hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

Minnesota, so far, is a mixture of good and bad.

I was out of work for several months in California, but found work here on my third week. Gas, depending on where I get it, is anywhere from $1.00 to $1.50 cheaper than what I was getting in California. Groceries are more expensive, but not THAT much more.

We found A couple of large Asian stores where we can buy 50 lb bags of rice, sambal olek, Maxx candy and all the things we keep in the house.

The people close to us are friendly, though private. We met some local Indonesians--went over for karaoke last week.

I haven't had a panic attack since we left California and my relationship with the wife has never been better.

They have actual camera stores here! I pass right by West Photo on the way to work. I had to spend the money I was going to use to buy an 85mm 1.8 to replace all of my tires on the drive here, but when we are good again, that lens shall be mine!

The bad? Some parts of Minneapolis are worse than South Central, but we are learning what areas to avoid.
I've already seen a street fight one day and 6 units to arrest two girls the next--didn't have my camera either time.

I get strange looks from the African/ African Americans here. Some challenging, some judgmental and some just plain perplexed. My oldest daughter asks me why people look at me that way and I tell her that they are mistaking me for Vin Diesel.

And just like California, no matter how fast you are driving, it's just not fast enough.

But the good outweighs the bad for me.

cactusflower Loc: Lake Havasu, AZ

Good for you, sounds like it was a good move for you and your family. I wish you the est as you settle in there and hope life keeps getting better and better for you

Lucian Loc: From Wales, living in Ohio

Wait for your first winter. I lived there in Oakdale, east of the twin cities but still within the city limits I believe, for three winters. Only people born there say years,me veryone else measures their time there in winters. Also the summer flies are a pain and the mossies. Nice cities though, good luck there.

chase4 Loc: Punta Corona, California

Glad you got a job there and good luck with the relocation. Post some photos from there when you get a chance.

jederick Loc: Northern Utah

Glad to hear things are looking up for you. Miss your photo postings...especially those of your large and extended family and church affairs. MN is a very beautiful state and I hope you get a chance to visit all the surrounding areas.

I was born in Thief River Falls, MN near the border with ND. Several cousins, aunts and uncles are from the Two Harbors and Beaver Bay areas. The drives around Lake Superior makes for marvelous trips and photo ops.

Post some photos to remind me of what a beautiful place MN is! :thumbup:

jack schade Loc: La Pine Oregon

I'm glad to hear that things are going well. I hope that you don't have to wait too long for the 85mm lens. Good luck to you and your family.
Jack

Gifted One Loc: S. E. Idaho

Well you can say you are in New Hope and I pray that it is so.

Be careful and shoot wisely!


J. R.

Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA

Sounds like a good move for you and the family!!!
We drove thru the area last summer on I-94 headed towards Fargo, ND.
Pat

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

I was born and raised to the age of 13 in Minnesota. Of course that was many years ago and we lived in a very small town population then around 1,600 so there was no crime, no gangs, no "south central" none of that.

Congratulations on finding what you want - I hope all continues to go well for you.

GregoryD Loc: Eden Valley MN

Welcome to MN and yes there are bad areas just like most cities I have lived in. We moved up to the St. Cloud area last year as I retired and bought a hobby farm. My wife and I both grew up in the country setting, she on a farm and me a mile out of town. We had lived in Maplewood and St. Paul for over 30 years. I hope you get settled in and find some of the great areas of the Twin Cities to explore and take some great pictures. Also check out National Camera Stores where I did a lot of my equipment purchasing. Craigslist is another option where I shopped and sold a lot of items. If and when you are ready to buy your 85 mm I do have one I would sell as I bought a 85 f1.4 now. Again welcome and enjoy the months to come. With the rain today it will be a bad day for the MN Zoo but National Camera has bring your sd cards and shoot different cameras and lenses from 9:00 till 4:00 today.

Jim_In_Plymouth Loc: Plymouth MN

Welcome to Minnesota. We chose it 40+ years ago and are still here. We came from southern Wisconsin. So the change was not nearly the one you mad.

jimmya Loc: Phoenix

Hi Gregory. My uncle and his family lived in St. Cloud for many years a long time ago. He called it a small, friendly town and he really enjoyed it as it sounds like you are.

I spent a good part of my misspent youth in Princeton about 30-miles east of you.

Kuzano

Rent and watch Fargo three times....just you and spouse.

nikon_jon Loc: Northeast Arkansas

Enjoy your winters there. I moved from central Illinois to northeast Arkansas in 1982. I haven't seen a 'real' winter since I have been here. We came close this past winter, but as they say, "close, but no cigar".

When I tell the locals that I miss winter like we had in IL, they look at me like I am crazy. I find that southerners seem to have an inordinate fear of cold weather. What a shame.

Fargo is a pretty good movie, but don't let it shape your attitude toward your new home.

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

I've never experience a 'real' winter. It got pretty cold in the high desert--10 degrees on some nights.
Half of the folks here just welcome us and the other half try to scare us off.
Personally, I think there is some secret, wonderful thing here that they don't want us to be a part of....lol. Sooner or later, someone will offer to put some jaspers in my food and then we'll be part of the group.

I've wanted to watch Fargo for years--but never got around to it.

Thanks to everyone for your comments. And to the few who sent me PM's, I'll reply shortly--just kind of caught up with an annoying situation right now.