What I Miss About California
Hey there, lovely readers! Jess Pye here, and today I’m feeling a little nostalgic, with a sprinkle of lime zest to keep things fresh and tangy. You know that saying, “You don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone”? Joanie Mitchell sang it, and it’s been swirling around my mind lately. It’s hard to believe, but I’ve been living outside of California for nearly a decade now. And let me tell you, there’s a piece of my heart that still longs for those golden shores. California feels like a distant relative, a beloved aunt or cousin I haven’t seen in years, but whose memory is as vibrant as ever.
The Taste of Home: California’s Food Culture
First on my list of things I miss is something that resonates deeply with me—the food culture. In Los Angeles, you can quite literally travel the world through your stomach. Imagine biting into a warm, freshly made taco, the kind where the tortilla is just the right amount of crispy on the edges, and the flavors burst in your mouth like sunshine. That’s authentic Mexican food for you.
Or picture yourself savoring a Salvadorian pupusa, filled with gooey cheese and perfectly seasoned meat, each bite a comforting hug from home. You can sit down to a plate of Caribbean stewed chicken, with rice and peas that transport you straight to the islands, the aroma alone enough to make you feel like you’re basking in the warm Caribbean sun.
And let’s not forget the masala of your dreams—rich, spicy, and so full of flavor it dances on your taste buds. From soul food with fish fry and BBQ that feels like a family reunion in your mouth, to the complex, yet comforting flavors of Korean BBQ, California’s culinary diversity is unmatched.
Here’s my lime-flavored advice: skip the chain restaurants. Instead, wander the vibrant neighborhoods of Los Angeles, where every corner seems to support your taste buds’ wildest desires. Want Ethiopian food? Stroll down Fairfax District’s Little Ethiopia. Craving the best Korean BBQ? Head to K-Town. Trust me, your taste buds will be singing your praises.
The Ocean’s Embrace: California’s Beaches
Next on my list is the ocean, that vast, shimmering expanse of blue that I never truly appreciated until I moved away. I’m definitely a sandy-foot, salty-hair kind of chick. There’s something about the Pacific Ocean that feels like a warm ( even though the water is actually mostly cold; native Californians understand), loving embrace. When life gets hectic, there’s no better remedy than the sound of waves crashing against the shore and the feeling of sand between your toes.
Imagine yourself sitting on a blanket, a picnic spread out before you, the sun kissing your skin as you breathe in the salty air. But beware of those sneaky seagulls—they’re like the lemon to our lime, always trying to steal a bite of your food when you’re not looking!
My favorite beaches? Oh, I could go on and on. There’s the serene beauty of the Palisades, where the cliffs meet the ocean in a breathtaking display of nature’s artistry. Dockweiler Beach, one of a few left that has fire pits; sign me up for evening time s'mores. And then there’s Oceanside in San Diego, where the vibe is chill, the sand is soft, and the sunsets are nothing short of spectacular.
The Nostalgic Ride: The Big Blue Bus
Last, but certainly not least, I miss the Big Blue Bus in Santa Monica. It might seem like a strange thing to miss, but for me, it’s a symbol of freedom and adventure. As a teen, I’d hop on that bus with my friends, no cell phones in hand, just a map in our minds of all the places we wanted to explore. My parents had to trust I’d be okay, and I had to trust myself to get home on time. Those bus rides were a rite of passage, a taste of independence that I’ll never forget.
We’d ride all around town, from the Santa Monica Pier to the movie theaters, each stop a new adventure waiting to unfold. And as an adult, those rides down Pico Blvd with my kids were just as special. We’d go to the beach, the Promenade, and all the little spots that made Santa Monica feel like home.
Longing for a Reunion
So, there you have it—my top three things I miss most about California: the incredible food culture, the soothing beaches, and the nostalgic rides on the Big Blue Bus. Each one is like a slice of lime, adding a little zing to the memories that make California feel like a distant relative I’m longing to see again.
Now, I want to hear from you! Do you live in the same city you grew up in? What are the top three things you miss about your hometown? And if you’ve never left, what do you love most about where you live? Let’s reminisce together in the comments below.
If you want to hear why I moved, click any picture to link to my podcast. Until next time, keep living your one happy lime life—tart, sweet, and full of zest!
With love and limes,
Jess Pye 🌿🍋
