East Coast, West Coast

Two days isn't much to base an opinion on, I know, but I've found that I like New York sooooooo much more than California.

California is... big open spaces, hushed conversations, lazy days, lying in the sun, sitting in traffic, minding your own business, looking good but never touching, personal spaces that no one dares to invade. There are, of course, exceptions, but in most cases, people stick to what they know. The warmth and friendliness that California brings to mind is usually limited to pre-arranged groups. Strangers rarely talk to each other at random, and people are careful of what they do or say in public.

New York is... narrow streets and tall buildings, small quarters, fast walks in crowded streets, lights, sounds, street vendors, crazy cab drivers and crazier pedestrians, shouts of recognition across shopping centers, china Town, Little Italy, the Soho District, warm rain before humid heat, getting lost, finding your way home, politics being yelled out left and right, friendly crowds in friendly bars, skin against skin on the metro. It's a beautiful place, where people aren't afraid to stand out, be touched, be heard. Those who aren't rushing to get somewhere are merry and jovial, and are more than willing to stop in the street and give directions, strike up a conversation, recommend this shop or that restaurant. Just BEING there, surrounded by all that, made me unspeakably happy and excited.