Summer in the Suburbs

Hello to all you city dwellers! I'm here to bring you my little tidbits about Living in the Suburbs. Sure I'm only a mad dash on the train away, but life on Long Island is still much different than in the City. But hey, at least I'm still considered "New York", unlike everyone north of Westchester. I've seen my fair share of the City, though I've never lived there. Instead, I've experienced the lifestyle that Long Islanders are just too familiar with: a day trip to shop on the Avenues, a stroll in Little Italy for those delicious gelatos and, of course, being there when the tree lights up in Rockefeller Center. Though I've loved the time I've spent in the City, I just can't leave my Island permanently. I've become too accustomed to the cheap bars and the way of life of suburbia.

On the Island, you'll never go a weekend without a party. House parties are the very essence of the Island. Every time I've come into the City, I've had to wear something extraordinary with painful heels. On top of that, I always end up spending obscene amounts of money on taxis, subways, cover charges, and, oh yes, the actual alcohol. And all for what? To have fun with my friends? Here on the Island, I spend a total of $7 and wear my laziest outfit. We play beer pong or flip cup, roast marshmallows by the fire and make smores, have amenities such as Doritos, and there is always an abundance of alcohol that didn't cost us an arm and a leg.

Last weekend was Memorial Day and it was BBQ central on Long Island. Nicely lined up houses all had smoke streaming up from the backyard and the hearty smell of chicken, burgers, and hot dogs spread throughout the air. I spent my weekend BBQ-hopping and enjoyed my fun in the sun. Why wouldn't I ever live in the City? There are no backyards there! The BBQ's, the fires in the backyards, and the pools make summer worth living on the Island. Not only do we have that, we have the beaches! Sure it's no Venice Beach, but it'll do for us Islanders. Enjoy an airshow, watch fireworks glisten in the sky, walk the boardwalk - all that is accessible on the Island.

No matter what you say, you can't peel me away from my life on the Island. The City is glamor and glitz, but maybe I'm more old fashioned and enjoy the more basic amenities of life. The Island is the best place to be during the summer, and I wouldn't change it for a thing.

- Faiza