A weekend at the Festival Hill Institute in Round Top, Texas, brought home the understanding that culture is expressed in many different ways. Buildings from other parts of Texas have been replanted there or replicated. Architecturally, it could critically be called a hodge podge, but as it is nestled in Live Oaks and interplanted with many wonderful bushes and flowers, the Hill has a unified charme. The place sings with music and poetry, while herbs and wildflowers tie the disparate units together.

And the plants express themselves without fighting with each other. Tall larkspurs seem to provide a leadership role, while a rather thorny stem does not invite more than eyes. Touching could be dangerous.

The lone red poppy seems to ask for company, and   the lacy boneset invites a whole conference of insects.    

Intercultural understanding is like that. We can be disparate in our origins, but set together in the right place with the right spirit we can thrive and support each other without losing our individuality. That spirit is a peaceful attitude and mutual respect.