I am California born and Nebraska raised. I have many friends who are California virgins and are dying to go. Visiting California is very different to living in California, let me tell you. I have been to California many, many times, but I never realized how different it is when you actually live here. There are many great opportunities and experiences that you just can't get anywhere else. Here are a few signs when you know you're just not California raised.
1. In-N-Out
You can't write an article about California without mentioning In-N-Out. Best and cheapest fast food place. Two words: animals fries.
2. Everyone is in jeans and a heavy coat and you're in a t-shirt and shorts
It's 60 degrees out and everyone is dressed like they live in the tundra.
3. Californians are the worst drivers
Don't even get me started about them driving in rain or snow. No one even honks.
4. "Hella"
Along with "dank", "low key", "sketchy", and "dipped." It's like I moved to a foreign country.
5. There's a fire on the side of the road or field
And no one seems to be worried.
6. You get yelled at when you call California, "Cali"
"It's not 'Cali,' it's California." Then you're hit with the rolled eyes and dirty looks.
7. Chipotle rules everything
Everyone is obsessed with burritos, let alone Chipotle. Where you at Qdoba?
8. You've been asked "Why do you live there?"
You get asked all the time why someone would want to live somewhere other than California, and, honestly, I have no idea.
9. You get charged for bags
If you go to the grocery store, they charge you 25 cents for a plastic/paper bag!
10. Gas is a thousand times more expensive
You are so used to gas under two dollars, you almost have a heart attack when you see five dollars!
11. There are actually things to do
Two hours from the beach, two hours from a forest, two hours from a lake, two hours from mountains. What is this wonderful place?
12. Where is a Walmart?
No one I know here has ever stepped foot in a Walmart.
13. Trying to find your go-to fast food
Raising Cane's? Runza? Arby's? Fazoli's? I miss you.
14. SoCal and NorCal
Ohhh, Southern California and Northern California.
15. Carpool lanes and FasTrak
What.
