- After spending 20 years in the bustling environment of New York City, I made the bold decision to relocate to Florida, just a short 15-minute drive from the magical world of Disney.
- Little did I anticipate the profound impact the humidity and heat in Orlando would have on my hair, completely altering its texture.
- Imagine my astonishment when I stumbled upon Buc-ee’s, a colossal convenience store that dwarfed anything I had ever seen in my hometown.
Almost a year after my college graduation, I decided to stop waiting for the perfect moment and gather the courage to embark on a new chapter of my life in Florida.
Having grown up in the vibrant streets of New York City, I anticipated a stark contrast in lifestyle upon moving to Florida. But I welcomed the change and the opportunity to bask in the warm weather. I intentionally chose a location in Orlando, just 10 minutes away from Disney World, as I am an avid park-goer with an annual pass.
Each day in this newfound environment brings new discoveries, some of which have taken me by surprise.
The Wonder of Buc-ee’s: An Enormous Convenience Store Experience
Jenna Clark
Whenever I stumble upon something new, my natural instinct drives me to explore. And that’s exactly what happened when I came across a Buc-ee’s on the side of the highway. This chain of stores and gas stations, originating in Texas, has expanded throughout the Southern US.
To my astonishment, Buc-ee’s defied my expectations of a typical convenience store, dwarfing the smaller, simpler establishments I was accustomed to in the Northeast. Its grandeur and unique offerings, like its own store-brand beef jerky, caught me by surprise.
Buc-ee’s became the first place I ever encountered that specialized in beef jerky. I found it fascinating to explore the wide variety available for sampling or purchase.
The Unexpected Prevalence of Lizards in Florida
While I anticipated encountering a greater abundance of wildlife after moving to Florida, it still astonished me to find my apartment complex teeming with countless tiny lizards darting across the sidewalks and occasionally even appearing on my office window.
I even had my first encounter with an armadillo while seeking shelter from Hurricane Ian in Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. The sight of this unexpected creature scurrying across the hotel’s facade left me startled.
The Humidity and Its Effect on My Hair
Jenna Clark
Although I had visited Florida frequently before making it my home, I never expected the intense sunlight to leave my hair feeling dry and lifeless. The once silky-smooth ends of my hair now exhibit a brittle texture.
The persistent humidity in Orlando also exacerbates the frizz in my hair, regardless of how often I straighten it or use anti-frizz products before venturing out to the theme parks.
The Sense of Distance in Florida
During my two decades in New York City, I grew accustomed to walking everywhere. The nearest grocery store, restaurants, bars, laundromat, nail salon, and hair salon were merely a block away from my house.
Now, I’ve come to realize that grabbing a quick coffee or bagel in the morning requires a significant journey. The nearest Publix supermarket is a 15-minute drive, and the closest Walmart is just 13 minutes away. While not extreme distances in the grand scheme, it’s a vast departure from what I’m familiar with.
Consequently, I make a conscientious effort to gather all necessary items during each outing. Forgetting an ingredient for a recipe or a tool for furniture assembly means embarking on an unplanned adventure to acquire it.
Fortunately, I’m grateful for the ability to work from home. Otherwise, commuting to and from work would be quite costly, as I rely mainly on
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