My experiences transitioning from Southern California to Northern California have created an interesting few years for me. I have learned new things, from my surroundings to my food. I have been through things thatmade me question if I was still in the same state. I can never quite put my finger on it, but I have come up with a few reasons why Nor Cal and So Cal are unique planets sharing the same state.

1. Hip, Hip, Hooray

Northern California, but specifically the Bay Area, is quite a liberal region; it is a place for all the hippies to share all their ideas on making this world a better place for future generations.

Not to say that Southern Californians aren’t also liberal, but honestly, our version of a hippie is that interesting character wearing tie dye who actually lives on the beach. I don’t think you understand; they LITERALLY live on the beach.

2. The Language Barrier

It’s not just the lifestyles that are different, it’s the language. I have one word for you… “hella.” Enough said.

So Cal has the stereotype that “dude” and “like” are used between every other word, but dude like c’mon everyone talks like that. Right?

3. Behind the wheel

Now that we can make sense of the language, can someone please make sense of these freeways to me because from my understanding they should go the direction they say they go. I have also never encountered so many tolls, bridges, and vanishing lanes. I really can’t understand why once I enter the freeway I’m now slowing down to 45 mph.

In SoCal, once you merge onto that freeway, you better haul-ass otherwise some soccer mom going 80 mph in her minivan can and will run you off the road. We get on the 5 for everything, and you best believe we’ll get there in 20 minutes or at least that’s what we’ll tell you.

4. Life is a beach

Speaking of 20 minutes, if you are in San Diego, take the five north to the eight west and that’s how long it takes you to get to practically any beach. Well, at least during the week.

Up north people say, “Oh, sure there’s beaches.” It’ll just take you 45 minutes to an hour at the least to get to one.

5. What is a season?

Northern California also doesn’t have the ideal weather for sunny days at the beach. Up here, we experience actual changes in the seasons. You are probably going to need a jacket, and that’s not just for fashion.

In SoCal, we couldn’t tell you what winter actually means except for that it is occasionally below 70 degrees and that’s freezing. Break out the UGG’s and pumpkin spice lattes people.

6. No quiero Taco Bell

In Southern California, we can definitely depend on our Mexican food to heat us right up. From carne asada fries to California burritos, we pride ourselves on our love for Mexican food.