Oh So SoCal

Posted on September 19, 2011 by lesleycarter

There are so many things to do in California that it’s impossible to do it all! California is
about living life to the fullest and with more tourist attractions than any other place in the world, it’s hard to narrow down the options.

Since moving to Orange County, I’ve been skydiving. bungee jumping, paragliding, rock climbing, surfing, body boarding, swimming, hiking, and shopping. I’ve been to countless movie screening and seen more art museums than my entire life combined. I’ve been on tv and movie sets at Universal Studios and witnessed movie premieres on Hollywood Blvd. Being part of The Price is Right is at my disposal and I’ve cheered with the crowds in the live audience. With easy access to Mexico, I’ve braved the border and toured new, uncharted territory for myself. I window-shopped on Rodeo Drive and experienced live fashion shows in LA. San Diego, Mexico, Vegas, LA, and Palm Springs are weekend or even day trips. I stood on Golden Gate Bridge and walked the beaches below, which led to the other somewhat new experience of a “nude beach”. I could try something new every day for the next five years and still not see it all in California. The sun, the sand, the surf, the adventure. I could never possibly get sick of it!

Oh California, how I love thee.

My soul is refreshed by your sunshine.

My feet are grateful for your beautiful, green parks and fine, soft sand.

Anoint me with sunscreen,

Bless me with big waves,

Fill my nostrils with salty, Pacific Ocean air.

For I am a Californian and that I will stay.

30 thoughts on “Oh So SoCal”

abu zar on September 20, 2011 at 4:39 am said:

on..now they have to make you the official ambassador of california …. j/k

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lesleycarter on September 20, 2011 at 6:02 am said:

I honestly do love it that much! It is a different world from small town, constantly cold eastern Canada.

🙂

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Tafarelo on September 22, 2011 at 4:07 pm said:

I’m planning to go to California next year, but just some days. Travel driving from San Diego to San Francisco trhough Highway 1. 🙂 I live in Brazil, and I’d like to know many places, but there’re so many things to do that I just don’t know how much days I should spend in California. I want to visit Vegas, San Diego, S Monica / LA, Big Sur, Carmle, S Francisco, New York and Orlando!! UoW! If you had some suggestions, pls tell me! I really enjoy your post about California! I’ll read more of your blog later! Thanks!!

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- lesleycarter on September 22, 2011 at 5:58 pm said:
  
  If you make it to California, please send me an email and I will give you a tour of Orange County. I love meeting fellow enthusiastic travelers.
  
  Please keep reading and keep commenting; it is appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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administrator on September 23, 2011 at 2:42 pm said:

Cool pics. The sun like a flower. – the transatlantic diablog

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- lesleycarter on September 23, 2011 at 3:01 pm said:
  
  I love your photos so I will take that as a great complement.
  
  The layout of your blog is very appealing; good choice.
  
  Thanks for reading and commenting,
  
  Lesley
  
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INDIATRIPPING.COM on September 27, 2011 at 7:51 am said:

wonderful pictures Lesley, particularly the one with a beaming sun . great job.
i see that you have not visited Asia yet ?

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- lesleycarter on September 27, 2011 at 3:11 pm said:
  
  I did visit Asia a few years ago; it was to teach at a summer camp in Hong Kong. I just didn’t have the opportunity to do a lot of touring while I was there. There are several countries that I visited that I didn’t have the chance to write about yet since I just started blogging about 2 months ago. Hopefully, I will write about each county at least once.
  
  Are you from India? It appears to be such a magical place. I’d love to visit someday. Have you ever been to California?
  
  Thanks for commenting; it is appreciated,
  
  Lesley
  
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  - INDIATRIPPING.COM on September 27, 2011 at 3:26 pm said:
    
    yes, i am from India, and it is a magical place. hope you come here soon, lots to explore and learn here. whenever you want to come just let me know, i will make the best tour possible for you.
    no not been to California yet, but i will be there someday. 🙂
    
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lesleycarter on September 27, 2011 at 3:35 pm said:

India is a little far to travel now since I’m pregnant, but I’m hoping to make it there within the next five years. What type of tours do you offer? What part of India do you live in? Have you lived there your whole life? What is it like?

🙂

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- INDIATRIPPING.COM on September 27, 2011 at 3:50 pm said:
  
  well i live in northern India on the foothills of the Himalayas. You can checkout all the tour options on our website ‘ indiatripping.com’. It will be online in a few days.
  I cant tell you what its like , as there is so much here (almost everything). So you gotta come here to experience this diverse country.
  
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Alvin Nuval on October 10, 2011 at 7:15 am said:

Wow, you’ve had a lot of fun adventures in California for just moving here recently! I’ve lived in SoCal since I was born, but I’m still trying to discover and rediscover different experiences. Glad to see that you are having fun! I’m biased, but this is my favorite state, haha.

