anyone else have problems adjusting??
Dec 12th 2007, 5:38 pm
#32
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 68,280
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
Damn ..I hate changes ...
Dec 12th 2007, 5:56 pm
#34
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: Bay Area, CA
Posts: 13,111
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
I moved from England to Texas in Feb 2005 and then I moved from Texas to California in April. Talk about culture shocks. We are only in CA for a year. I'm looking forward to leaving here. It was an experience, one I am glad I took (I always thought I was missing something living in Texas, and longed for the bright lights of LA or New York).
California (IMO) is faceless, dirty, and lacking community spirit. What you drive and what you earn are what define you.
Get out, run for your life, save yourself . . .
California (IMO) is faceless, dirty, and lacking community spirit. What you drive and what you earn are what define you.
Get out, run for your life, save yourself . . .
I would say that, even though San Francisco and LA are both in California they are vastly different. Culturally, SF is closer to Boston, Chicago, NY. All these cities are tight communities, car-unfriendly, have significant public transit systems, densly populated (in a good way), very cosmopolitan. LA is closer in culture to Dallas, Houston, Atlanta - the more modern, sprawling cities that have a freeway culture, and where public transit is an afterthought.
Every place here has its merits, but in order to avoid culture shock on first arrival, I would recommend one of the former list of cities as a starting point. Starting out in Dallas, LA, Atlanta could be tough. Seek out an older, established neighborhood with some character.
SF has a major, major homeless problem at the moment, ironically because it is a caring and compassionate city. The rumor is, everywhere else in the country sends their homeless here because SF won't throw them in jail like everywhere else.
Dec 12th 2007, 6:10 pm
#37
Lost in BE Cyberspace
Joined: Jan 2006
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 12,865
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
Certainly the homeless are tolerated far more than most other places, and this usually ends up being counterproductive in that the homeless issue becomes essentially 'untouchable' politically. Otoh, aside from Southern California, if you're going to be homeless, the climate in SF is probably the best place to do it in that it doesn't suffer from extremes of cold and heat. Being homeless in NY would literally be a rather more chiiling experience than being homeless in SF.
Dec 12th 2007, 6:15 pm
#38
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: CA
Posts: 358
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
I'm a yank, so can't really talk to adjusting. Though I admit I might find parts of California difficult.
There are so many different places, cultures, landscapes in the U.S. There are small towns where you can walk around and shop. There are places miles and miles from shopping malls. No pre-fab houses anywhere near where I live for example.
If one place isn't for you - try looking for another. Travel around a bit if you're able...
Welcome - and good luck!
There are so many different places, cultures, landscapes in the U.S. There are small towns where you can walk around and shop. There are places miles and miles from shopping malls. No pre-fab houses anywhere near where I live for example.
If one place isn't for you - try looking for another. Travel around a bit if you're able...
Welcome - and good luck!
The whole country is your oyster.. but then you might be allergic to shellfish.
Dec 12th 2007, 9:53 pm
#39
Joined: Oct 2006
Location: Reno Nevada
Posts: 15,917
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
Sounds like yet another So Cal (Southern California) experience to me! After 24 years here, I have to say, I'm now finding some good spots in the greater LA area when I have to visit there - Santa Monica, downtown Pasadena, etc - but it is NOT a place you should head for on a first visit, if you want to avoid culture shock.
I would say that, even though San Francisco and LA are both in California they are vastly different. Culturally, SF is closer to Boston, Chicago, NY. All these cities are tight communities, car-unfriendly, have significant public transit systems, densly populated (in a good way), very cosmopolitan. LA is closer in culture to Dallas, Houston, Atlanta - the more modern, sprawling cities that have a freeway culture, and where public transit is an afterthought.
Every place here has its merits, but in order to avoid culture shock on first arrival, I would recommend one of the former list of cities as a starting point. Starting out in Dallas, LA, Atlanta could be tough. Seek out an older, established neighborhood with some character.
SF has a major, major homeless problem at the moment, ironically because it is a caring and compassionate city. The rumor is, everywhere else in the country sends their homeless here because SF won't throw them in jail like everywhere else.
I would say that, even though San Francisco and LA are both in California they are vastly different. Culturally, SF is closer to Boston, Chicago, NY. All these cities are tight communities, car-unfriendly, have significant public transit systems, densly populated (in a good way), very cosmopolitan. LA is closer in culture to Dallas, Houston, Atlanta - the more modern, sprawling cities that have a freeway culture, and where public transit is an afterthought.
Every place here has its merits, but in order to avoid culture shock on first arrival, I would recommend one of the former list of cities as a starting point. Starting out in Dallas, LA, Atlanta could be tough. Seek out an older, established neighborhood with some character.
SF has a major, major homeless problem at the moment, ironically because it is a caring and compassionate city. The rumor is, everywhere else in the country sends their homeless here because SF won't throw them in jail like everywhere else.
Dec 13th 2007, 9:05 pm
#40
Riding on silver wings
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 10,543
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
I went to UGA thus my nick!
Woohoo! Goooo DAWGS!!! Sic'em! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
Dec 14th 2007, 9:52 am
#41
gurt mint nit?
Joined: Nov 2007
Location: In my shed
Posts: 2,776
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
Dec 14th 2007, 11:14 am
#42
In yonder hills
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Nr. Lincoln, England
Posts: 4,132
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
I went to UGA thus my nick!
Woohoo! Goooo DAWGS!!! Sic'em! Woof! Woof! Woof! Woof!
http://www.bk.psu.edu/faculty/ramsey/uga.jpg
---
Dec 16th 2007, 5:43 pm
#45
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2003
Location: Stockton, CA
Posts: 436
Re: anyone else have problems adjusting??
for the most part i've lived in central california; spent 4 years down south and was so glad when i returned.
that said, my experience moving from base to base prior to living in california did get me used to visiting the local attractions and enjoying what made each place and the people living there special.