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Magical Moment 542, "Not in Kansas (or Nebraska, or Texas)"

Not many people can say they're truly "from" New York. Almost everyone here has moved from another part of the world. But over time, you pick up on things and after about 10 years, you can call yourself a true "New Yorker" (or so they say). 

Growing up in Nebraska, it was quite a culture shock when we first came here. After nearly 2 years, I've gotten used to certain things like, traffic, high prices, and rudeness. In fact, when my husband and I took our first taxi ride, our destination was on Houston Street (pronounced hows-ton). Eddie, being from Texas, kept pronouncing it like the city, Houston, TX (Hugh-ston). The cab driver got so frustrated and could not understand what we were saying. Eventually, we figured it out though and made it to the location.

Upon my best friend, Deb's visit this week (also from Nebraska), I'm reminded of just how strange it can be here.

Her first night in town, we took her to the upscale restaurant where I play piano. When she asked the waiter for water to drink, he replied "Tap, sparkling, bottled, or mineral?" The look on her face was priceless. She began to stutter and had no idea how to answer, so Eddie jumped in for her, "Tap."

The next day, she had a hair appointment at a salon in Chelsea. I played for an event there a few weeks ago, and they gave me a gift certificate for a free haircut (normally worth over $100), which I let Deb use. She had trouble hiding her shock when she walked in the front door to be greeted by a 12 foot grand piano in the entry way, and a table of complimentary pastries and mimosas. 

I think that was about the time she made a "We're not in Kansas" remark. Nope, we're in New York City.

Comments

TexWisGirl said…
:) that would indeed be a culture shock.
Busy Bee Suz said…
She will have some stories to tell when she gets back home. :)
I cam shocked that a haircut is only 10 bucks. Or did you mean $100????
Have a great day!
TexWisGirl, indeed! :)

Suz, I mean $100! (I'm a horrible proof reader).
Reena said…
I know ... we tend to get used to our surroundings and when an out of towner comes in, it is fun to see the culture shock!
MaggieGem said…
Precious story... and Deb will definitely have her own stories to tell when she gets home!
and to think, I too was born in Nebraska and now live in New York...although a bit north of the city, still our favorite playground :)-----and you know what? Everybody in NYC is from Nebraska or somewhere like it!
I don't know how you were able to make the transition from your roots in Nebraska to life in the big city, Elizabeth. I don't believe I could.
I am shocked about how they pronounce Houston, I say it like Eddie does. Large piano in hair salon, no wonder it cost so much to get your hair cut:)

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