For Fun: How You Know You've Become a Washingtonian

[Anonymous]

Zoned cab fares! they were the worst.

I cringe when I think about my 22 year old self deliberately stopping the cab to then walk alone at night for blocks just so I didn't have to pay for an extra zone!

[Anonymous]

CVS sells wine!?!? I have lived here my whole life!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:+1 The Compliment Man, Commander Salamander and zone taxi fares. Man, I went on some wild rides-- remember how they used to stop and pick up other fares?

I will add you hung out/played soft ball right in front of the White House

Also, I think you have to know how to navigate the city by bus, to be able to claim status, without using your phone.

Speaking of the Compliment Man, does anyone remember the guy who used to jog down the middle of downtown streets, while dancing/singing/shot? He was a very fit black guy, who was like 60-70 years old.

Yes! I remember him! How about: The older man who protested outside the Holy See on Mass Ave for years and years. WAPO ultimately did a story on him (he had been abused by a Priest, I believe in Poland)

Yes! I worked in Chinatown and Joyful Jogger would jog past all the time—backwards, dancing, etc. WaPo did a story on him.

[Anonymous]

Cool Disco Dan

[Anonymous]

Stand on the right, walk on the left

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You know someone who sat in the Air Florida crash traffic or who was here when it happened.

I was stranded at elementary school that day .

I remember that day clearly. I was also in elementary school and within like a day some kid on the bus told a joke that I knew was in really bad taste even though I was 7 (something about the “stewardess” asking the people on the plane if they preferred coffee, tea or ice water)

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Being "afraid of the bridge" or acting like it's an all day excursion is something I've only heard really out of touch rich people say.

Nah, lots of us are like this. We’ve been around long enough to remember when getting ice cream from the UMD dairy was an exciting excursion, and we saw tobacco farms along the way.

Can I get a shout out from anyone who remembers the boat trips to Marshall Hall?

Yass!!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You drive through SE or around Howard U. and say, I remember when DC was 70% Black.

I remember when white people lived in Anacostia

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You had me until the bridge to VA part. I've never had an issue with going to VA or MD. I feel like that's just such a weird hill to die on.

Then you’re not a true Washingtonian

Does anyone actually from DC call themselves a "Washingtonian?" That sounds like something someone from Bethesda or Arlington would say.

I think of it as an old-timer reference. My DC born and bred great-grandfather (born 1901) use the term frequently.

"Old" Washington families--at least 4 generations--are called 'Cave Dwellers.'

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you can look on your birth certificate and it says Washington, DC

Not only does my birth certificate say Washington, DC, I remember attending a birthday party near the Monument — for people who were born at Providence Hospital.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:You had me until the bridge to VA part. I've never had an issue with going to VA or MD. I feel like that's just such a weird hill to die on.

Then you’re not a true Washingtonian

Does anyone actually from DC call themselves a "Washingtonian?" That sounds like something someone from Bethesda or Arlington would say.

I think of it as an old-timer reference. My DC born and bred great-grandfather (born 1901) use the term frequently.

"Old" Washington families--at least 4 generations--are called 'Cave Dwellers.'

Just the white ones. Well, just some of the white ones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Anyone remember Avignon Freres in Adams Morgan?

Yes. My mom used to take me there for snacks when I was a kid — and tell me how they catered her wedding reception.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Really enjoyed your list, the only thing I could add is it will always be National Airport

No, it's Reagan. And I would add 11. You are in the Green Book or at least know what it is

WHICH Green Book? There were two, and they were very different.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:When you can look on your birth certificate and it says Washington, DC

This thread is strange to me. I’ve lived in the region 20 years. I’m not a native. I always identify with home state when asked. I know a few native Washingtonians (4th generation) and I understand that connection. But I don’t get how 20 yrs makes a transplant a native. Is it just if you are originally from a place without strong cultural identity it’s easier to adopt this one?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Really enjoyed your list, the only thing I could add is it will always be National Airport

No, it's Reagan. And I would add 11. You are in the Green Book or at least know what it is

WHICH Green Book? There were two, and they were very different.

I like you. And it it will always be National.