I’ve spent my first few weeks in L.A. trying to figure it all out, which is expected when moving to a new place. Trying new things, visiting new places, and driving on the freeway for the first time were experiences I will remember forever. Here is a breakdown of my experiences, thus far, and some of the major differences between small town living and jumping in head first into the city lifestyle.
Traffic
If you have never been to California, let me fill you in -- the traffic is the definition of horrendous. It makes you think of all those times you said, “I have to drive all the way to Walmart…” and it only took seven minutes to get there, and you beg for that sort of convenience, again. Compared to the four hours it took me to get 75 miles last Friday, I’d do anything to be able to drive all the way across town again. There is only so much stop-and-go a girl like me can handle, and let me tell you -- there’s a lot of it. It has taught me a lot about my patience, or rather, my lack of patience. It’s an overwhelming adjustment to go from dirt roads and two-lane highways to freeways where you travel bumper-to-bumper at 80 mph. City drivers are a breed of their own; they definitely don’t wave as they drive by. I will come back to Kansas and be so happy to see people actually using their blinkers, but I will forever wonder why they even have speed limits, here. In this kind of traffic you’re either going 20 mph over the speed limit, or lucky if you’re even going 20 mph.
People
The people are my favorite part about being here. I’m from a small town in Western Kansas -- most of the people are the same. The city’s plethora of diverse people is overwhelming and exciting when you’re used to seeing the same friendly faces every day. If you love to people watch, it’s the place to be.There is so much to see and so many different types of people with all sorts of stories to tell. Everyone has their own agenda and style, and it’s fantastic. I feel as though every single person could teach me something, and I love that.
Shopping
While this part sounds girly, I suppose, it shouldn’t. The shopping here is amazing. And I’m not just talking about clothes, but they have a separate store for everything. You’re talking to a girl where the best store she had back home was Walmart -- not even a Target. Here there are ten of everything, and the amount of outlet stores, outdoor shopping centers, and specialty stores is remarkable. I’m in little shopping heaven.
Sun
I don’t have to expand on this too much. The sunshine is amazing. The beach is amazing. The lack of 60 mph winds and all four seasons in one day -- amazing.
Opportunities
Back home, I often felt there wasn’t a lot to do. We’re talking both hobby-wise and career-wise. Of course, I’m an apparel major, so my career options in Kansas are pretty much limited to a mall -- but, still. Out here, the opportunities are endless. I can be anything I want in a place this size. I feel as if any dream I might have can be accomplished here. Not to mention, I can spend my free time doing whatever I please, whether that be scuba diving, zip-lining, or hanging out at the beach. There is something to do and the possibility of a new experience everywhere I turn. While I enjoyed all those nights driving around town, jamming out to music, and sippin’ on my Sonic drink, it’s nice to have some options.
Food
Other than the traffic, this has probably been the biggest adjustment for me. I’m used to grilling out and having a nice, probably fried, home-cooked meal from Mom. I go to a restaurant, here, and I can’t even read the menu. I mean, I can read it, but I couldn’t tell you what any of it is. It’s all fancy, foreign words that probably just mean romaine lettuce and dressing, but it sure doesn’t look like it. Can I just get a burger and fries, please?
City or small town? Both are great in their own ways. It’s a blast to have all the opportunities here, but is that four hours in a car really worth it? This type of lifestyle is either completely your thing, or your worst nightmare, and I’m excited to figure out which it is.
