Just like other cities across the country, there are some very distinct things about living in Central New York that you will just not completely understand, if you are not from Syracuse, N.Y. And if you are from Syracuse, well this one is for you.
1. Orange is WAY more than just a color.
If you are from Syracuse, N.Y., it's pretty simple to understand this. Here we live and breathe everything orange in support of Syracuse University, whether you actually go there or not.
2. Seasons are fictional.
It is completely normal to see 70-degree weather and three feet of snow in one week. With that said:
3. You are a master of all elements.
Syracuse natives know how to deal with anything Mother Nature can throw at them. Rain, snow, hail, and even the occasional sunshine, the people of Syracuse can handle it all.
4. The only thing worse than Duke is Georgetown.
If you know what a Hoya is, you either go to Georgetown University, or you're from Syracuse. Here, if someone calls you a Hoya, it is basically the worst possible insult there is. To the people of Syracuse, Georgetown was always the original rival. And when we switched from the Big East to the ACC this rivalry never left. We just gained a new enemy that goes by the title of Duke University.
5. It's still Carousel Mall...
Yes, we know its now called Destiny USA, but to the people of Syracuse it will always be Carousel Mall.
6. ...and, you have a love hate relationship with it.
Right in our hometown we have the sixth largest mall in the country, however, if you're a Syracuse native, you still don't know how to feel about it. On one hand, this mall has almost everything you could ever possibly want under one roof. However, actually getting into the mall is a completely different story. It can be impossible to find a parking spot anywhere near the mall, and if you do, all the locals know just how hard it is to leave without going broke.
7. Home is where the Dome is.
One of the coolest things about Syracuse is the Carrier Dome. Walking into the home of the Syracuse Orange is a completely different experience within itself.
8. Summer means everyone flocking to Gannon's and Sno Top for ice cream.
One of the best things about summer in Syracuse is heading to Gannon's and Sno Top for your favorite frozen treat. These iconic Syracuse locations have some of the best ice cream, hands down.
9. You can't hear the word "huge," without thinking of this guy.
Because all you can think of is how HUGELY annoying Billy Fuccillo is. Not to mention whenever your read that word, it's probably in his voice.
10. Your winter happiness is solely based on how well the men's basketball team is doing this season.
Because let's be real, what is even the point of dealing with winter and all the snow if the Syracuse University men's basketball team doesn't live up to all of our expectations?
11. The light on Tip Hill doesn't phase you anymore.
The answer is "C" by the way.
If you are from Syracuse you know exactly what "weird stoplight" all those visitors are talking about. And if you are a true native you even know the story behind it, and can explain why people are painting a giant shamrock on the ground every St. Patrick's Day at midnight.
