Culpeper: That's difficult. We had no idea as women what goes on in tribal council for the men. As far as my tribe and the new alliance, I've had more emails saying, “Why didn't you get rid of Colton?” He called me “Momica,” I had a relationship with him the first few days. He was homesick, he didn't like his tribe, and I told him he had to pull himself up by his bootstraps. So our bond, I thought would keep me safe.
TME: How miserable was it the first few days out there?
Culpepper: It was really tough. We got there and it was winter time in Samoa, the winds and rain came in. I'm from Florida, the hurricane capital of the world, where it rips your roof off and you don't have electricity. But getting rained on for three straight days was hard. You still had water to drink, but we were unable to boil rice. That takes a toll on you. And you're out there with no safety net, no family.
TME: Did that change you at all?
Culpeper: I've seen a lot of things in my life being a mother and wife and civic volunteer. I don't think anything changed me. I'm truly thankful to be part of the “Survivor” family. When I watched last night, it was hard for my kids to see disparaging things said about their mother. But I told my daughter, if anything, this makes me stronger.
TME: Who was your biggest supporter out there?
Culpepper: Christina, by far. She and I were on the bottom five of that alliance. For a couple weeks, it was Christina and I having an alliance from boiling water, being chef, all that kind of stuff. She was a pleasure to play with and a real dear.
TME: Who is the most deserving to win?
Culpepper: Obviously Colton is playing a smart game. Is he deserving to win? No. I think the women are doing great on the other side. Hopefully something will happen in the merge.
TME: If you made it to the jury, who would you vote for?
Culpepper: That's so hard. I would pick Sabrina. I would pick Kim. I would pick Chelsea. I'd pick Christina. I'd have to listen to the speeches of all four. I'm for the women. The men are a mess.
