California Dreamin’
So. Since our arrival in the sunny state of Cali-forn-i-a, we’ve noticed five things:
- People are shocked when we say “thank you.”
- It’s HOT. 100 F. 41 C. Do you know how many years it has been since I experienced temperatures that… that… TOASTY?
- Your malls are HUGE. Just like your beverages.
- Everything is in Spanish instead of French! And the Spanish signs? WAY MORE FUN TO READ ALOUD.
- You have just as many Starbucks as we do… but yours are all DRIVE-THROUGH.
It’s been a trip FULL of new experiences:
First time I ever drove through somewhere excessively covered on CNN and Court TV… Modesto, CA.
First In N Out experience! WOO! And you know what? I LOVED THE FRIES.
Double Double! WOO!
Our first true AUTO COOL ™ experience! NEVER PARK YOUR CAR OUT OF THE SHADE IN CENTRAL CALIFORNIA.
Tomorrow we make the last leg of our journey to Ericland, which will hopefully be as safe and uneventful as our trip thus far.
We’ve enjoyed our stay with the lovely Mike! We got a free brownie for being Canadian! We even went out for Mexican with triathletes! On the occasion of someone’s half-birthday!
But for now… a movie and bed. We’ve got a long drive tomorrow!
September 14th, 2006 at 3:27 am
In’n'Out. The first place we eat when we visit California. Someday you’ll have to visit my neck of the woods. Not only do we say “thank you” in Oklahoma, one can also make eye contact with strangers and say hello.
September 14th, 2006 at 8:36 am
hey, i am a triathlete! i would have taken you for mexican or italian or well… just anything.
if you like mustard and grilled onions, next time order your burger animal style! YUM!!!
September 14th, 2006 at 9:19 am
We drones back here in the office are tracking your progress enviously… You look like you’re having so much fun!!! Keep safe.
September 14th, 2006 at 10:48 am
darnyoumeg! as a former southern california girl, i CRAVE in’n'out all the time. alas, they have not made their way to colorado so i am left with only the bitter taste of longing instead of the sweet, salty, satisfaction of those fries. those pictures were pure torture. must make time to visit my parents, i suppose, if only for the fast food.
September 14th, 2006 at 11:39 am
Those are some good burgers Walter.
September 14th, 2006 at 11:54 am
central california is VERY HOT. but the state is expecting a cooling trend today and tomorrow. are you SURE you’re not making it anywhere near san francisco where barbie and i can meet you????????
September 14th, 2006 at 11:55 am
How come here a double double is coffee and there it’s a giant burger? There’s got to be something cultuarlly significant about that…
September 14th, 2006 at 2:16 pm
Once of these days, I simply MUST have an In ‘n Out burger. I have heard the tales of deliciousness, but they don’t exist here on the east coast.
September 14th, 2006 at 2:38 pm
I am a California native and am on a one-person crusade to get people to say “Thank you.” Now that I am old and cranky, I feel I can chastize youthful cashiers: “Are you not going to say ‘Thank you’?”
They usually give me a dull, bored look and often still don’t say a thing.
September 14th, 2006 at 3:42 pm
I hate that they don’t have In-and-Out Burgers here. I need someone to get me closer to those fries.
You should come to Utah sometime. If you don’t say thank you, people look at you with eyes o’ burnin’ flames.
I’m glad you’re having fun!!
September 15th, 2006 at 6:10 am
ooooh ….
drive-through Starbucks?!
oooh …
I think I’ll buy a ticket tomorrow.
September 21st, 2006 at 6:26 pm
Yay! You had In-n-Out!
Now you know the real reason I can never leave California.