You know you're NOT a tourist anymore when...

In no particular order (because I cannot decide on one!).......

* You know bus routes enough that when someone asks if I'm waiting for the same bus (#80 for example) I can tell them "No, that bus stops a block and a half down that way..." And then when they walk back bitching about the buses I can continue to argue back to her that the 80 bus is NOT going to stop at the stop I am at.

* You have the metro system nearly memorized and can travel from most anywhere to anywhere without pulling out a map anymore. AND you can tell a tourist with confidence when they ask if they are going to right direction, or where they need to go.

* You know the streets like the back of your hand. Or, you have a handy map that you continue to carry with you just in case (that happens to be only the size of your hand) but rarely need to reference it anymore.

* You know where the good ice cream places are and the quickest way to get there! You know I LOVE ice cream! Ben and Jerry's, Hershey's, Dickey's, Hagen Daaz, and so many more to choose from here!

* You have a SmarTrip card instead of paper metro cards. You ARE cool with a SmarTrip card. :)

* You recognize homeless people because they are in the same spot everyday, and after 7 or 8 weeks of walking by them everyday at least once, if not twice, you feel like you know them.

* You have officially rid yourself of saying "I'm going to buy a pop" rather than "I'm going to buy a SODA!" lol....it took me a while, but I trained myself. It's funny because people down here don't know what POP is sometimes- they just give you a blank stare.

* You can feel satisfied that you have done everything tourist related that you desire, given limitations. (i.e. you can't get some places with public transportation).

* You know some of the staff at area restaurants that you frequent often.

*Being able to go to a nighttime establishment and the bartender knows you. Not only that, but you and him have created a special drink personalized to your tastes.

* You feel like everyday is a new adventure in the same place, yet never get tired of it.