Coming to college from Connecticut, I imagined things about life in New Jersey would be a little different, maybe warmer weather or nicer beaches. Yet, being so used to New England made me shocked to see just how many things I didn't understand about New Jersey.
1.Taylor Ham or Pork Roll
If you are not from New Jersey this whole debacle really has no effect on your life whatsoever. In fact, you probably have no idea what I am even talking about. Moving to New Jersey from Connecticut for school I had no idea what Taylor Ham/ Pork Roll even was. Yet, I soon realized that this was a HUGE ongoing fight about what to call this little round piece of breakfast bacon. There have been bumper stickers, shirts, and even signs that you can buy to show off which side you’re on. I realized that Pork Roll lovers were usually from the South and Taylor Ham lovers remained in the North. It is something I don’t understand and have a hard time explaining because I am not a Jersey Native.
2. Not Pumping Your Own Gas
It is the weirdest thing not getting out to pump your gas. I mean I am not complaining on the cold winter days while someone does it for you. Yet, sometimes it is just habit to get out and start doing it yourself. However, you will quickly remember when the local gas station employee starts screaming at you to get back in your car. Oops!
3. DTS
Down The Shore, in case you were as lost as I was the first month of school. DTS is a very common acronym for those native of New Jersey, yet not so much for anyone outside the state borders.
4. Jug Handles
AKA the stupidest thing invented. Why can’t we just make a left and crossover like in every other state? I am not sure. But Jug Handles are quite annoying and if you miss one, have fun driving ten miles because the next one isn’t for awhile.
5. Diners every 1/2 Mile
If you love diner food, consider moving to New Jersey. There is a diner in every town, almost on every block. Why do people from New Jersey love their diners so much, who knows? But most of them do have really good food I must say I am definitely a diner fan.
6. "The Parkway"
If you’re from out of state you know this as the Garden State, and you will probably be laughed at because of it. They refer to this giant roadway system as the Parkway, yes just the parkway. In fact, sometimes when I call it the Garden State out of habit by accident people don’t know what I am referring to until I say, “No the Parkway.”
7. Wawa and Quick Chek
They are super convenience store gas stations, with really good sandwiches. Wawa should be in every state because it is just not fair they are really only in NJ, PA, and DE.
8. Bruce Springsteen
If you don’t like him leave, New Jersey natives love Bruce Springsteen and aren’t afraid to tell you off if you don’t.
