It's hard not to compare the West Coast to the East Coast. Sometimes, there are big differences and sometimes there are small ones. Here are the things I questioned when I moved to the East Coast.
1. Why does everyone have the same shoes?
I get that certain pieces of clothing serve a purpose but why does everyone have the exact same pair of L.L. Bean boots? Same color, same style, same everything. What happens if you take them off and someone mistakes your pair for theirs? Label your shoes, people! Where's the variety? Talk about twinning. Maybe I'm missing out and I should get a pair.
2. Why is there an overwhelming amount of trees?
There's green everywhere! Don't get me wrong, it's absolutely beautiful. But how am I supposed to focus on my driving when there is so much to look at?
3. Why is everyone dressed so preppy?
Maybe I'm just used to being in a bathing suit and flip flops 24/7, but everyone always looks so nice and put together. I'm not complaining, though. Some people pull it off flawlessly.
4. What is Sheetz? Wawa what?
I know that there is somewhat of a competition going on between these two, but they both put 7-Eleven to shame. These top-notch gas stop convenience stores are a staple on the East Coast and I find myself wishing they would expand to California. Sorry 7-Eleven, but those slurpees only get you so far.
5. Why do I have to drive three hours to get to a beach?
It's just so far away! Yes, I am from Hermosa Beach, Calif. and I am used to walking the 10 minutes it takes to get to the beautiful beach that I call home. But, really? Three hours! That's so long! How do you east coast people do it? Not to mention that the water is freezing here. #beachdeprived.
6. Why is three layers of clothing a thing?
Oh, right, because weather is a thing here. First, you have your base layer. Then you put on a shirt and then another jacket and then you still feel cold. You also feel like a marshmallow and can't move your arms up and down more than two inches, but it's all good. The snowball fights and snowmen make up for the lack of mobility.
7. Why are there so many country music fans?
Tastes change as you jump from state to state and coast to coast, but I find myself listening to country music every time I ride in someone else's car. Rarely would country be the first choice in a car in Los Angeles. It's growing on me, though -- kinda, maybe, more or less.
8. Why is my fruit seasonal?
I know it seems like a stupid question because seasons do indeed exist, but in California I can get fruit any time during the year. I have the lovely option to just walk into the grocery store and pick out whatever fruit I want. Now, I'm on the East Coast and I'm wondering why there aren't any avocados in the cafeteria.
9. Why did I leave California?
I miss home a lot but at the end of the day, I am glad I stepped outside of my comfort zone. California will always be home but if I hadn't left, then I would regret never experiencing everything I've experienced on the East Coast. So why did I leave? Because I wanted something new.
