Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Southern California: 2 to 1

When I first arrived in California, I wasn’t all that impressed. However, I’ve come to appreciate many things about Southern California. If you take out the traffic and the cultural obsession with all that is artificial…relationally and physically…it is actually a great place. Thus, California receives a “Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Southern California” spot on my blog.

#1: My friends. I have a great group of friends that forgive me for my transient lifestyle, maximize on the time I do have when I'm around, and encourage me on as I begin my next adventure.


#2: My international students: Where can my love for Karaoke and Dance Dance Revolution thrive...among the international student population! I love teaching, but more than that, I love what they give back to me in cultural understanding.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Southern California: 5 to 3

#3: My ELI friends. The above picture is of Liz and Zack, who used to teach in Hanoi. Southern California has become the home of others who taught with ELI in Vietnam and China, such as Peter, Amy, Jack, Jason, Lisa, Jamaica, and Brian...with our honarary guest, Mike.
#4: Our weekly coffee nights. When I first came to CA last year, a time was set to meet friends for coffee each week. We began meeting at a coffee shop in between LA and Orange County so that my friends from Pasadena and Azusa could meet up with the rest of us from Orange County. It was a source of community and I missed it when I went back to Vietnam. During these few weeks that I have been here, the tradition has been re-established and so I have been refreshed by their friendship.
#5: Diversity. With my love of Asia and South America, Southern California is a great blend of both.

Top Ten Reasons Why I Love Southern California: 10 to 6

#6: Co-workers at Hope. I have a great sense of community with my friends at work. I’ve missed them and it has been so good to catch up. They continue to be a great encouragement.
#7: Farmer’s Markets and Fruit Trees. When you can just pick fresh oranges and lemons off of your tree, it makes life seem so much simpler.
#8: Granny’s Beach House in Laguna. Lisa’s grandma has a beach house that we frequented when I lived here and are presently taking advantage of. There is nothing like falling asleep to the sound of waves and being able to step off your porch and walk along the beach.
#9: The Outdoor Activities. You have the beach to the west and the mountains to the east. I’ll never forget the time I went kayaking with Lisa, Josh, and Katie near Newport Beach. Good times were had by all…it was a time to show off my biceps...as intimidating as they are.

#10: The Weather. You got to love being able to eat lunch outside on a January day, soaking up the sun and enjoying 80 degree weather.

My two weeks in Colorado have been busy…or rather, full. I differentiate between busy and full because though these weeks have been packed with seeing family and friends, I’m not leaving drained but filled. Alfred Tennyson said, “I am a part of all that I have met.” My family, friends, students, and even the people that have come into my life for a brief period of time, continue to shape who I am and expand my outlook on the world.

On a less serious note…below are some pictures of family and friends. Some probably need explanations, but I’ll just let you use your imaginations.