Kansas is full of surprises, and so are the people who live here. Of course, we’ve developed our communities into happy, friendly places that are rich in history and full of people with plenty of quirks. These Kansas quirks probably won’t surprise you, but we’ve never been anywhere that’s quite like us. All of these put together make a Kansan, through and through.
1. Preferring to be outside when you hear tornado sirens.
Once they go off for a real tornado and not just a test, you can bet most of us are out there lookin' out for it. We just want a video, a couple photos, and then we'll head for cover if need be. Unless we're already out chasing, that is!
2. Being ready for the weather to switch seasons overnight.
I can remember a recent week where it hit 70° one day, and the next morning it snowed. Of course, that was last week and probably next week too. It happens all the time!
3. Being the only ones who can pronounce many of our towns.
It doesn't have to be a hard word to say either, because people mispronounce Wichita and Salina all the time. I think they'd pass out trying to say Schoenchen or Osawatomie.
4. Be a little more than polite to those we meet in passing.
You don't have to look crazy, but a simple smile and quick wave might just brighten someone's day. Plus, it's just polite when you see someone in passing.
5. Our willingness to help someone in need.
Need help changing a tire? We'll throw in a quick lesson on how to do it yourself next time, free of charge.
6. Saying "R-Kansas river"
As soon as it flows out of Kansas, its name changes to the normal pronunciation of Arkansas, just like the state. Of course, some Kansans will refer to the state as "R-Kansas" as well, just to poke fun.
7. Loving phrases like "ope" and "Do what?"
We embrace (and often don't notice) just how much we say "ope" when people bump into us, when you drop something, or even just accidentally. As for the "Do what?" comment, refer to the prairie dog above for the confusion Kansans feel when they use this phrase. We've adopted it in place of "Excuse me?" when we don't understand something, or we can't believe it.
8. Having entire weeks in the summer dedicated to city-wide garage sales.
This might not be true everywhere, but it seems that most everywhere in Kansas has a citywide garage sales.
9. Feeling a little claustrophobic driving through other states.
For some reason, we take comfort in being able to watch the skies and see our destination approaching on the horizon.
10. Wearing shorts to school in the cold because you know it'll be 75° by 3pm.
Alternatively, going somewhere that same evening and wearing cold weather clothes because you know as soon as the sun sets, it'll drop to 30° again.
11. Eating foods named things like "S*** on a shingle"
It's just a meat gravy on toast, but you'd think it would taste terrible with a name like that. Most of us also abbreviate it to SOS for the same reason.
12. Knowing just how important Bleeding Kansas was.
It was an important turning point in our history, essentially starting the Civil War itself.
13. Taking a photo of every gorgeous sunset.
It'll make sure you're at least getting a few minutes of fresh air each night, but the sunsets here in Kansas (sometimes even when it's storming) are spectacular.
If you still want to get out and explore this state that we’re so crazy about, why not start with these breathtaking locations?
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