2. It takes skill to get in and out of a car with an umbrella. It’s a lot harder than it looks to get in the car and fold up an umbrella without getting water dumped all over you. I’m still not quite sure what I’m supposed to do with the wet umbrella once inside the car.
3. The smell of smoke and the presence of strong wind does not mean, “prepare to evacuate”. The winds may blow like Santa Ana’s, but they’re 50 degrees cooler. The aromas of fireplaces are quite enjoyable now that I realize that it doesn't meant that the town is on fire.
4. Chap Stick is a necessity if you like to lick your lips. I don’t need to say anymore.
5. Drivers are more courteous here. When first in line at a stoplight, expect the driver on the opposite side of the road to make a left turn in front of you before you enter the intersection. Don’t freak out when this happens. It’s an unwritten code of politeness.
6. Sunshine and cold is better than no sunshine at all. Don’t assume that the sun will come out today. Also, don’t associate sunshine with warm weather. Even though it make look warm outside, it’s most likely to be cold. Take advantage of the sunshine because you may not see it again for several days.
7. Weather in New England is fickle. The temperature can change quite drastically from day to day or even within the same day. Never leave home without a coat. It’s a lot easier to wear layers of clothing and add and subtract throughout the day rather than become a meteorologist and try to guess what the day will be like. Remember to check the weather report every morning.
8. Leave an extra 5 minutes early to get somewhere. This allows time to warm up the car. Allow more time when having to scrape the window. I’m seriously considering having a remote starter installed.
9. Produce doesn’t last as long here. Since most of the vegetables ship from California, they don’t stay as fresh as they do when living in California, closer to the source.
10. Getting from place to place is more difficult. No one knows the name of streets. Getting directions involves creating a map in your head of landmarks. “Just up the road” is usually a lot farther than I think. People measure distance in miles here rather than time it takes ‘with’ or ‘without’ traffic. It takes a lot longer to get 5 miles on single lane country roads than it would on the freeway (without traffic).
11. Yellow traffic lights turn red after 2 seconds. When the light turns yellow, stop because you won’t have enough time to clear the intersection and will end up running a red light.
12. The ocean is to the East and South. To travel inland head west instead of east.
13. The true color of my skin is pasty white.
14. Driving at night requires high beams. Country roads do not provide ample lighting, if any. High beams make a huge difference in driving in the country. Unfortunately they can be a detriment as well when the opposite driver forgets to dim their lights to oncoming traffic.15. There are few Asians and Mexicans here. It’s sad to seldom see any Asians or Mexicans. The real tragedy though is the lack of good Mexican food here.
Bonus:
16. Even though I may have an accent, I’m not from the south. I am not a Texan just because I don’t remember how to live here and I don’t talk like a ‘wicked cool’ Yankee anymore.
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3 comments:
So interesting!! I would have never thought of some of those things. What about wearing your heavy sweaters *inside* the house?! Or how much hot chocolate you're drinking?? I would venture to bet that's increased too!
I'll save those for part 2
Interesting! Good things to know :)
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