California - will it be North or South

I have spent the last two weeks in Southern California enjoying the warm November weather and all the perks that goes with their climate: warm days, endless blue sky and having the ocean views. Everyday I woke up I felt thankful to see the sun - which really does make such a difference to your well being.

After spending a couple days in Santa Monica I left for Long Beach to stay with my best friend from the UK. I was fortunate enough to get a weeks freelance work for the fashion label she works for in Orange County. I was hired to help with the creation of the brands pop up store next to their head office. It was a manic week working hard with creatives from New York and LA hired externally to create the new store.

During the week my inner 'prejudice' against the rich and trendy was really tested. I was already working in a well known wealthy area. It testing at times to work and socialize with elite people my age that have it all. (Or think they do) It made me think harder about my own values and places I could and could not live in California. Which is precisely the point of this journey I am on!

I have made this conclusion thus far. I love this state, it's like it's own country with various climates and endless examples of natural beauty. From mountains to the ocean I want to explore this state in all its glory. I have a feeling I am being pulled to the North of this state....

Pacific Coast Road Trip

I finally completed the road trip from Northern California to Los Angeles and it was life changing. Once we came over the Golden Gate bridge and caught Highway 1 to the ocean coastline I knew instantly that I wanted to live in California. I truly feel I belong in vast open spaces and under big skies. I never knew that the coast line of California could be so breath taking. The Big Sur (a 90 miles stretch of rugged ocean coastline) was a fantastic example of God's handy work. Every corner provided a different breathtaking view of the Pacific Ocean and mountain terrain. I never felt so free and happy to see this untouched incredible space shared with my best friend.

Before I left Mt Shasta I met an amazing guy - typical that I was there for almost two months and only met him the week before I left. He is been real breath of fresh air within this journey and we have remained in touch with an open mind about seeing each other again in these uncertain times. I believe meeting him, like this adventure, has happened for a reason...

I am now in Santa Monica leaving for Long Beach to stay with my British girlfriend with a view to finding work and saving for the next chapter. I believe I know in my heart that I want to live in California and that I am not ready to return to England. I hope to gather the funds to see my family over the Christmas period but have to remain practical about the finical implication of that trip and returning back to the USA.