Imagine this: me, a native Californian, learning that there is a real grocery store called “Piggly Wiggly.” (Like why is it called Piggly Wiggly? I mean, first of all, piggly? That’s not even a word.

If anything, it sounds like a pet store. I’m so confused) It’s hard to people to understand why I would move to the South out of all places. I had never even been to the South before committing to come to college out here and to be honest there was no real reason why I chose Georgia. All I knew was I wanted to go out-of-state and this is where I ended up.

I was LA born and raised, but I’ve hated living in California for as long as I can remember. From the cost of living, to the traffic and overpopulation; the list of reasons I wanted to leave could go on forever. When college application season rolled around, I knew it was my one chance to finally move away. When August finally came, I packed my bags and went from the City of Angels to a small rural city in Georgia.

Honestly, I could not have picked two more opposite places to live. The culture shock was real and it was a drastic change. Firstly, the food situation. I knew I would be disappointed with the Mexican food out here, but I was appalled when I discovered that most people here didn’teven know what horchata or elotes were. And not to sound like a stereotypical Californian, but not having In-n-out has been pretty rough, too. Although there was a lot that people out here did not know, there was also much that I needed to learn about Southern culture. Waffle House was a place I had never even heard of before coming here and I’ve since been educated on the place that I now call a Waffle home. I’ve learned from friends that you only go after 1 am and it’s really a place you go to for average food and an above average experience. Cookout has also become one of my new favorite food places and I actually missed it when I went home for break.

There is also a noticeable difference in clothing styles. I’ve noticed that Southern style consists of Patagonia sweaters, Vineyard Vines clothing, Chacos, camo, and lots of monogrammed clothing. Being 100% honest, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anybody wear camo unironically and it’s kind of something that you wouldn’t be caught dead wearing. As for Chacos, I had never even heard of them before moving here, and I’ve learned from personal experience that if you go back home for winter break wearing them you will get made fun of for having “Jesus sandals.”

However, one thing that I may never get used to is how nice people are in the South. LA is full of rude, stuck-up people and I was overwhelmed with how nice people are here. In the South, cars will let you through while driving and restaurants will give you free meals if you forget your credit card. Those are things that would never happen back home. People say hi and actually talk to each other, even strangers! I’ve met so many amazing people while living here and it astonishes me how nice they can be.

Moving from one culture to another has been an interesting experience. Overall, I’m grateful I get to experience this other culture and I am loving living life in a completely different place. I learn new things everyday and I’m just so thankful for this adventure.