Just got back from my trip to California. It was my first time there and for a New York City girl like myself, I couldn’t have been more out of my element. Aside from the obvious differences – like the lack of black clothing, the warm weather, and an overabundance of happy people- the societal and cultural norms are enough to drive a New Yorker crazy. Wherever we went we were warned to not jaywalk, which is unheard of in New York; we’d never wait for the walk signal to cross the street. And we don’t always cross at the crosswalk; the middle of the street is just fine enough for us to dart in front of a speeding taxi.

We do what we want, when we want and we are outspoken about it. That’s what I love about being a New Yorker- we have no filter, we always say what’s on our mind. Unlike Californians, New Yorkers are used to a fast-paced way of living. We hop off crowded subways onto jam-packed sidewalks while talking on our iPhone’s, e-mailing on our Blackberry’s and telling tourists how to get to Times Square.

I think I could definitely live in California for a while though. The beaches are amazing, the sidewalks are clean (for the most part), the people are friendly, and the atmosphere is laid-back, something I’m not used to here. Plus, In-N-Out itself is enough for me to stay for years.