First Impressions

We have now lived in Hoboken for over 48 hours, and I have noticed a couple things right off the bat.

1.) It is very, very quiet here. Living in midtown Manhattan for the last 2.5 years, we became accustomed to the noise. Our TV volume was always on rather high (and during the summer with the windows open, if an ambulance drove past, we just paused the TV because there was no way to hear it). When talking to my family on the phone, they often could hear the street noise (again, usually sirens), even through the closed windows. We got used to falling asleep to the sounds of traffic, city buses, horns honking, wailing sirens, and even people yelling in the street. Not only that, we could see the lights of Times Square flashing in our bedroom at night.

But here, it is silent. Eric and I have both been amazed that when we lay down at night to sleep, it is quiet. There is an occasional passing car, sure. But for the most part, no noise. No yelling, no sirens, no honking, not even any flashing lights. It's somewhat unnerving, to be honest. Do they make those sleep sound machines with traffic noise?

2.) One sound that we do get is bells/hourly chimes from a nearby church. I love that.

3.) People in Hoboken are really friendly. I know New Yorkers have a reputation of being rude and unfriendly, but I never really noticed that or was bothered by it. But just in our two days here, we have encountered more friendly people than ever. Everyone says hello, asks how you're doing, etc. We ordered pizza Wednesday night and our delivery guy was so, so friendly. I would bet money that he said more words to me than all of our 2.5 years-worth of Manhattan delivery guys combined.

4.) Hoboken girls wear an awful lot of cute boots. Eric got home late from work last night and Achilles and I walked with him to pick up dinner, and as I stood outside with the dog while Eric got his food, it was like I was watching a boot fashion show walk by. Now I want to buy a million more pairs of boots. Yay, boots!

5.) Our McDonald's has a dollar menu! No such thing in NYC. They did have a "value menu," but it was thoroughly unimpressive. Now we can get double cheeseburgers for $1 again! Not that we will, because we're in Five-Boro Bike Ride Training Mode starting Monday, but at least we have the option.

So those are the things I have learned about Hoboken so far, and really, I've spent the vast majority of my time in our apartment getting things set up. I'm looking forward to taking some time this weekend to get out and about around town, maybe hit up the Target, eat some Grimaldi's pizza, do some exploring and check things out. Time to get to know this place!

Have a nice weekend, everyone!