Boston is definitely known to be a college town, with students from all over the country and from every corner of the world, you can say this wonderful city is a melting pot of sorts. After spending a year in the city, we have noticed some strong differences between our respective hometowns of Long Island and Milwaukee. From the way we talk to our go- to foods, adjusting to Boston has been quite the adventure…
Cawfee, Waaaaawder, Tawk. These are def some staples in my vocabulary. I never noticed how strawng my accent was until I started school in Boston. The first couple of weeks of school, it was rare to go a whole conversation without my friends making fun of the notorious Long Island “aw.” They would ask me for a cup of “waaaawder” in the dining halls, how I preferred my “cawwwwwfee” or if I liked to play “Maaaaairio Kart." While all you Bostonians are “pahking tha cah,” Imma be representing Strawng Island.
I’m from Mwaukee, Sconsin, and yes that is how you say it. Since leaving the Midwest, I was quickly made aware that no one knows where Wisconsin is and our hard ‘A’ accent is not commonly heard back east. While I do my best to fight off my terrible Sconnie talk, every now and then it sneaks in while referring to a bayg, hamm-ock, bubbler, etc. In my attempt to blend in with the Boston crowd, I botched wicked the first time I used it, so imma stick to my roots.
In the winters, it can get pretty chilly back home (but not as bad as good ole Boston). Coming from Long Island, I was totally unprepared with regards to footwear. My comfy, soft chestnut UGGs didn’t exactly cut it. At home, my UGGs were basically an essential. During the cold months, you could pair these bad boys with your solo leggings, PINK yoga pants or even your velour Juicy track suits. However, the brutal bean-town winter has introduced me to the “snow boot.” Last December, I succumbed to the winter conditions, purchased a pair of Sorrell boots and tossed one of my most prized possessions. RIP UGGS, you will be missed.
Packing up for school last year, I brought all my essentials, including my beloved Chacos. These guys were a staple in high school, with friends comparing chaco tan lines on the daily and the hallways flooded with them, we probably could have been sponsored by the company. Little old Mequon, Wisconsin was booming with the sandals, so I figured big Bean Town was on this bandwagon - wrong. I walked onto campus alone in my Chaco life, but I promise if you join me you’ll never go back.
If you’ve been to Long Island, you know how much we love our Froyo and Italian ices. Nothing beats a Froyo run or the first Ralph’s of the summer (GRAHAM CRACKER & BLUE HAWAIIN FTW). Last semester, I would get an occasional waffle cone from J.P. Licks, or even a hefty ice cream sandwich from Frozen Hoagies (may have stolen my heart, but I will never admit it). However, nothing can compare to Yogurt & Such or 16 Handles. On a side note, what are “jimmies”? Those little chocolate toppings are called sprinkles - get it right!
No disrespect J.P. Licks, but you just don’t cut it. Dairy Land is full of a magical substance known as custard, which can’t be found on this coast. Ice cream and Froyo can be substitutes on occasion, but nothing compares to the creamy goodness that lies within every scoop of Kopp’s/Culver’s/Gilles Custard. My intake of custard has increased exponentially every school break and I do admit to my addiction. 10/10 would recommend visiting Wisconsin if only for the custard.
Friend: “Zoe, have you ever been to Cape Cod?”
Me: “No, but I ate the chips, does that count?”
Yes, Long Island is an island (duh) so that means we have beaches. My childhood summers were filled with endless beach days and sandy cheeks (not on your face). I am fortunate enough to live less than 30 minutes from the beautiful shorelines of the island. I never realized how spoiled I am to have the luxury of beach access. Living on the island though, it is easy to take that for granted. Every summer, my friends and I would pile into a car, pop open the sun roof and make our way down to the sandy shores. Whether we went to Jones Beach, Robert Moses or Pt. Lookout we had to catch those rays; and if you didn’t gram your Marvel, did it even happen?
What is this water you swim in? I have been in oceans before, but last year I was taken aback by the saltiness and longingly missed my freshwater Lake Michigan. Milwaukee’s entire east side is a lake and I simply forgot that not all bodies of water are normal-tasting. Between the virtual oceans that are the Great Lakes and the frequent trips "up north" (another Wisconsin thing) to friends’ lakehouses, this whole ocean thing is not my thing. You do you Boston, but I’ll continue to adventure around the safety of freshwater.
As obnoxious as it sounds, we have the BEST bagels and pizza EVER. Magmuffs doesn’t even compare to a warm Bagel Boss bagel with cream cheese. Now don’t even get me started on the pizza. My all time favorite buffalo chicken slice can only be found on Long Island. I know you can travel to the North End and find some good Italian food, but my mother’s chicken cutlets and eggplant parm will be the only Italian cuisine to excite this palate. And here’s a PSA: Don’t even bother ordering pizza days; it will only fuel unwanted gas and regret.
My Wisconsin-pride is sky high and I frequently negate most stereotypes, but one is true, our love of cheese. We are known as "Cheese Heads" for a reason. From the ever classic Mars Cheese Castle to fried cheese everything and anything at State Fair, we live for cheese. Of course we munch on normal foods as well, but within every true Wisconsinite is a cheese lover. Boston you better step up your dairy game.
One thing that needed some getting used to was how people drive in Massachusetts. This may not hold true for driving in the city of Boston, but is definitely apparent in Davis Square and Somerville. People here ACTUALLY stop for pedestrians. You can be half way across the street and a driver will stop and wait for you to cross. Unbelievable. Back home, you would rarely run across the street unless the coast is clear. New York City is even worse. Cab drivers and bustling commuters will run you over and honk until you move out da way. So, thank you Boston for your polite ways and extreme patience on the road.
Growing up in the Midwest was definitely an experience, but one thing I didn’t realize was how much more friendly our people are. If you are from the East Coast you might be overwhelmed by the frequent smiles and common courtesies from strangers, but these daily encounters are expected and welcomed. Moving to Boston, I continued with my customs, but Boston is a cold place in comparison, so adjustment was necessary.
Despite our ranting, we truly have grown to love everything Boston has to offer. From the freezing cold blizzards to the decadent cannolis from Mike's Pastry, we are proud to call Boston our new home.
