If you’re anything like me and hated overnight camping trips as a kid, then going to college is the first time you’re away from home for an extended amount of time. You meet a lot of new people, make some awesome memories, and form lifelong bonds with people you never would’ve met otherwise. But there’s something weird going away for school in a different state, where nobody understands the importance of a Philly Cheesesteak that’s actually from Philly. Here are some factors that added to my intense culture shock when I moved seven away from the city and to a town in Vermont:
1. It’s WATER ICE, not ITALIAN ICE. Yes, it might sound redundant, but it’s right.
2. Wawa is the #1 go-to place if you need coffee, a hoagie, mac n cheese, or even a single banana. Cumbies just isn’t the same, and neither is Sheetz.
3. Which brings me to my next point: it’s called a hoagie, not a sub. Are you eating a submarine? Didn’t think so.
4. If you’re not around the Philadelphia area, do not eat a Philly Cheesesteak. It’s a lame excuse for a sandwich unless you’re standing in the city ordering in front of an angry Philadelphian who will send you to the back of the line unless you spit out your order.
5. Philly sports fans are absolute assholes, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. While sometimes watching our own games are painful to watch, we have mastered the art of shit talking other teams. It’s a talent.
6. Diners are a rarity anywhere else. Back at home. In New Jersey, you can’t drive ten minutes in any direction without stumbling upon a diner, and that’s just the way I like it.
Photo Sources:
Photo 1: https://theringer.com/villanova-2016-ncaa-title-shot-kris-jenkins-jay-wright-49f028eb011f
Photo 2: https://ifunny.co/tags/wawa
Photo 3: http://www.shellyinreallife.com/2013/01/philly-cheesesteak-in-philly-pats-vs-genos.html
Photo 4: http://imgur.com/gallery/VBOswAz
Photo 5: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/282530576595354600/