Palo Alto, Anyone?

[Redjack]

The more normal people live North of Sacramento. Just a tip.

[cmosier]

My first week here we went out to eat at Black Bear Diner and the waiter asked me if I wanted bean sprouts on my burger. I wasn't sure what to think about that.

I've also gotten the middle finger for going the speed limit in the slow lane. Sorry, but I get better gas mileage at 65. Wake up earlier.

California Ruben: Turkey with cole slaw, avocado, tomato, and bean sprouts. It is on rye bread, however.

There are many good things about California. Unions still have a foothold, so if you work for a living, that's a good thing.

Diversity. If you love other cultures, and I do, you get a good mix.

Weather is good, though we're in a drought now.

Micro Breweries and wine galore.

Beautiful area. Mountains. Desert. Beaches. Forests. I've been to Yosemite, Big Sur, Muir Woods, and I can go back again and find something new.

Medical marijuana. I personally don't use this (DOT Medical Card, long story) but if that's your thing... It's here and pretty easy to get.

I live here and I'm a pretty neat person.

[kuscotopia]

Ahhh... The Bay Area. Find Oakland. Circle it and stay as far away from there as possible. The good news. You'll be able to join me at DunDraCon in San Ramone next year. Let it be so.

No Oakland, got it. Sunnyvale has been looking pretty tempting. Was really excited about a house rental there until I realized it was right by an expressway.

Assuming I take the offer, I would be happy to check out DunDraCon. I have never Con'd before, so I insist on a few pints of micro-brew to build my confidence.

There are some things to get used to. For example... When you use your turn signal in California to change lanes, it informs the guy(or gal) in said lane that you are trying to steal his road. Even though he is over a mile back, he (or she) will proceed to speed up until he is inches from your bumper and give you a look like he just walked in on you banging his sister.

Say what? lol, on second thought maybe I should invest in a bike and be a mountain hermit just outside of Palo Alto.

Don't park your car infront of a house for too long less you know that person as they'll call the police and have it towed. Food options is less comfort and greasy delicious and more about healthy options even when you go out. You can find a lot of amazing Asian food out there if you like that, also amazing wine and beer culture if thats your thing. Besides that, if you like camping its pretty awesome out there. I'd advise anybody to go and find a camping ground near the ocean. Spray your dogs so they don't get ticks, go check out some of the sweet forest preserves and their ancient trees. I want to say Sunnyvale has one of the better table top communities in the bay area but I'm not 100% on that. Where are you coming from? St.Louis?

I am coming from Minneapolis so, I will be sure to bring some bacon, cheese, and mayonnaise with me. :P

Just looking at postings on craigslist the past 24 hours has been crazy. Listings are getting snatched up so quickly! Maybe I should get a real-estate agent..

[cmosier]

Assuming I take the offer, I would be happy to check out DunDraCon. I have never Con'd before, so I insist on a few pints of micro-brew to build my confidence.

Fear not. I shall also partake and become your Nerd Sherpa.

[Fuzziebunny]

The last time I went to California I ended up getting lost and standing on the sidewalk of this bar talking to a hot half naked man, who had another man, who was naked by the way, on a leash, to get directions on how to get back to base. He was supper sweet though even if it was a very unique experience for me.

Sorry for sharing if anyone is offended, but that is what I think of when someone mentions California.

[cmosier]

The last time I went to California I ended up getting lost and standing on the sidewalk of this bar talking to a hot half naked man, who had another man, who was naked by the way, on a leash, to get directions on how to get back to base. He was supper sweet though even if it was a very unique experience for me.

Sorry for sharing if anyone is offended, but that is what I think of when someone mentions California.

Yea. They give you those at the DMV here. It takes some getting used to but it's pretty cool having another guy around the house when I'm too tired to fix shit.

[Fuzziebunny]

It beats out Georgia ... There I was on peach street and got stopped by a SWAT team as they crossed the street to raid a building. And they were NOT polite either.

Edit: the point being : So really while CA does have a reputation for mean extremely weird and nonstandard people, I found the people to be sweet and somewhat friendly if nonstandard. While in GA I found the opposite to be true. No one was very polite and they have a reputation for politeness. So maybe it is all where you go.

[cmosier]

I've Family in Georgia and have spent a great deal of time there. I used to work in a cotton mill in Georgia as well. I never had any issues with the swat team. I did have grown men bring the hand outs from the mill to me because they couldn't read a lick. One guy went as far to put glasses on and hold in away trying to pass it off as needing new glasses.

Hmmm... More depressing than witty and amusing. I'll work on that.

[Fury]

Atlanta is an entirely different beast than the rest of Georgia, just like any other large city in comparison to their respective State.

[MyNameIsDave]

The last time I went to California I ended up getting lost and standing on the sidewalk of this bar talking to a hot half naked man, who had another man, who was naked by the way, on a leash, to get directions on how to get back to base. He was supper sweet though even if it was a very unique experience for me.

Sorry for sharing if anyone is offended, but that is what I think of when someone mentions California.

Sounds like the last three times I stopped in the city. Remember San Francisco is the place were Nudists are petitioning the right to walk around in the buff.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/0...n_2496846.html

Ahh, Bay Area. Never stop being batshit crazy.

[kuscotopia]

I took the job and found myself a place in Redwood City (technically Redwood Shores).

I fly out this Sunday. My play times are going to be a bit wonky until then and as I adjust to my new lifestyle as a leashed nudist....err...I mean my new work schedule.

Thank you all for the advice and stories. Like any proper plot hook, I am not quite sure what I have gotten myself into.

[cmosier]

Welcome to The Golden State. May God have mercy on your soul. :-)

[Valhalla]

Redwood city is a pretty chill town as far as the Bay Area goes, good choice.

Also yeah, seriously, you stopped being surprised by anything you see walking down the street if you spend any meaningful amount of time in San Fransisco. I personally hate the town and avoid it as much as possible.

Redjack has the right of it, Northern California (east of the coast), is a pretty chill, if somewhat dull, place that's actually sane and considerably more conservative than the rest of the State. If that's your thing, Norcal is your place.

We still don't have grits, though. I would actually kill a man for a Waffle House in Sacramento.

[cmosier]

There's a Cracker Barrel in Reno. Not sure if they have grits there. Also... Ignore all the news about that State Senator selling rocket launchers to the Chinese Mafia...

[Valhalla]

There's a Cracker Barrel in Reno.

... There is?!?

I lived in Reno for a year, just moved back to California, and I'm finding this out now? Damnit.