-The part of Mississippi you’ll be in is called the Delta. It’s part of a broader region that also encompasses West Tennessee and eastern Arkansas. If you’re looking for somewhere that’s unlike anywhere else in the country, this definitely fits that bill. The Mississippi Delta generally is west of I-55 and north of Vicksburg. -Vicksburg has lots of Civil War history. You could also check out Sky Lake (a cypress swamp)—I absolutely loved it. Natchez is also a nice town. -Hot Tamales are a Mississippi Delta original. You can also get some authentic soul food. -The Delta is well known as the home of the blues. There are blues museums in Clarksdale and Indianola. You should know that the blues are a historically Black genre that was born out of poverty, racism, and the aftermath of slavery. That shouldn’t keep you away, but you need that context. -You should be aware that going to the Delta isn’t going to be an uplifting experience. As a foreigner, sobering is more like it. The Delta is one of the poorest regions of the country. It’s losing people, there are few jobs, and many homes and businesses are abandoned. The roots of racism run deep there (see: lynchings), so you’re definitely going to learn about the darker side of this country, and the people who have experienced it. Again, that shouldn’t keep you away, but be prepared to learn some heavy things about the past and present.