Learning About The South

I’m a native New Yorker, born and raised in the Bronx, NY. When I moved to Florida there were many things to get used to, many things that were very different than from “up north”.

I remember when I first saw a drive through at a McDonald’s, then one at a bank. The best was a store, yes it was a little store with gas pumps out front. You had to get out to pay for your gas, but you could drive around the store and buy milk, soda, tampons and peanut butter.

Turn right on red. I would get confused sometimes. I’d see a vehicle with a truck rack making that right turn. I thought the light had turned red for me too. A couple of times I went through a red light. Don’t tell anyone.

People being nice to me. I’d buy something at the store. The cashier would smile and say thank you. It looked like she meant it. I believe it now. People here are nice. That is until they find out that you’re from “up north”.

Y’all. When I first heard it I thought it was a joke, like someone acting overly southern. Now I say it. I also say “up the road a bit”. No more, woulda, ain’t, da Bronx for me. I’ve lost my NY accent. That is until I’m around my family for a while.

Sweet tea. It’s one of my all time favorite drinks now. Before moving here I only knew about hot tea in a cup with a saucer. And Long Island Iced Teas. Don’t get me started on that….