The Many Adventures of a Thede

Having lived in New York for quite a while now, there are many things about the city and its quirks that I've come to enjoy. Some of them are obvious, and others are things you would probably never notice if you didn't live here...

Free straws! Whenever you get a can or bottle of soda from some deli or convenience store, you are always given a straw.

Three words. Wash and Fold. These laundry stores are located all over the city, where lovely women will wash, dry, and neatly fold all your laundry just like mom used to. They'll even pick it up and deliver it to your door. It always comes back smelling downy-fresh.

Swimming in the fountains. Back in Ohio, it is a popular summer pastime among high school and college students to visit fountains in the wee morning hours, so that they will hopefully not get caught splashing through them. In New York, it is common on a hot day (like today...97!) to see kids and adults alike swimming in the many public fountains...and it's totally legal.

People who say "on line" instead of "in line." Repeten. (A) I stood on line for 36 hours to get the new iPhone, and was very disappointed when it did not work properly. (B) You need to get on line very early in the morning to get tickets to the Spice Girls Reunion Tour. Muy Bien.

Crocs. The rest of the US may think these shoes are strange looking at best, and extremely dorky at worst. Nay! say New Yorkers. They are the most comfortable shoes on the planet and every man, woman, and child here owns a pair.

No need for a designated driver. Have you been out with your friends? Have you had a few too many? Not to worry! You can catch a ride home with your friendly Metropolitan Transit Authority. Or if you have money growing out your ears, take a cab!

Italian Ice. It's yummy. It's cheap. It's cold. It comes in hundreds of fruity flavors. And you can only get it on the east coast.


Speaking of cold and yummy things, has anyone else tried a Frosty Float at Wendy's? They are SO good. Good thing I have to go out of my way to go to Wendy's, or I'd get one every day.