I’m so thankful that I had the opportunity to go to California for the first time a couple of weeks ago. I went to San Diego to visit one of my best friends. I’m so glad I got to experience the Golden State with amazing people and even met some new people while I was there.
San Diego is a very beautiful place. The vibe is very different from NYC. I’ve heard about how chill Cali is for years, and now, I can say that I’ve experienced that. This incredible city in SoCal was even better than I thought it would be. I’m a sucker for palm trees and beautiful weather, so that was a given. But that along with the beautiful ocean, beaches, genuine people, food, and art really touched me. I got to experience a completely different culture than the one in the place that I’ve spent most of my time for the past 4 years. It was so refreshing to be in a new place that was similar to my suburban Maryland hometown with a West Coast twist.
I’ve been over the New York weather and busyness for a while, so it was nice to get a break from it. Not many aggressive walkers; beautiful, consistent weather; and complete strangers saying hello… it was wonderful. Someone randomly stopped my friend to tell her that her shirt was dope. Another person, who may or may not have been under the influence, told my friends and me to have a wonderful Easter. Everyone I’ve come across in NYC hasn’t been rude, but it’s really weird for people to be nice or say hi. When people randomly smile at me on the subway, I awkwardly smile back because it’s not typical of a New Yorker to do that, based on my experience here. It’s weird when random people say hello and start interesting conversations with me.
Also, when I got picked up from San Diego International, I got to hear “The Recipe” by Kendrick Lamar and Dr. Dre. I think it sounds just like the California vibe. It was definitely a different experience than hearing it on the West Coast. Just like when I listened to Jay Z in NYC for the first time.
Stay tuned for my California adventure series: That’s SoCal.
– Kelci Reedy
Foodish Ways 