Beyond Tiki, Bilge, and Test / Beyond Tiki / Seriously considering moving to California -- need some tips
Post #34780 by tikivixen on Sun, May 18, 2003 10:10 PM
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tikivixen
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Sun, May 18, 2003 10:10 PM
I would basically trust most anything thejab says, Humuhumu. Within reason 8) Seriously, he makes good points by me. There is a thriving offbeat/cultural scene in the Bay Area I really enjoy--tiki and lots more too. However, it's apparent to me that one reason the Bay Area looks and feels so great to me right now is I spent a couple of years in Sacramento...eeuuurrrggghhh. I agree too that I've found SoCal to be much friendlier; there's somehow a more standoffish/uptight vibe about this area. But SF is so different from the rest of the Bay Area--people DO dress better there, at least! 8) and it's a fascinating place in that what you see now are essentially the remnants of what was once one of the wildest, most unconventional and downright scandalous cities in the US. The Barbary Coast, right up through the Summer of Love. You can still see that, if you look closely; there are tons of interesting, offbeat people and I've found it friendlier there than elsewhere in the Bay Area. Plus, it's astonishingly beautiful and atmospheric. Weird-ass weather--talk about microclimates!!--but I'm sure you've heard all about that. You might want to investigate SF a bit, even though it is overpriced. It can really get under your skin. Oh, and as far as walking neighborhoods with shops and interesting stuff and no need for a car--SF is strong as all get-out on that point. In fact, if you live in SF, keep your car in the garage as much as possible and ride the buses, BART and MuniMetro, and walk! It's most enjoyable, and you'll get the best workout of your life.(oof) I have always indeed found that SoCal is for drivers only. My non-road-happy pals can't stand it, but I don't mind. Much. I have some friends who rave about how wondrous Oakland is, but apart from a couple of old movie palaces, parts of the cool old downtown, and the Alley Cat piano bar, I think they're mad. Not that there aren't some great folks hunkered down there, but basically, it's not only crime-ridden, overpriced, and unfriendly--it's also moldy and dirty. I've lived in this area all my life, and basically, Oakland has improved so very little. It's sad. Vallejo is infinitely more pleasant, and pretty at that, if one must live in the Bay Area. Nice hills, breezes and views, and Victorians too. One pro I'd add to that Bay Area list is that the Sierra Nevadas are very close, and you get the Gold Country, Lake Tahoe, Reno/Carson City etc. Not to be sneezed at... But hey, I often consider moving south myself, so... Come visit us again! it'd be great to see you and you can do a bit more exploring! ----- Original Message -----
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