ha ha OTW. Del Taco is in the Southwest I believe. I've seen them in Vegas and in AZ.

http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif But boy did we ever live off Del Taco in college--had one right at the end of fraternity/sorority row.

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Amy

You are so right, Susan! I think she is probably just jealous of all the attention California gets!!

But, you know, the attention is well-deserved! There are so many pioneers here, so many progressives, so much fun and such a variety of everything. Here's a few things I love that no one else has mentioned:

California is just as diverse, and usually more so than any other place in the world! It's fun interacting with other cultures. Usually my favorite part is the different food. i love Thai, Japanese, Indian, Curry, nouvelle Californian and just about anything else there is to try.

Second, the environment. This is why people live here. Tons of people have already mentioned the weather and Amy stole the words right out of my mouth with access to different locales. Here's something else. Did you know California has the highest peak in the continental US (Mt. Whitney) and the lowest point in the world (Badwater, in Death Valley). And those two points are just a couple hours away from each other. In fact, in one day you could probably go to Badwater, then climb Mt. whitney, although you'd get real sick from the elevation!

I love the national parks here, cuz I love nature! Death Valley sounds awful, but is one of the most beautiful places on earth. It has the most extreme points on earth, with Badwater, like I mentioned at -200 ft. elevation and just about 11 miles away, 11,000 ft. telescope peak. They actually call it Death Valley because of how cold and snowy it is in winter, but it does get to almost 130 degrees in summer sometimes. There are volcanic craters, mountains, desert wildlife, mines, castles and sand dunes just like the Sahara.

And what about the Sierras? Aside from skiing, there are so many recreational activities like hangliding, hiking, mountain biking, and boating on the thousands of lakes. Pictures of Half Dome in Yosemite are always so inspirational to me and I am so excited to go see it in a couple of months for the first time in person. the great thing is that it is only a couple of hours away from my home in SF.

What else? the redwoods are world-renowned. Lake Tahoe and it's emerald bay is one of the most photographed spots on the planet. Hearst Castle is fun and on the beautiful drive up and down the coast on famous PCH- Highway 1.

What I love about Californians is how well they take care of their stuff. Yeah, everyone hears how polluted LA is, but we also know CA has the strictest emissions standards and so much protected National Park, State Park, National Forest and more land owned by the Bureau of Land Management than any other state except Alaska.

So, you can tell I am an environmentalist! There's nothing I love better than experiencing all the different facets of nature and making sure that it's not littered with trash and pollution...Californians are pretty good about this, IMO. Also, I thought this would present a slightly different perspective since when outsiders think of California, they typically think of Hollywood, Silicon Valley, beaches and LOTS of people! That's all true, but there's so much more! In fact, what does califonia not have? I don't know! It's a place of great beauty, craziness, and joy. Can you tell I am in love with my home state? I am so glad to be back!!!!!

Wow! I'm sorry for that last post, you guys! I hope no one gets eye-strain reading it...I had no idea I had typed so much!

Boy--I have a LOT to say about my beautiful state--California!!! However, I'm at work now--so can't really say much. But lemme tell ya--when I get the chance, our threads will put the Texas thread to shame!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

BTW--SuperXO, I totally disagree with you about Cali being a mean state!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/confused.gif I was so surprised when I read your comment! Are you from SF? I'm from SF originally--in college in Colorado--but the ppl of SF are the best--the nicest, some of the most educated, the most accepting, etc. I have never heard bad words about SF's ppl! I've been to Texas--to be honest, I felt like I was being smothered in its total overexaggerate (IMHO) old-fashioness. I like being treated like an equal, not as a "little missy"! Ughh. I just felt like I was being treated like an object. Definitely not in CA though!

Alright--a LOT more about California coming from me soon! Newbie is from SF, too, Bubbles--but she's been really busy/stressed out lately with schoolwork, so that's why she hasn't replied yet. I'm sure she has a lot of praise for her state too! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by Theta-cutie (edited April 17, 2001).]

Mannnn... now I want to be there more than ever. I'm gonna thank you all in my oscar speach.

it was 83 degrees and sunny and gorgeous today in los angeles. 'nuff said.

