with are different then those I'm used to being around, they do have a wisdom and perspective I've never had the opportunity to hear before. It is fascinating. I hope to write more in a few weeks.

Love, Kevin