California

So I got back from a trip to California a couple days ago.  This was my first time visiting the West Coast and the experience was AMAZING!  My friends really rolled out the red carpet for me and I can't wait to get back - and hopefully, move out there.  I visited Southern California and stayed in the Orange County area.  We crammed a ton of stuff into 5 days including going to DisneyLand, visiting the USC campus, going to Hollywood and eating a ton of food.

One of the things that surprised me the most about California is how cheap the clothes are.  We went shopping and I wanted to buy everything I saw.  The fashion is also really laid back and loose fitting, unlike in Philadelphia where everything is gut-bustingly tight.  As far as food goes, we ate a ton of fast food.  I don't know if my friends usually eat fast food every day, but I think it was because I was there and we were always on the move.

In my opinion, the food you eat is a huge part of your experience wherever you are.  I'll go even further and say it pretty much defines your experience, so I'll start by giving you a run down of what I ate each day.

Day 1 - Friday
2 Wahoo Fish tacos and nachos
 a ton of beer and a mixed drink
some Tasty-kake pies I brought from home
A Del Taco with Macho Nachos and Iced Tea

Day 2 - Saturday
Iced Tea
Curry from Coco Curry House
Custard Bun and bubble tea from 85 Degrees


Day 3 - Sunday
Banana pancakes and bacon
Ice cream
In and Out Burger


Day 4 - Monday
Breakfast Tacos
Chicken and Waffles


Day 5 - Tuesday
Toast from 85 Degrees
In and Out Burger
Ramen Noodles
Beer, margarita and mixed drinks

So yeah, my poor stomach was begging for some vegetables by the time I left but I was very happy.  Among some of the great things I experienced (that helped me to realize that I should move to California) was going to a beach in Laguna and seeing two whales.  I feel like it was a good omen because - from what I was told - it's a rarity and no one that I hung with that week had ever seen a whale until that day.

So on Monday we went to USC's campus and it was so beautiful that I became a little depressed because I realized that I NEEDED to get accepted into this school.  Going to Hollywood right after brought me back to reality, however.  We went to Grauman's Chinese Theater and got harassed by a bunch of map sellers, mixed tape pushers and all kinds of annoying people as well as perused a bunch of old, weird stores.  The place was sad, run down and just plain boring with the only exception being a half naked dude with some kind of fur, stuffed animal hat on giving thumbs up to oncoming traffic.  0_o  I guess the best way to explain it was that Hollywood was like New York City with no redeeming qualities.  I mean, in NY you're definitely going to have your street pushers and all kinds of weirdos but no one's going to follow you and harass you to the extent they do in Hollywood.  Also, there are at least awesome things to do like go to shows, shop at decent stores and/or eat at cafes and funky restaurants.

Amongst the many beaches there were a ton of malls and I managed to buy 3 skirts, 3 shirts, 3 pair of shoes, a ring, an iPod and a Nike pedometer.  Even though everything was cheap, I was pretty broke by the time I got back.  The weather was beautiful except for the last day when it was a little cloudy and chilly.  But most of the time it was nice and sunny.  To tell you the truth, it was a little hard to come back.  But on the other hand, I was happy to get back in order to set things in motion to prepare for my move out there.  I have to save as much money as possible, study for my GRE's and get this USC application in asap.  The thought of going back to school scares me but it's also invigorating.  I still have no idea how I did it the first time, but that's what gives me the motivation to do it again.

So there it is . . . my first trip to California.  Now it's time to lose some weight.