I Guess I Am Not From Here

Haver, Montana

Havre Library (open until 6 PM -- given that it is 86 degrees, I think I will stay here for a bit)

September 17, 2024

I'm not good with phonetic spelling and hence pronunciation of new words. However, I was pretty sure, in my head, that I had nailed pronouncing three towns I recently visited. Just to be sure about the third one, when I was in the Wells Fargo in Havre, Montana, I asked the cashier how to pronounce this town's name. It ain't like Havre de Grace. It's 'Hey-ver." What?

Feeling a bit unsure, I asked her if I were pronouncing "Chin-ook" correctly. Nope -- "SHIN-ock."

How about Zurich? Clearly there is only one way to pronounce it. Wrong -- "Zur-itch."

So not only do I stand out because I am the only person in this state not driving a Ford or GM vehicle and because my hands are not calloused and huge, but now I can't even pronounce the names of the towns!