It's a tale as old as time; hot vs. cold, Coke vs. Pepsi, East vs. West. With opposing atmospheres and time zones, both coasts have a lot to offer, and I've had the pleasure of living in both. Being raised in Arizona, and moving to Florida in high school, I have spent enough time to notice slight, yet very important differences.
First thing's first: Publix
If you are fortunate enough to live in the Southeast, you have been exposed to the greatest advancement in modern technology (or grocery stores): Publix. Publix, to put it simiply, is just amazing, from the greatest bakery known to man to the infamous chicken tender sub. But unless you're accustomed to Club Pub, it remains a mystery for those who don't have a Publix. None of my friends who still live in Arizona get the hype. They don't understand the anxiety that comes when you go to a Publix that isn't your Publix, or understand why the deli line is so worth the wait. And I can tell you the only reason I stayed in Florida for college was not for the in-state tuition, but to keep Publix in my life.
The Weather
“Oh you're from the west coast? So like it's a dry heat?!" I cannot tell you the amount of times someone has told me that because I simply can't count that high. Yes, it is extremely dry and very hot. Yes, it actually reaches over 100 degrees. Old news, people. But, I will say that the there is definitely a difference in humidity. It still surprises me to see 90 percent humidity on the weather report. Have you ever choked on air? 'Cause I have.
In n' Out
Fourteen years on the west coast not only gave me my childhood, but the greatest fast food experience: In 'n' Out. A true West Coast staple, In 'n' Out provides a simple menu, keeping it simple for all you indecisive people (me included). You can also make anything “Animal Style," meaning you can put the sauce of the Gods on your french fries or Double Double and life gets just that much better. I lost a lot of things moving to the East coast that I can live without, but I'm still missing a piece of my heart, and that piece is In 'n' Out. If you ever get the chance to get a Double Double and see the double crossed Palm Trees, take that moment and hold it close.
Hurricanes
Living in a desert, yeah, I have some rainstorms but I have never seen anything like a hurricane. I have not actually experienced a real one, but numerous tropical storms have made me accustomed to watching the weather in the summers like a hawk. Every day is a different storm and a different name. You know, you think they would start coming up with more unique names for storms but, alas, we are still giving out cliche names like Sandy and Arthur. But I'll take a day off school for rain.
I have seen some beautiful and some awful days on both coasts, and have met some great and some crappy people. Either way you spin it, there are things about both the East and West that I love and hate. I wouldn't trade a second of the time I've spent on either side, and I hope everyone can experience a trip to Publix and some french fries, Animal Style.
