h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi blatherskith

California is a microcosm of the world. Every nationality and race is represented here (and their associated yummy foods) with caucasians being just another minority. Consequently California is the most welcoming and diverse part of the world. I'm English and I proudly consider myself Californian after only two years of living here.

California's diversity extends to its landscape: It has deserts, snow-capped mountains, stunning varied coastline, rolling green hills, and the most vibrant cities you'll find anywhere. Go to Yosemite and try to not be rendered breathless. Gaze upwards at the massive Redwoods and Sequioas and try to not feel like an insignificant ant. Freeways that can get up to eight lanes wide each direction are fun too.

If you dislike something about California you've either been watching, and believing, too much Hollywood or you dislike all of the world's peoples and landscapes that have somehow been squeezed into one state.

Ste

PS The Californian flag is great too.
PPS Mexican food in San Diego, along with balti in Birmingham, is the best food on the planet.
PPPS Don't believe all the health-nazi stuff, it's a lie.

My wife is from Sonoma County, CA. Wine country at its finest. I visited her a few times before her family moved, and I remember so many things about those visits.

The first time in my life I was more than 2,000 feet above sea level was in Mt. Lassen, having hiked to a height of nearly 8,000 feet. It's so beautiful there.

I hiked through the redwood forest 2 hours north of San Francisco. I saw a tree growing there that had been around for centuries, and looked at hills that to my Northeastern eyes seemed like mountains.

I got to see San Francisco in its frenetic glory. Businessmen with briefcases and cell phones walking without any notice next to the most incredible assortment of oddballs ever witnessed. Two classical music stations, both of which are immensely popular play in the city.

Friendly liberals, friendly conservatives, a city crying over the death of a single spotted owl or cheering a touchdown catch.

Whatever California's problems may be, there will always be something beautiful in that state, and I will always have hope for the people who live there.

Pah. I just made this thread to annoy Blatherskithe. Don't mind me

Oh. Well, everything I said still stands.