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- lesleycarter on October 10, 2011 at 4:10 pm said:
  
  There is so much to do here that the possibilities are endless. I couldn’t be happier with my surroundings, especially as I prepare for the beach today.
  
  Do you live in the north or the south?
  
  Thanks for taking the time to comment; it’s appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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Jean Huang Photography on October 13, 2011 at 9:01 am said:

Welcome to SoCal, Lesley! I’ve always been in LA ever since I “landed” in this country a long time ago. 🙂 I always feel lucky about the decision and count my blessings that we have great weather all year round to have fun! 🙂

Thank you for stopping my blog and liked the recent post about a Chinese ancient town.

Congratulations on the new baby! Look forward to meeting you face-to-face one day. 🙂

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- lesleycarter on October 13, 2011 at 3:00 pm said:
  
  LA is only a hop, skip and a jump away. It would be great to meet a fellow travelers and implant to California. 🙂
  
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Shayna on October 18, 2011 at 3:23 pm said:

SoCal… my hometown. I LOVE it there and miss it! Thank you for these photographs. They are stunning….and capture the subculture beautifully. 🙂

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- lesleycarter on October 18, 2011 at 6:13 pm said:
  
  Thanks Shayna. Where do you live now? Do you think you’ll return to southern California? Although I miss eastern Canada, I love everything that California has to offer and I want all of those experiences and adventures for my children.
  
  Thanks for commenting; it’s appreciated.
  
  Lesley
  
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  - Shayna on October 19, 2011 at 1:23 am said:
    
    I live in Tennessee now…and I’m learning how to go from a big city SoCal girl to being a southern girl. 🙂 I go home as often as I can (all of my family is there still) but life and cash flow often get in the way…. One great adventure, if you haven’t done it yet, is to take the ferry over to Catalina Island for the day. The kids will love it! I’ve been many times and every time I see marine life. It’s pretty cool!
    
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candid on November 1, 2011 at 11:59 pm said:

I could so live in SoCal! So thankful for my visits there.
What a fun blog!

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Susie C. on November 4, 2011 at 7:48 am said:

I love your spirit and attitude, and as a transplant from the east myself (Detroit), I understand your love for SoCal too! One in every 100 Americans lives in little Orange County, myself included, and even though the 405 can get crowded, I’m still glad I live here.

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- lesleycarter on November 4, 2011 at 7:56 am said:
  
  Which city do you live in? We may be neighbors.
  
  🙂
  
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Susie C. on November 5, 2011 at 4:31 am said:

Fountain Valley. You?

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Tooty Nolan on November 19, 2011 at 7:43 am said:

No wonder the Spanish felt at home when they arrived in what was to become California. The two places appear indistinguishable in the photo of the pueblo with the mountains behind. It could be the Costa Blanca!

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horizonhobo on November 26, 2011 at 2:58 am said:

First things first – what a great blog you have Lesley! I briefly read a couple of things, and that was enough to ensure my return at the soonest. As for SoCal – fifth generation Californian boy, living in Minnesota for the last 15 years (we came for the weather 😉 ) and now visiting the extended family in Indiana – real hot spots these. Anyway, born and raised in LA County, with notable stays in San Pedro, Encino, Venice, and Sylmar before a ten year stay in the Bay Area. Enough of my CA creds… You live in a wonderland well suited to your on-going “adrenaline adventures.” You deserve the highest praise for telling us of those adventures, and telling us with pictures? Geesh!

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rommel on December 23, 2011 at 9:59 pm said:

SoCal, I don’t regret having stationed here for work. I love it! It totally changed my perspective of California.

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Darla McDavid on December 27, 2011 at 5:18 am said:

Have you ever visited Santa Barbara? It’s the jewel on the coast and my hometown. Thanks for your “Like” on my Christmas posts!

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Kim on January 4, 2012 at 6:04 pm said:

Thanks for the great California pictures! I’ve only visited but always dreamed of living there – very cool!

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Joanna Rapoza on January 13, 2012 at 2:14 pm said:

Wonderful essay….I like your stuff! Such joie de vivre! I am a reluctant traveler but your prose makes me want to go places.

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Micaela on January 24, 2012 at 12:24 am said:

I am from Orange County and spend a decent amount of time in Huntington, and I really like the picture looking through the pilars of the HB pier! It really is such an amazing place to go- you never run out of fun stuff to do!

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Ynysmon Andy on February 15, 2012 at 4:53 am said:

A baby on his or her way – babies are gorgeous, and with the proper upbringing/training, are loads of fun, they enrich our lives so much. It’s hard work at times, but so fun. With your attitude, I’m sure he or she will share your life and fun from day one.

I wish you all a super life together.

Andy.

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