Living in Arizona for the past two years for college has taught me so much. The most important thing it has taught me is how happy I am to call southern California home. Let me just say I am not the biggest fan of Arizona.
Sure, it has some beautiful locations but those places are usually trails and certain camping sites. You can't really live on a hiking trail. So although I am enjoying my time in good ole' Arizona I can't wait to go home for winter break.
These are five things I really miss about southern California.
1. The hustle and bustle of the city
I miss the "dirty" streets of Los Angeles. I miss the crazy drivers. I miss the art that oozes out of this city. Being in a place so large you are surrounded by the most amazing artist. Everyone is busy but it is almost comforting to have all these buzzing civilians running around. The nightlife is also amazing with something happening on every corner and their underground societies are even greater than I could put into words. No matter what your interest is this city will have something for you to indulge in.
2. The beaches
I miss being able to go to the coast and dip my feet into the ocean and feel the hot sand under my bare feet. Being able to layout in an actual beach not a creek, pool or a patch of sad grass. I miss being able to plan a day with your friends at the beach then walking around and grab lunch.
3. The weather
I live in Flagstaff, Az. Most of the time the weather is nice, the leaves change colors and it is great. Then winter comes which involves snow, wind and just a horrible consistent cold. Then you go to Phoenix where it is dry and about 300 degrees. It sucks. Southern California weather is amazing. You can be by the beach and drive to Los Angeles and the weather is completely different but in a good way. It's hot but not I just stepped into the gates of hell hot but more of the sun is kissing your skin giving you a nice tan.
4. The food
Whether it is in n out or a vegan dish. Southern California will have something for everyone's taste buds. People mock us for being obsessed with weight or looks but the reality of it is that we enjoy healthy food and are conscious of the things we are putting into our bodies. Los Angeles is the second vegan-friendliest state according to PETA and nobody disagrees with PETA.
And that's okay! That doesn't mean we are superficial or only worried about being skinny. Healthy food is actually delicious but we also have amazing authentic Mexican, Italian, Greek and almost any other type of food you can think of for all the foodies out there.
5. My family
I miss the craziness of my family and their liberal ways. I have never encountered many closed minded individuals until I came into Arizona. I miss how empowering my parents are about my career goals. I miss being able to have my siblings available to help me create projects and ideas. Honestly, they were just easier guinea pigs for all my insane ideas. I also miss my incredibly talented friends. Yes, I love my friends in Arizona more than anything but I miss those living in LA following their incredible passion. I have so many friends who have dreams that Arizona natives find silly but that's the thing Los Angeles invites the most creative people into its playground to create something out of nothing.
I am not saying Arizona is a dump. Some people love it. All I am saying is that I tried it out and it just isn't my cup of tea.