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It snowed here. Quit rubbing it in! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Theta,
actually, I like the people in California, too. It's true that in one of my posts in the Texas thread, I talked about Californians being kinda rude compared to Texans, but I didn't insinuate that I didn't like that. I find the bumper sticker I mentioned really funny and I in no way feel that Californians are extra mean. I just know a lot of people feel that way because they like the syrupy sweet type people you find in some more old-fashioned places, it seems to me. I like the no-nonsense, say-something-worthwhile-or-don't-waste-my-time type people I find in Cali. Those are the people I am comfy with and that's why I stay here year after year. I love people who don't bug you unless you asked to be bugged. That's how I see califnornia. People don't try to get into your business here.

Well, it's all perspective. I know a lot of people consider that attitude rude, so that's why I said Californians can be mean. But, some people love it! I wouldn't trade it for the world!

Usually I don't try to apologize for my posts, but I would hate to give anyone the impression that I don't love everything about California. Again, there are TOO MANY people, but they are the smartest, most diverse and easiest people to live around in the country! Go Cali!

WOW, THANKS so much to all you californians who replied--you guys are the best!! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif Now I want to live there more than ever! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/biggrin.gif I love the weather out there--back here in the east--it gets pretty darn brutal! Keep the replies coming, I love it! And THANKS again for all the information--Cali sounds almost like heaven! http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/wink.gif

Mandy

California is simply one of the most beautiful places to live in, IMHO!! I LOVE CA...if I could, I would go and move there right now! It is simply PERFECT--the people are wonderful--nice, smart, tons of fun, cultured, on top of everything (from World News to Entertainment and everything in between), accepting of "different" people's lifestyles, non-discriminating, and the ppl are GORGEOUS.

I have always had a thing for CA men--I don't know why, they seem to be the best guys of the whole nation...and that's saying a lot, since I travel tons!

There's also nothing like the lush CA landscape, with rolling hills one mile away from the city, with the crashing surf a few blocks away, with beautiful icy white snow in the Sierras...and the beaches are simply gorgeous. Plus it has part of Lake Tahoe and some of the finest resorts.

There's also nothing that will ever top CA in my book--in entertainment, in the quality of the people who live there, in the beauitful homes and weather...sure, it's expensive to live in parts of CA (San Francisco is #2 in the WHOLE Nation for most expensive living), but it's SOOO well worth the money. I envy my cousins who live in SF, LA, SD!!

I've already promised myself that I will live in CA sometime in my lifetime--and you bet that I'm gonna try and make it quick!

Jacqueline

Well this has seemed to turn into a Tx vs. Ca battle here....but anyway..I'm originally from texas and lived there for 19 years, and have lived the last 3 years in California (los Angeles)...So anybody that hasn't lived in both states can't really judge either one....Obviously I'm partial to Texas cuz thats my homeland, if you like the down home, friendly atmosphere then Texas is your place. If you like to slow things down and have a little pride in your state then Texas is your place. If you like breathing clean air and seeing more then a few stars at night then Texas is your place. When I came out to Cali from Texas it was pretty much culture shock to me. The weather is beautiful, the girls are blonde(and if they were'nt born blonde then they most likely are now), you have a beach no more then a 1/2 hour away, you will see races of people you never even thought existed. Its a fast paced lifestyle, everyone has got somewhere to be. You pretty much have people trying to live a simple life in a not so simple atmospere (Nor Cal people dont get mad, im speaking specifically about So Cal). Theres like 12 million people in Southern California, so in result a lot of competition, more individuality, terrible real estate costs, and a 405 freeway that will make you want to kill yourself....But anyway...you make the call.....

Oh yeah...I forgot...Sorry Cali Ladies...the girls in Texas are much hotter

GEE WHIZ...SAE...talk about BIASED. http://www.greekchat.com/forums/ubb/rolleyes.gif Well anyway..I have spent a lot of time in Cali as I said in my previous post. I've witnessed the direct opposites of what you said about Cali. couldn't rave enough about the state. Too bad you don't think the same way.

Alright now SAE...

ENOUGH with the bashing. Please...can't you be more mature than that, especially your second post? I disagree--Cali women are simply beautiful...and not all are blondes. And hey...so yuou say there are many blondes there...well has it occurred to you that some are just born naturally blonde? umm...DUH. Yeah some dye their hair blonde...but so what?

Look...if you don't have something positive to say about California, please don't post.

'Nuff said.

[This message has been edited by bubbles17 (edited April 25, 2001).]

Not to be rude...but the name of this topic is " Tell me about California"..not "lets be positive about California"....We all have our opinions