Are Californians just nicer people?

Every time I’ve visited my relatives in California, I leave planning to figure out my life so I can move here. I considered going to college out here too, but somehow my plan has never happened. Now, although I can easily be re-swept away by “the feeling” (as my mom and I call it when you step out of the airport into a place that’s warm and has palm trees), I can say I’m probably not moving here anytime soon.

It’s a shame, because the people here are so darn nice and happy. I can see why—I mean, look at the view from my cousin’s apartment!

We definitely have had our share of fun over the past few days. There was only one situation that was not ideal for me with food–late night drinks at a place that couldn’t serve any food (we tried to order a cheese plate) except desserts. I just drank water, and it was no big deal.

I’ve noticed a few things—people here care about what they look like, and I don’t mean just clothes. There seems to be a culture of desiring to be fit, and healthy food has been a topic several times with people I’ve met (once they find out what I do). The sun shines, and people just seem happier—there must be a connection!

We spent yesterday shopping and getting mani/pedis. Kristen needed to buy some things for her apartment so I was more than happy to help her splurge on new dishes and a lamp in anthropologie. I bought a few things at Hardtail (love love love that store!!!), and a pair of pants at Armani Exchange.

We spent the evening chatting till really late, and I was still able to get up and be at Starbucks to work at 6am! Kristen had to work today, so I walked on the beach (in the soft sand so I could get an extra leg workout), and then I went to the Flor store (where I verified which rug patterns I want and got a quote), and then went to Planet Raw for lunch.

I have more pics, but I’m posting this from my phone, so I’m not sure how to insert them in the middle–it just keeps tacking them onto the end. I’m sure you don’t mind.

I’ll be heading home tomorrow. I hope the sun is starting to make more regular appearances in NY now–I know we all have responsibility to make ourselves happy, but it sure does seem like the sun helps people’s moods! I know the connections between vitamin D and mood and all that, but it seems like there’s something more too!

One last thing. I love going on vacations and trips, and the last two have been especially good—it’s great to visit someone who can show you around, and give you a more “lifestyle” experience to the area rather than just the touristy experience.

I’ve also cemented that I need to move near the beach!

Where was the last place you traveled to?

Do you like the beach?

Do you live in the place that is ideal for you? If not, why not?