Ok, ok, I know that my first theory doesn't really apply to New England only but it was one of our first experiences so we enjoyed laughing about it later.

Another stereotype that I had of New England is that people give elaborate directions without a lot of specifics. When we checked in to the Inn we stayed at in Portsmouth, the lady who greeted us was very serious, almost emotionless. We didn't know what to make of this stoic woman who was very helpful but it seemed to be painful for her to talk to the people staying at the Bed and Breakfast. We asked for the best way to get to a restaurant that evening and she pulled out a map and showed us how to get to the freeway at least three times and on two different maps. She then repeated the directions for where we were to get off of the freeway a few times as well. And she definitely fulfilled the stereotype that directions are given using landmarks. She described a Department of Motor Vehicles building in great detail, emphasizing a sign that we would not miss. When we did drive to the restaurant, I saw the motor vehicles building but only Shannon saw the sign which turned out to be fairly small. But, I do have to admit that her directions along with Sam's got us to the restaurant.