15 Things People From Arizona Always Have To Explain To Out Of Towners
By Monica Spencer|Published December 24, 2016
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Monica Spencer
Author
Monica is a Diné (Navajo) freelance writer and photographer based in the Southwest. Born in Gallup and raised in Phoenix, she is Tódich'ii'nii (Bitter Water People) and Tsi'naajinii (Black Streak Wood People). Monica is a staff writer for Only In Your State, photo editor for The Mesa Legend, and previously a staff writer for The Navajo Post. You can reach her at monica.d.spencer@gmail.com.
It never fails. Upon learning that I live in Arizona, whoever I’m conversing with always seems to ask some question that simultaneously makes me laugh and do a quick facepalm. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about. Questions that are kind of silly, curious, and even just woefully ignorant. Here are a few that Arizonans often have to explain most frequently.
1. Since it’s winter, let’s start with this doozy: Arizona absolutely does have four seasons!
It doesn’t take long for every bit of metal or plastic to burn your skin and the interior heat will rise to unfathomable temperatures. I mean, you could bake cookies in your car while you’re in the office.
6. It’s highly unlikely that a scorpion will kill you but that sting will hurt!
It's not uncommon to hear about coyotes, javelinas, ringtails, and other wild animals hang out in the city. Keep an eye on your pets though because our predators won't think twice about stealing your precious Puddin for a snack.
I feel I have to say this because it seems like someone has to get rescued from that mountain at least once per month. Don't do it in the summer if you're not accustomed to the heat (meaning, if this is your first summer, then don't attempt to hike it) and not one moment is going to be leisurely.
It’s not uncommon to hear people bemoan or just wonder out loud about what there is to do in Arizona. Plenty! Camp, hike, relax, go for long drives, visit our museums, attend festivals, check out our incredible restaurants or growing night life, the list goes on and on and on.
Are there any other misconceptions that you find out of towners often have of Arizona? How do you go about correcting them?
Speaking of explaining things to out of towners, you might also find yourself correcting the pronunciation of certain Arizona words. We detailed a few common ones in 10 Words New Comers To Arizona Almost Always Say Wrong.
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