More Photos and Thoughts on California

Event (with senior corporate executives) went well today, although I felt that, not really knowing anything about working in a large corporate environment, I wasn't really qualified to teach them about teamwork, leadership, strategies, decision-making, etc. But they didn't seem to mind.

After work, Boyfriend and I decided to take another drive along the coast. This time we went even more south than last time, beyond Dana Point, to a town named San Clemente. Boyfriend said that this is the town that Richard Nixon retired to.

We loved this town immediately. It's also a beach town with breathtaking views, but much more down-to-earth, casual, and "real" than the other towns we've been to so far up north. People here are not as glamorous, but natural and civic-minded (evidenced by a pedestrian yelling after us after Boyfriend and I made an awkward illegal turn -- yes, we definitely looked like out-of-towners.).

Had dinner at a seafood restaurant -- although every single restaurant serves seafood around here, and even the crappiest place has amazing fresh fish. So far every meal we've had here has been phenomenal, and healthy to boot.

After dinner we strolled along the beach and on the pier, and witnessed the bluest water and a breathtaking sunset.



This is the color of paradise.



Palm trees swaying gently in the evening breeze.



And here is a random cool plant that we saw on our walk by the side of the road.



Parking was remarkably easy and free, unimaginable in the Northeast. A beach like this in Connecticut would have been mobbed and the city would have made a fortune on paid parking or writing parking tickets. This is another thing I like about California. Beauty is so democratic here. It is freely dispensed, and no one tries to interfere with your enjoyment of it, because space and beauty are so abundant here.

People here don't have the intense introspection of people back east, this is true. Instead, they are more calm and happy. I can see why Buddhism would have a big following here. You exist naturally in a zen-like state when you can step out every morning into fresh air, beach, and hassel-free parking.

So many things are making so much more sense now. I understand now why my friend J became so much happier after he's gone to Stanford for grad school after four years at Yale and an entire life growing up in the Northeast. I understand the laidback-ness of my friend SF, and SP.

Boyfriend said that he would love to move here, if I weren't going to law school in the northeast. We talked about what it would be like, waking up to perfect weather every day and going on a stroll on the beach every evening. Would we eventually find life boring in paradise? I can see myself getting bored with the routine after a while. Perhaps a month out of every year is good. Perhaps a timeshare or a summer house? :)

What these towns lack, I think, is a university. That would add some intellectual depth and focus to the cultures of the towns and add also some like-minded people with whom we can be friends with -- some nice bookstores and bookish cafes to hang out in. Then it would be perfect.

Have been reading the Tipping Point every night before I go to sleep. Amazingly entertaining and very provocative book. (I know, I'm about 5 years too late, but still, better late than never.)