One of the first things noticed when getting off a bus in major city in California is the signs that read the city is not responsible birth defects or lung diseases caused by breathing the air. Then most if look directly across from the the bus depot you can see many of the city homeless. This differs from east coast city which seem to be able to hide their issues from the visiting population.

Another culture shock is the tribes of trainkids, crusty kids and very brightly dressed and pierced punk rock kids. And most people think it’s always sunny and warm but in winter there is tons of rain. It rains almost every day and can get quite cold in certain areas at night. The price of things is also another culture shock the only area that has higher prices would have to be network state.

A wide variety of fresh organic food can also be found almost everywhere. The variety of goods is also over whelming as well as services there something for everyone. And always something to do

California is like that loud kid in school with pink hair and a gauge through his nose. It can be overwhelming for many but if you take the time to get to know it, you will find it is one greatest place you can go. The pace is twice as fast as other areas. It’s kind of like that guy that drinks twenty cups of coffee a day and doesn’t sleep or stand still.

But one the biggest thing that I find shock people is the open attitude. It’s a place where many ideals that are shunned by many other parts of country run ramped. Such as openly gay couples squatting, especially if you go to Golden Gate Park there are tribes of them there. But all in all they’re good folks and some of their signs will make you think. Like get down with kick down or hungry hungry hobos.

One of I think the biggest culture shocks always will be San Francisco; it’s always envisioned as the land of the hippies. Actually that ideal died out there many years ago. Hyatt and Asbury are still there but that’s about it. Most of counter culture long ago moved to Aspen. Letting the punk rock and squatter movement flood the city.

So all in all there is a lot of culture shock to be had. But if you give it a chance and let go a little then you’re in for a pretty good time. One thing I will say from experience is people kind of out of touch that visited California or moved there from bigger cities twenty plus years ago are in for a whole lot of culture shock. Sunny California has moved and will keep going with or without you.