It was not difficult, as I am generally an amiable traveler, but setting foot in Mississippi by way of the historic Mississippi River was not expected.

I had my reservations about Southern culture and its heat. After all, these were scary times and I left New York for Vermont early fall and made my way to the river in March, so it all quickly became a blur. I had done some writing and advocacy work in mostly white spaces. My blended family enables me to practice the inclusive life I wish to share with the world. Still, things can get difficult at times.

I suppose, the plantations we were visiting did not help. The reflections that came to me were all too consuming.

I am a young Somali woman with no historical roots in the Americas other than my family’s comfortable migration to New York City 30 years ago. I have my own complex issues with America that includes a ban on my home country and fear for my American-born hijab-wearing little sisters. And here I was working on a riverboat that went up and down the lower Mississippi in 2017, visiting several plantations.

The first town in Mississippi I visited was Vicksburg. It was too small to be quaint but quiet and inviting. I fell hard for the fantastic riverfront mural. The people were kind, I enjoyed going to the coffee shops and supporting the all-local businesses there. However, there just was not a lot of activity. At least, not like Natchez.

When we arrived in Natchez, it was dawn. I was told several things about the town. Mainly, it was about them having an impressive barbecue restaurant.

The first time we were not there for long so I did not get to explore more than the fish tacos I ordered as carryout.

I did not know it then but there was a budding friendship in the works. I recall one of my most memorable times there, I walked a couple miles into town in the heat with insects that pestered but never punctured my skin. I suppose they were walking with me.

I had my scarf wrapped on my head in a top knot; true African fashion. I stopped by a local gift and antique shop and had a conversation with a fantastic woman about local history and the perplexities of human nature.

It was not the interactions that made me relax into Natchez. It was the air around the town. The sweet and well-intentioned harmony that seemed to ooze from the locals I met. It just felt comfortable. I have lived in mountain towns, rural villages and big cities. I have met people with impeccable hospitality, but Natchez was an unsuspecting, quaint and energetic community all on its own. It was simply a gem.

For me, it is one of those few places in the world that surprise and delight us simultaneously.

It has been over four months since I left Natchez to venture to southern Alaska for the summer. As my year of travel comes to an end, I pack my suitcase that still has the Jackson-JFK tag on it. I smile in awe, because even during these uncertain times, I can take solace in what I know to be true; friendships go beyond region.

Southern hospitality is not limited to thickness of your accent. Having delicious barbecue does help, though!

Sahra Ali,

Schenectady, New York