For the last week, I've been in Yankeeland with my family.
I've hung out with my extended family in a grouping that's too complex to try and detail to anyone who doesn't already know them. Let's just say that ages range from 2.5 to over 70...and we like to book a nice early table for dinner.
This trip has included both the northern and southern branches of my family.
It's strange, because I forget how different things were to adjust to when I first started coming north many years ago.
So, as a primer, here are some of the things that I've been explaining to my southern family:
10 Tips for a Southerner Visiting the Northeast in the "Summer."
1. If you want a Southern milkshake, order a frappe.
2. People here actually eat baked beans...and they are actually served for breakfast in a few places.
3. It's June, but school is still in session.
4. The concept of "Summer" really gets rolling around July 4th.
5. Noon is the hottest part of the day. (In Texas, it's at 4 p.m.)
6. Chowder, Lobster and Revere are said without an "r" and with a short "a" at the end.
7. It's taken me nearly 20 years to get close to the right way to pronounce the towns North of Boston. I'm still iffy. Don't be surprised when people can't understand where you mean!
8. Dunkin' Donuts coffee is nearly a religion.
9. Just pretend agree with the locals when they tell you it's hot.
10. A "Water Fountain" is sometimes known as a "Bubbler."
A few more pictures, after the jump
