Growing up on the east coast, I was used to certain types of people and way of life. I have been all over the east coast but never to the west coast. The west coast always amazed me, specifically California. I loved the idea of there being no snow and it always being sunny. California also seemed so interesting to me with so many big cities and places to go. Everyone told me California is different, but no one ever explained what they meant. California was put on my travel bucket list.

This year I had the chance to visit one of my friends who lives in the suburbs of LA. And it was BEAUTIFUL. It was different, I understood what everyone was talking about.

One main difference was the pace. On the east coast, everyone was fast pace and quick. There was a time to do something and a schedule for everything. My parents were always on the move, rushing around to be somewhere. But in Cali, it seemed like no one had anywhere to be. Everyone just flowed— there was no time slot for anything, but things still got done. Everything seemed like it was in slow motion. In California, they were slow paced compared to the east coast, and it was nice to slow down and take time to enjoy the little things.

Even the way people interacted and talked to each other was more relaxed. Their words were more drawn out. They took the time to have small talk and mean it. Everyone was more laid back and calmer. It was weird seeing strangers being so nice and helpful.

Another strange difference was the colors. The buildings, paintings, and clothes were bright pastel colors opposed to darker, muted colors like on the east coast. I noticed that in California houses were light greens, purple, pinks instead of brick and beige. Everything there was neon and cheerful.

California was amazing, but it was not what I expected. I did not think somewhere in the same country could be a totally different atmosphere. Different vibe.