I often find myself stuck in traffic on some of the most minuscule roads that I can think of in the city, and even after I turn onto the next street, there I am, still stuck in traffic. It's a different kind of new when you make that transition. The transition from the small town, knowing every street name, food destination and ten minute rush hour twice a day, to the big city, where there is always something new being built, you find a new restaurant every day, and you may as well plan an extra twenty minutes no matter where you are going to drive, is tougher than you may think. For those of us who have made the move, you know how it goes, and for those of you thinking about making it soon, whether it be for a job or for school, there are a few things you need to know.
1. Everything changes when it comes to driving
Going in circles to turn around. Quick traffic changes and an endless list of street names. Concrete and blacktop instead of gravel and dirt. When it comes to driving, throw everything you know out the window. Get ready to speed, people not using turn signals, highways upon highways, and more traffic lights than you have ever seen in your life. "Back roads" are no longer a place to race friends and try out your drifting skills, rather, they don't even exist. The ones that do are full of neighborhoods, and never feature our beloved chipped roads and dirt. It's all about bike lanes, double-yellow, and low speed limits.
2. Your vocabulary might be a little off
Your hometown slang words and draws will be laughed at, and words you have known your whole life might be a little different too. That's okay, though, because it goes both ways. Just remember that adding "ing" instead of "in" is okay, and still makes the words make sense. When someone asks why you call something what you do, just ask them what they call it, and laugh together. It's great. Really.
3. The "city person" stereotype you'll want to use isn't really true
Let's face it, people back home do the same things. Sure we may leave our doors unlocked and not have the fine dining that sits down the street from you now, but fancy coffee and shopping are favorites back home too. There isn't "city music" either, because even you have checked out the latest hits and whatever else it is everyone is listening to.
4. Try something new
You'll have to admit that there is a LOT more to do here than there was back home, and there is always something going on. Go to the concert down the street or go watch the big game. You may be new to these things, but they are cool. Take advantage of the fact that there are so many opportunities. Get out and explore!
5. Despite it all, home will always be home
Keep driving that old pickup-truck, worship your hometown football team, and keep up on everything still going on in town. You'll miss it at the unexpected times, and you'll be glad you're gone all the same too. Learn from the place you call home now, and maybe one day you can go back and start all over, back to take over what you left behind. So go out, venture on, pay attention, and remember that home will always be home.
