Let's start by saying – I'm not trying to glorify one or the other, just pointing out the facts. I've lived in New York for 18 years and South Carolina for 2 years. I've seen and lived both the north and the south. New York is essentially the place that built me, and South Carolina is now my home. Seeing both the snow and the clay I can see the clear lines that divide both regions.
First the food. The food is nothing alike. Yes, everyone from New York says the food there is the best and you'll never get anything like it. That is partially true. You'll never get even remotely close to the food there. However the food, there is Italian, pizza, and bagels. They are amazing and unique, however, the south has their portion of the unique factor and I can guarantee you'll never get close to some of their specialties. In the north, you have Italian food that would blow your mind. Seriously, try it if you haven't. Half of the owners are from Italy or have a relative from there so it is all authentic. Pizza goes the same way, don't dare try to imitate it because their won't be a comparison so you can take down that "NY Pizza" sign from your windows, because it's not. However, the south is the king of fried foods. I came down here and had fried pop tarts, REAL southern fried chicken, and fried ice cream. Just read over that last sentence and if your mouth doesn't water your an alien and I don't give you consent to finish this article. Bojangles, Chick-fil-a, Cook Out, and Steak and Shake...that is all that is needed to be said.
Second, the speed. It's insane, everyone says this and it's a bit over said but seriously I bet the southerners are still on the first paragraph. It has nothing to do with intelligence or anything like that, it's simply because up north we are born and raised to do everything and anything as fast as we can. The faster the better, get done or there before the person next to you and you succeed. Down in the south, people take their time, sometimes a little too long, and make sure things are right rather than racing only to find mistakes. This corresponds to everything, talking, driving, don't get me started on the driving, and even the time it takes for you to order your food to the time it's in front of you.
Third, the attitude. Let me tell you this, everyone up north needs to smile more. Talk to strangers, create conversation, treat everybody like they're your friend. I'm guilty of the same thing, rather I was. People in the south have this humble and easy going vibe thank make you feel welcome and that transcends your attitude. I won't go as far as to say that everyone is like this but a good portion is. Southern hospitality is real. People up north couldn't care less about their neighbor or peers. Take a second guess if you think you could smile and wave and maybe even create a random conversation with a stranger up in New York. They would think you're either crazy or trying to start a fight if you smile at them.
Finally, the weather. Yes, not having the snow is a blessing to some, but I've come to miss it. There is something about the first snow storm of the season that is just relieving. Growing up seeing the snow on the tree branches and homemade snow cones, there is a feeling that comes with it. To some, it's the hardship of having to shovel a seemingly endless driveway, but to others like me, it's a feeling only to be described as a flood of old memories of friends and family in the snow, the smell of hot chocolate when you come inside, or the sound of the snow pants rubbing together, or made the feeling when snow intrudes into the warmth of the gloves. It's simply a matter of breaking a seasonal routine that brought a plethora of sincere and nostalgic memories.
