I've gone to school in New York now for a four years and I'd like to think that I have identified all the differences between New York and Connecticut. Even though they are neighbors and have a lot in common, they have a lot of differences. Here's a few things I've picked up on over the years:
1. New Yorkers love their pizza (and bagels).
Don't get me wrong, I love pizza, but before I came to New York I had no idea people took it so seriously. New Yorkers are adamant on telling you that their pizza is the best, that any other state's is terrible. They also make this argument for bagels. I can't tell you how many times I've been told that there's something in their water that makes both the pizza and the bagels taste better.
2. They are always in a rush.
This is definitely a stereotype that has proven to be true. New Yorkers and leisurely do not fall into the same sentence. They are always in a rush to go somewhere, whether it be to dinner or the grocery store.
3. There's no such thing as a grinder.
New Yorkers will look at you funny if you call a sandwich a grinder. To them it is a hoagie, a hero or a sub. Never a grinder.
4. They think if you live in Connecticut you live on or near a farm.
For some reason, Connecticut is viewed as farm country. Maybe it's the small-town vibe it gives off, but when New Yorkers think Connecticut they think way more trees and land than they are used to (even though there is plenty of this in New York).
5. Where are your package stores?
Again, another funny word that will make you get strange looks.
6. There's definitely a dialect.
Even though New York and Connecticut are neighbors, New Yorkers have a much more distinct accent than Connecticut citizens. They say "draw" for drawer and "arange" for orange and "chawcolate" for chocolate, the list goes on and on. Despite the fact that they clearly have an accent, they will tell you that you are constantly saying things the wrong way.
7. The foliage does not compare.
I've grown to love New York, don't get me wrong, but for some reason the leaves always seems a bit more vibrant in the fall in Connecticut. From town to town, the color of the leaves in the fall doesn't seem to come close to New York.
