Since mid-May, I have been living in Durham, North Carolina. The drive here was long, but it was so worth it for the beautiful scenery. If you drive two hours one way, you get the beach. If you drive two hours the other way, you get mountains. While the scenery is pretty and the climate is humid, I've gathered some things that North Carolinians do differently than what I was used to in Indiana. These are just some of the many concepts I've picked up on since I got here.

1. People seem to shop at Harris Teeter (which I had never heard of) more than Target

I shopped here one day, and I'll admit, it was a pretty nice experience.

2. A speed limit of 35 really means 50 to everyone else

This does not make sense to me. Where are the cops? Does everyone drive like this? I'm tired of being passed on a double yellow while doing the speed limit!

3. The sale racks in sports stores are basically all Panther merch

Soooo... Where's the Steelers gear?

4. There's a Chick-fil-A on every corner

And bless the Lord for that.

5. Even when it's 87° outside, it's still acceptable to wear boots

I can't even begin to count how many people I see every day who wear combat boots out around town.

6. Topsail Island looks like "Top-sail," but it's really pronounced "Top-sole"

Like the soles of your feet which WILL get burned if you don't wear flip-flops.

7. The closest Starbucks is not usually very close

My nearest Starbucks is almost a 15-minute drive away from my apartment.

8. Nobody drives considerately

This was something I noticed early on. I'm used to driving in Indiana. People aren't always kind drivers, but they certainly aren't as careless. So many people just pull out into intersections in front of one another and cut each other off, even when they don't have the right of way.

9. The pronunciation of "Appalachian" is very controversial

Evidently, I'M the one who is saying it wrong.

10. Most people don't take advantage of a sunny day to go swimming

But I certainly do.

11. If you don't have dark skin when you get here, it will turn dark before you leave

Alright, for real though. The majority of the people in Durham are African-American. If you're as pale as I am, at least you know you'll get a tan by the time you leave.

12. Almost every NC license plate says "First in Flight"

Are there any other kinds of North Carolina license plates?

13. Duke Health is on the sides of buildings just like IU Health in Indiana

And IU still sucks.