Now that we’ve been living in Orlando for the last few weeks, there are a few observations I must make about this city and the Florida lifestyle. It is an adjustment, to be sure, but a fun one nonetheless. If you’re new to town, here’s what you might find:
- Stop lights last about 3 days. I have to shave every time the light finally turns green.
- I enjoy living close to the beach far, far more than I thought I would. Now I just need to work on my six-pack abs.
- You can’t find decent, Milwaukee-style, thin crust pizza. It’s all poor imitation New York style. Oh, Zaffiro’s how I miss you.
- It takes an act of congress, and the budget of congress, to get a Florida driver’s license and license plates. It was easier to get behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold War. I’m accepting donations.
- There is no such thing as a real Florida native. I seriously doubt the truthfulness of the one person who told me he really was. 😉
- The heat really isn’t as bad as I thought it might be. Case in point: Today it was over 100 degrees in Milwaukee…and only 89 here in Orlando. Having said that, I don’t know what they did in the days before air conditioning.
- Suburban Orlando doesn’t know how to do independent restaurants. I challenge the restauranteurs in this area to visit Milwaukee and find out how it’s done. (For just a sample, check out Centro Cafe, Water Buffalo, A.J. Bomber’s, Rumpus Room, The Knick, Crazy Water, or La Merenda).
- There’s no need for pets. Just step out your front door into a veritable zoo filled with gators, geckos, and gulls (amongst other various and sundry wildlife).
- If you miss one strip mall, there’s another just down the street. I can get my frozen yogurt fix on most any block in the immediate area, in most any strip mall in the immediate area.
- Florida people are wonderfully welcoming and casually laid back. They take in stride the rain that comes most every summer afternoon, and turns back into glorious sunshine just moments later. …And they have welcomed us with open arms.
Living within close striking distance of Disney is, for us, tasty frosting on the cake. Can’t wait to take advantage of all it has to offer. In fact, I think we’ll celebrate our anniversary by having dinner there this Friday (a return to the place where we took our honeymoon 27 years ago).
What have you observed recently about the place where you live?
Hi!
I totally agree with the restaurants comments! We have lived in St. Louis for almost 6 years now (on top of sem years) and Matt and I constantly say how much we miss Milwaukee restaurants! They sure know how to offer the food up there! On a bright note, however, the arts and entertainment (much of which is free to the public) are outstanding here…. Blessings on your new Orlando adventure! 🙂
Thanks, Karla!
The pizza comment is true. And long waits at the light. I hate the traffic!
Traffic lights?? They are like commercials in a car. You can get stuff done. Personally, I thought they were to finish getting ready for work in the morning. I use it to put on my "war paint" for the day. I can't remember the last time I put my make up on at home! I can't tell you how many men I see shaving in the morning. I often talk to God then, too. Oh, BTW, I really do miss the foods from anywhere North of Florida. Can anyone fax me some cheese curds??