2004-05-15 Karl Beisel: "Moving to Manchester – Head 'em up! Move 'em out!"

NH Visit

by Karl Beisel • 5/15/04

I've lived in the Washington, DC area for 17 years, and I'm not much of a traveler. In growing up and living in a city that lives and breathes government, I've become accustomed to its culture. So whenever I travel outside the DC metro area, I find myself refreshed at the differences in attitudes I experience.

No other place I've visited embodies the difference more than New Hampshire. My third visit to the state in a year landed me in Manchester for a long weekend in April. While there, I had the opportunity to meet several fellow Porcupines over lunch (thanks to Cal and Karen Pratt for organizing it!). It was quite rewarding to meet some of the people who I will be working with in the future, on real projects that will one day enhance the liberty for all residents of the state.

Manchester is a neat city. It's much smaller than DC (the DC metro area contains five times as many people as the entire state of New Hampshire). Yet, it still retains a distinct urban feel that I prefer. Among the many contrasts: the famous Yankee industrial ethic is quite noticeable. Houses are well kept throughout the city, and most of the buildings are dedicated to useful production, not government work. It's nice to see actual factories instead of office buildings full of useless bureaucrats. Yeah, this is new to me. I get a real sense of relief just being in New Hampshire.

The most striking thing I noticed about New Hampshire is this – the people are so darn friendly! I've always heard that New Englanders were supposed to be aloof, or even mean. That's certainly not true in New Hampshire, even in its largest city. People smile easily there, and I frequently received friendly hellos from shop clerks and pedestrians in the neighborhood. Even the attractive woman who nearly ran me over with her SUV while I attempted to cross a crosswalk flashed a friendly smile my way.

Oh, and that's the other thing. For all of us single guys, no worries – the women of New Hampshire are not only warm and friendly, they're great-looking too!

Ah, New Hampshire... what a difference.

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