1) There are few if any turn lanes.
- This means that if you come to a lighted intersection and need to make a left turn, everyone in the left lane is going to hate you. Imagine you are cruising at 45mph and you have nothing but green lights ahead of you. Traffic is heavy, but moving. You are in the left lane. BRAKE LIGHTS! Everyone stops in your lane despite the healthy flow in the other three lanes traveling your direction.
Now imagine you are the driver desiring to turn left, but cannot as the oncoming traffic is too heavy. You are on somewhat of a major highway. They cars are mounting behind you. Your brow begins to sweat... You get the picture.
2) The lanes are ridiculously narrow.
- Today the car in front of me was stopped (making a left turn) when an oncoming car, I kid you not, knocked the cigarette out of the man's hand. The car before me was not "in" the other lane; the lane he was in, just happened to be exactly wide enough for his compact car. (The man whose hand was struck appeared to be fine, but no one can know for sure)
3) The neighborhoods are beyond stereotypical.
Q: What area of town do you think "The Hill" might be?
A: It is the most Italian neighborhood you ever saw.
And what are their street signs all laden with? Italian flags with the words "The Hill" printed in the middle!
(great food, btw)
What's "The Grove" like?
It is the gay district. With their flamboyant lighted signs, and the name that reminds you of the place FRUIT grows.
What the heck is that?!
(sidenote: why are typically homosexual areas called "districts" and Italian areas called "neighborhoods"? just wondering)
(I'm sure the drinks are cheap and if I could handle the Castro, I'm sure I could have a good time)
These are just two examples; and I'm by no means saying we have to be super politically correct, but this place is insanely prejudiced and NOBODY notices.
4) Schlafly Beer is insanely good. Micro-brews... everybody loves them, but I mean it y'all, this brewery makes some very tasty beers. They just released their pumpkin ale and it's the best i've ever had; can't wait to see what they do with Oktoberfest. Sadly, it's not sold in Florida, so... hopefully I'll be able to bring some next time I am coming down and hopefully you will all become benefactors of Rob's Graduate Education ... beer and coffee and book fund (no particular order).
5) Jazz is very good AND there is a radio station completely devoted to it. Southern Illinois University puts out 88.7 WSIE. You think you want to change the station at first because it seems like its just going to be elevator music. But then, you are suddenly at your destination and in a more relaxed mood then when you set out on your journey. I'm telling you people, jazz is good.
... More to come...
(I've been informed that "The Grove" might also be named for Tower Grove Park, but still...)
- This means that if you come to a lighted intersection and need to make a left turn, everyone in the left lane is going to hate you. Imagine you are cruising at 45mph and you have nothing but green lights ahead of you. Traffic is heavy, but moving. You are in the left lane. BRAKE LIGHTS! Everyone stops in your lane despite the healthy flow in the other three lanes traveling your direction.
Now imagine you are the driver desiring to turn left, but cannot as the oncoming traffic is too heavy. You are on somewhat of a major highway. They cars are mounting behind you. Your brow begins to sweat... You get the picture.
2) The lanes are ridiculously narrow.
- Today the car in front of me was stopped (making a left turn) when an oncoming car, I kid you not, knocked the cigarette out of the man's hand. The car before me was not "in" the other lane; the lane he was in, just happened to be exactly wide enough for his compact car. (The man whose hand was struck appeared to be fine, but no one can know for sure)
3) The neighborhoods are beyond stereotypical.
Q: What area of town do you think "The Hill" might be?
A: It is the most Italian neighborhood you ever saw.
And what are their street signs all laden with? Italian flags with the words "The Hill" printed in the middle!
(great food, btw)
What's "The Grove" like?
It is the gay district. With their flamboyant lighted signs, and the name that reminds you of the place FRUIT grows.
What the heck is that?!
(sidenote: why are typically homosexual areas called "districts" and Italian areas called "neighborhoods"? just wondering)
(I'm sure the drinks are cheap and if I could handle the Castro, I'm sure I could have a good time)
These are just two examples; and I'm by no means saying we have to be super politically correct, but this place is insanely prejudiced and NOBODY notices.
4) Schlafly Beer is insanely good. Micro-brews... everybody loves them, but I mean it y'all, this brewery makes some very tasty beers. They just released their pumpkin ale and it's the best i've ever had; can't wait to see what they do with Oktoberfest. Sadly, it's not sold in Florida, so... hopefully I'll be able to bring some next time I am coming down and hopefully you will all become benefactors of Rob's Graduate Education ... beer and coffee and book fund (no particular order).
5) Jazz is very good AND there is a radio station completely devoted to it. Southern Illinois University puts out 88.7 WSIE. You think you want to change the station at first because it seems like its just going to be elevator music. But then, you are suddenly at your destination and in a more relaxed mood then when you set out on your journey. I'm telling you people, jazz is good.
... More to come...
(I've been informed that "The Grove" might also be named for Tower Grove Park, but still...)
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