A West Coast Girl Reacting To The East Coast World | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

A West Coast Girl Reacting To The East Coast World

Good thing I bought a heavy winter coat.

37
A West Coast Girl Reacting To The East Coast World
Danielle Ledgerwood

“It’s going to be a culture shock,” they said.

“It’s so different than here,” they said.

“You’re gonna freeze your butt off,” they said.

Well… They were right (About all of it).

About eight months ago, I left my warm, cozy climate of San Diego, California for the foggy mountains of Lynchburg, Virginia. It has been an interesting transition. The eastern side of the country is like a completely different world. Ever since the day I stepped off the plane, I’ve been noticing new things about this place that I never would’ve seen back home.

The first easy difference to spot is the landscape. I traded palm trees and sandy beaches for pine trees and farmland. At first, I was convinced that the Pacific Ocean would always be my favorite, but every night I fall in love with Lynchburg sunsets a little bit more. The snow in wintertime is pretty and picturesque (until I have to actually go somewhere), and my new favorite pastime is driving on the windy mountain roads when the sunlight comes through the trees and hits the windshield.

The best (and worst) difference between Southern California and Virginia is the food. Living in close proximity to the coast, and to Mexico, makes San Diego the ideal spot for amazing seafood and authentic Mexican food. The first thing people say when they try either of these for the first time is that it tastes so fresh. Same goes for In-N-Out. (I miss you, In-N-Out.) San Diego is also a melting pot for a ton of different cultures, which means delicious Indian, Filipino, Vietnamese, and Japanese food is at arms’ length. Whereas in Lynchburg, it’s hard to find the qualitative equivalent.

I feel the need to bite my tongue though, because as much as I miss a lot of fruits and vegetables in my diet, there are several (unhealthy) menu items that California needs to adopt ASAP:

Sweet Tea. At first I didn’t understand it, and for that I deeply apologize. This southern staple needs to become a thing in SoCal. (Because now I’m slightly addicted.)

Mac N’ Cheese Bites. These little triangles of cheesy goodness are God’s greatest deep-fried gift to mankind. Seriously, I need to write Sheetz a personal thank you note, because I don’t know how I’ve lived this long without them in my life.

Cracker Barrel. Anything from this grandma’s-secret-recipe style restaurant is bound to blow your mind. I know, I know, it’s a national chain. But there are ZERO Cracker Barrels in San Diego. Or anywhere in Southern California. Or anywhere in the entire state. (My personal favorite thing to order is a steaming hot plate of chicken and dumplings.)

As much as I love gaining ten pounds on deep fried, smothered-in-gravy goodness, I think the thing I miss most about California is definitely the lifestyle. I miss the way that people react to life. Because as nice as southern hospitality is, I like the laid-back, “take life as it comes” attitude of Southern California. Call me a hippie, but I like that a lot of people in SoCal are really chill. (And I still prefer saying “hey guys” over “hey y’all.” But maybe that’s just me.)

Don’t get me wrong though, I love all the fun adventures and discoveries I’ve made on this side of the country, and I love Virginia. This state is beautiful. Plus I love the outdoors, so I always have something to do. I just don’t think here will ever feel like home.

San Diego will always be my first love.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

13833
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6032
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

4468
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

3932
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments