The new director for the city of Des Moines Civil and Human Rights Department and his bride have had some culture shock since their move here in October.

Joshua Barr’s wife, Lorena, is from Colombia, South America, and our state’s winter weather was a rather rude welcome, said Barr, who wasn’t totally convinced his wife wasn’t going to hop on a southbound plane.

Barr had his own adjustments. The born-and-bred South Carolinian is a vegan and was looking forward to leaving the “deep-fried” South tradition of cooking vegetables. But perhaps winter wasn’t the best time to experience Iowa’s agricultural bounty.

Barr’s favorite thing about Greater Des Moines?  All the natural and whole-food grocery stores here.