If you're my friend here at school, it's no secret that I'm from Long Island. I'd like to apologize for the constant complaining about the so called "bagels" and the drinks they like to call "pop" here. (I can't believe people actually use the word "pop" for soda.. like what is this, Footloose?) It's just that living on Long Island cannot be compared. When you live near the greatest city in the world, have some of the best food in the nation, and have a beach at least 15 minutes away, it's not hard to complain when you leave the island. When I went to college in August, I didn't realize there were so many things that would make me miss the greatest place on earth.
The Beaches
Living 15 minutes away from the beach definitely has its perks. You can escape from the LI traffic and take a ferry to Fire Island for the day or take a trip to Jones Beach and see a concert while you're at it. No matter which direction you drive in, you're bound to end up at a beautiful Long Island beach. Some of my favorite places to eat near the water are La Casa Café, Whale's Tale and Prime. Go to any of these places and you're bound to have an Insta-worthy photo.
The Food
Let's get it straight: The bagels and pizza are better on Long Island. Nothing beats an amazing ratio of sauce to cheese on a neapolitan slice, the mountain of cream cheese that you'll inevitably take off on your bagel, or the second to none BEC on a roll. Also- if you don't get territorial about your local family owned diner, do you even live on Long Island? They're open 24/7, have the biggest menus and treat you like family.
Whether its a bagel from Town Bagel, a cold slice from Little Vincent's or a mile-high pastrami sandwich, food just tastes different off the island.
The LIRR
Ok... I know it's a stretch, but the people on the LIRR just feel like family, am I right? You're bound to run into everyone and their mother on the train, meet a drunk or even be that drunk. It's a love-hate relationship, but mostly love when you're away.
The Accent
Story time!
A couple weeks ago I was ordering food here in Buffalo and asked for sandwich and two waters. Well, I ended up with two orders of food and no waters.
As soon as you leave the island, you "apparently" talk weird. From water (wader), drawer (draw) and dog (dawg), anything you say will be ridiculed. But don't worry, they're talking weird, not you.
Long Island, I miss you.
I'm proud to rep my home wherever I go, even with my so-called annoying accent. Whenever I'm missing home, I just play a bit of Billy and it brings me back. Long Island is one of the best places to live and if you don't believe me, visit for a bit and you'll fall in love. (I promise)
