If you’ve never up and left everything behind to start over somewhere new, I recommend you do at some point in your life. It has been almost five months since I started my adventure from the land of 10,000 lakes to the land of sunshine (state, but you get it). They have been the most challenging but life changing months I've experienced so far in my life. Moving this far away from home has shown me a lot, but the most interesting would have to be the major differences between the north and the south.
Here are the top 5 differences that stand out to me:
#1. Minnesota Nice vs. Southern Hospitality
I guess when choosing places to live, Florida wasn’t the worst decision. There is something here called southern hospitality and it can’t go unnoticed. No matter where you are someone (aka complete strangers) will give you a friendly wave and ask how you’ve been. In Minnesota people will smile and help out but the charm down here is unlike anything else.
#2. Grit(s) vs. Fried Sticks of Food
Just like Minnesotans patiently (or impatiently) wait for the food lineup at the Minnesota State Fair each year, Floridian’s do this on the daily at dinner for their grit. Yes, they say grit even if it’s more than one serving. Don’t ask me why, just something I have learned. When it comes to this, Minnesota most definitely surpasses the taste(ful) factor in weird food fetishes.
#3. I’m Not A Weatherman but Damn You’re Hot
Once again, no competition here. When it comes to extremes, Minnesnowta and Florida are on complete opposite sides of the spectrum. Minnesota's winters will give you bone chilling cold, making your eyes freeze into eyecicles. Florida's summers giving no mercy when it comes to heat and sun. SPF 30+ is a staple in everyone's daily routine here, along with gallons of water to replenish the loss from humidity. However, you can't really complain because even stressful days aren't bad days by the beach.
#4. Lakes vs. Oceans
This is one of my favorite differences and it’s a tie for first place, because they really can’t top each other. If you have ever traveled or lived in Minnesota, you know the immense beauty that it entails. Growing up on the Mississippi and having more lakes than you can count to swim, kayak, or rope swing into is a huge privilege. However, moving to a city known for having the “whitest beaches in the world” is so humbling. Being able to wake up and walk to the emerald coast for sunrise, paddle board over shy little sting rays in the sound, or brace yourself in the power of the Gulf, life is nothing short of bliss.
#5. Blue Ox's to Blue Angels
If you have never been to Minnesota you'll now have to visit Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox when you do. Basically because it's a 18 ft statue of a lumberjack and an ox and so you just have to. Also because the beautiful scenery in northern Minnesota is like any other. When it comes to Florida, specifically Pensacola, the Blue Angels are a force to be reckoned with. I just experienced my first ever Blue Angel's weekend here in their home town and it was such an incredible time that I think everyone should be apart of at some point. Not only the talent and heroism that is the Blue Angel's, but the support and patriotism of everyone celebrating.
Over 1,200 miles and many months later Pensacola, Florida is now my home away from home. To all of the people that have welcomed me to feel this way, thank you. To all of those who are curious if they should ever visit either side of the map, you'd be missing out if you didn't.
