explanations.

caitlin and i, having found ourselves back in virginia after extended times abroad, came up with this notion that, since we were back in america anyway, we might as well try and do it right. growing up in the d.c. suburbs, there's a vast portion of america we do not know nor understand. the "real america" that was bandied about by politicians in the last election. what is this real america? does it exist? what is it made of? and can it explain why people insist on putting marshmallows on sweet potatoes? we're determined to find out, or to see a lot of 4-h fairs in the process.

thus, the idea of this blog. as we, joined by gracie (about to cross the border into canada) open our eyes to what america has to offer (and it is quite a lot, believe me) we'll chart our adventures and try to explain to our international compatriots some of the quirks that make america the country that is. we'll take suggestions, post testimonials from our friends around the country, answer questions from across the seas and try and come a little bit closer to explaining what americans love and why.

don't ask me about the marshmallow sweet potatoes, though. you're on your own there.