Minority Report

 At some point, I'll finish my entry about my moving horror, but I decided to write a quick one about my subdivision.  

For those paying attention, I recently moved to Raleigh.  However, my house isn't in Raleigh proper, but smack dab in the middle of Research Triangle, which is the largest tech center in the US.  Everyone in the tech and medical field has massive facilities here.  For example, my subdivision is right next to the largest Cisco campus outside Silicon Valley; 15 damned buildings!  The neighborhood is typical of current construction in Raleigh, in that houses are ass on top of one another.  It's laid out in multiple price levels, but the only differences are whether it's a larger or smaller house ass on top of the next.  Land has become quite pricey here, because of how many people want to move here.  

Research Triangle definitely has a unique set of demographics in that caucasians are very much in the minority here.  I estimate that at least 85% of my closest neighbors are Indian.  Another 7% is Asian, and the remainder is either white or black.  It's the weirdest damned thing; when I drive through the neighborhood or am out walking the dog, seeing a white person is a noteworthy event.  There are a ton of families, as one might expect, and many Indian households consist of extended families, meaning at least one grandparent lives in the same house with their children and grandchildren.  The two houses to the left of me and the first on the right fit this profile.

Because of the unusual (for the US) demographics, this neighborhood has a different feel to it.  In some ways, I find it charming, such as how the elder members gather at the common area pavilion, most every night, to socialize.  The women sit at one table and the men at the other, as tradition dictates.  The vast majority of the more mature women, and many younger ones, wear traditional sarees.  Many are quite beautiful, with the kaleidoscope of bright colors.  It feels very tight knit, as a community, although I'm really not a part of it.  

As for interacting with my neighbors, people are people.  It was a bit daunting at first, because particularly the elder Indian folks have a natural resting grumpy face.  But every one I've engaged with a "good morning" or "hello" has smiled and returned my salutation.  However, those from teenage to about 60, can be a bit standoffish, particularly the men.  Many will walk past and not even acknowledge a simple hello.  Douchebag from my previous entry fell into this demographic.  Arrogant cocksucker.  Anyway, no idea what's up their asses and I'm not sure I care.

What I do care about is the scent of curry that frequently wafts out of my neighbors' homes as I walk past with my dog.  It's a wonderful aroma and never fails to make me salivate.  One of the more important items on my to do list is make friends with a family so they'll invite me to dinner.

I may be a minority here, but it's home and I'm thrilled to be here.