Good 'ol Albany. Isn't it funny that even though it seems like such a simple word to say SO many people struggle with it? If you're one of those people the correct pronunciation is ALL-Buh-Knee. Not Al-Buh-knee. I mean it is the capital of New York State but it's alright you don't need to know how to pronounce it. Regardless growing up around the Capital District, the 518 rather, I have experienced quite a bit. And I'm sure if you grew up in the 518 you've experienced the same. Don't just take my word for it. Read the list below and I'm sure you'll find yourself thinking of childhood memories, good or bad.
1. You have taken way too many pictures to count by the overlook at Thacher Park
But it gets prettier every time you go so really it's fine, right?
3. The Altamont Fair: the one week of the year where you will spend $15 for admission three or four nights in a row. Followed by a copious amount of greasy fried foods (fried dough is a must) to which you will enjoy EVERY bit of it even if that means licking your fingers when you're done.
4. You have always been secretly jealous that it took three feet of snow and a sheet of ice for the superintendent to call a snow day as you watch Ichabod Crane get a snow day for three inches.
5. You finally came out of your winter hibernation to enjoy the Tulip Fest come spring time.
6. Even though you know spring isn’t even a season, there is either winter, almost winter, or construction.
7. When you tell people you're from *insert small town here* and they look at you like you're speaking another language so you just say Albany hoping they know where the capital of New York is.
8. Every school was a rival of one another when it came to football or basketball season.
9. But then everyone becomes friends with other schools as soon as the season ends.
10. We are blessed with both Crossgates Mall and Colonie Center Shopping Mall not too far away for us. (And Lee Outlets is only about an hour away).
11. Altamont Orchards was always a must when it came to apple season for fresh cider, apple picking, and of course apple cider donuts.
12. You tell all your friends that don’t have a Stewart’s near them that they NEED to try Stewart’s ice cream immediately. And you are definitely offended if they don’t think it’s just as good as you think it is.
13. You know every word to the infamous but totally famous “Water Slide World” commercial and hate yourself for it.
14. You can’t even fathom how someone can put even a pinky toe into the Hudson River.
15. You've been to the Malta Drive-In's at leas once and it took your 10 minutes to decide who was going in the trunk so you didn't have to pay the additional $9.00 for them.
16. You loved Hoffman’s Playland as a child. You’re still not over the fact that it’s not there anymore. RIP.
17. Everything is HUGGGEEEE. OK Maybe not but Billy Fucillo sure thinks so. (and I guess Donald Trump thought he could steal the slogan for himself).
18. Jumpin’ Jacks is not just an exercise to you. It is also home to some delicious food and a firework show once a year.
19. You take pride in the fact that you know how to pronounce 90 percent of the surrounding towns even if you can’t spell them for the life of you. (Rensselaer I’m talking about you).
20. When you finally grow up and notice how many Long Islander's chose to go to school upstate and think they know anything about your town.
21. But at the end of the day you are proud of the place you grew up even if none of your friends from school know where it is.
