If you didn't see it on WMUR or ABC, you missed out. On the morning of October 5, there was a moose taking a Sunday stroll through the west side of Manchester. This moose was doing its thing, casually running and jumping over cars. When I first saw this video, I thought it was absolutely hilarious. Although it was a bit weird seeing a moose running down a street on which I frequently drive, it was definitely not surprising, but when I showed people from out of state, they were shocked. So I guess there are just some things that only we New Hampshirites will ever truly understand.
1. You're not surprised to see a moose in the largest city in the state.
Even though Manchester is the biggest city, you still see random wildlife downtown, in the North End, on the west side, everywhere. And while it's cool, it's not that big of a deal.
2. Your idea of "the city" only has about 110,000 people.
Manchester, Manchvegas, the Queen City, whatever you want to call it. It might not be much, but it's all we got.
3. You've had to tell people you're from Boston.
If you're introducing yourself to someone not from the east coast, you usually have to state your hometown in relation to Boston.
4. When people ask you "Where in New Hampshire?" they usually have no clue what they're talking about.
Whenever I get asked this, it is usually followed up with a "My family has a house on Winnipesaukee," or "My cousin went to UNH." Nope, not from either of those areas, but thanks for trying.
5. You can spell Winnipesaukee.
But you still may have to look up the correct spelling of Massachusetts.
6. You've told people your town has a liquor store on the side of the highway.
We all take pride in this fact. Out of staters come to New Hampshire to buy liquor without tax, so why not make it more convenient for everyone?
7. You can't comprehend sales tax.
What even is "sales tax?" Or "state income tax?"
8. Laws are a bit different here.
There is no mandatory seatbelt law if you're above 18, and you can't sell the clothes off your back to pay a gambling debt.
9. People think you're from the middle of nowhere.
Being a student in the middle of upstate New York has made me realize that New Hampshire is NOT in the middle of nowhere. You're a couple of hours from Boston, a day's drive to New York City, and you have the mountains and lakes in your backyard.
10. The White Mountains have some of the best scenery, hiking and skiing.
11. This is more than just a mountain.
THE Old Man of the Mountain. You know exactly where you were when he fell. Rest easy, big guy.
12. It is not acceptable to compare us to Vermont.
Nope. Never. Don't even try. Vermont is just a New Hampshire wannabe. Although sometimes it has better skiing.
13. Dunkin's > Starbucks.
Do the math. There's no comparison. Plus, when there's a Dunkin's on every corner, it's kind of hard not to love.
14. Massholes are the worst drivers.
They even accept this.
15. You were born a New England sports fan.
Boston teams are the only teams within 300 miles, so unless you have familial connections elsewhere, you're probably a Bruins, Celtics, Red Sox, and Pats fan until the day you die.
16. "Wicked" does not mean evil.
Wicked means really. "That Masshole was driving wicked fast." "Tom Brady is wicked awesome."
17. We have the best geotags.
Find me another SnapChat geotag with a set of antlers.
18. Nothing will beat fall in New Hampshire.
19. You can never really leave.
You may move away from the 603, but a part of you is always there. New Hampshire will always have a part of your heart.
Live free or die, my friends.
