Most people expected the winters in New England to be the thing that caused the most culture-shock to two people from San Diego. And to be sure, having to clear snow off your car in the morning is a chore I was not used to doing. But honestly the winters can be kind of great. The snow is beautiful and makes things quiet because it's such a sound insulator. It's cold sure, but you bundle up and you're ok.
In reality, the summers are far harder to acclimate to. It doesn't get this hot in San Diego, and when it does, it doesn't stay this hot for long. But really the humidity is what makes summer here far worse. When it's 85 degrees in San Diego you can sit in the shade and feel fine because the air is dry. San Diego is, along with all of Souther California, no more than a well-irrigated dessert. But here the high humidity means that no matter if you are in the shade or direct sun, you're going to be hot. It means that your sweat doesn't evaporate and cool you down. It means that your towels don't dry out and get mildewy. And this part is especially crappy because you want to take four or five cold showers a day to cool down. Plus you get so sticky and gross. So you actually have to do more laundry in the summer because you're constantly changing clothes and washing gross towels.
I thought when I came here that I would miss San Diego the most in the winters. Nope. This time of year I am supposed to be surfing every day. Having a burrito for lunch. And then taking a nap in a hammock. Around here: no waves, no burritos, no back yard hammock. I love it here, but things are different.
