People from San Diego love SoCal. People from the Bay love NorCal. That's a given and will never change. However, after a mere two months here at Berkeley, the Bay has managed to steal a little piece of my heart. Throughout the adjustment period, I have found little things about each area that make it unique, and I have come to appreciate these polar opposites of California.
Food
It has been a difficult eight weeks since saying adieu to my beloved California burrito. For those of you NorCal people, it is a burrito with carne asada, french fries, cheese, sour cream and, if you're lucky -- guacamole. Up in the Bay, I have found they do something a little different -- the Sushiritto. This burrito sized roll of sushi packs in all the delicious flavor of sushi while managing to fill your stomach, without paying $40. Although I refuse to eat Mexican food anywhere but home, the Sushiritto will have to suffice. I'd also like to give some honorable mentions to Artichoke Basille's giant pizza slices for those last night drunchies, Rainbow Cafe's two for $3.50 boba deal, and Top Dog's various Chicago-style hot dogs. Who doesn't love good food?
Lingo
To this day, I still don't think I will ever be able to take, "hella," seriously. I come from the land of saying "like" every two or three words and an excess amount of, "dude," or, "let's sesh these barrels, brah." Okay, so the surfer talk is a little exaggerated, but you know what I mean. I thought it would be a lot worse, but I actually only hear the word, "hella," used maybe three to four times a week. Ask me again in a couple years and maybe I'll even be saying, "I hella love the Bay!"
WeatherÂ
This is both a blessing and a burden. Coming from an average 75 degrees and sunny San Diego, I came in with no complaints. I was preparing to take on fierce thunderstorms, rainy weather, and high winds, like I was told. What I didn't expect was coming up here and being able to enjoy a sunny day on Memorial Glade, or a nice breeze to cool me off after an evening jog. Mark my words, I know this won't last long once winter hits, but it was a nice surprise that helped me adjust after transitioning from daily paradise. However, I still have not mastered the art of layering, but hopefully I will by the time the weather starts oscillating more frequently.Â
AmbianceÂ
From the calm, relaxed and laid back vibes of a small beach town, to the hustle and bustle of a major city, it has been quite a change. I love the beach, but as I see it, it is something to miss and come home to! It has made me develop so much more appreciation for how and where I was raised. Here, I've already taken over three trips into the city and am ready to head back again this weekend for the Cotopaxi Questival 24-Hour Race! This new and exciting environment has lots to offer and much to explore, and I have fallen in love with the liberal and interesting characteristics of all the people around me.
Overall, I'd have to argue that, although SoCal is absolute bliss, NorCal has put its best foot forward and shown me that it has equally as much to offer. Here's to the next four years!Â