North by South-ish

I've spent just under a total of three years of my life living in California. Three years,m and until Rogue, I'd never gotten south of the Bay area.

That was Northern California. Fresno is no longer north. What's the difference?

Northern California sprawls. Places are ramshackle. People actually wear beanies, neck scarves and rive VW buses I went to a coffee shop earlier this week which comprised of a shack where the barrister stayed, and a compound of outdoor shade with chairs under it. Dogs and art sprawled haphazardly around. Everything non-permanent, because it didn't have to be. You could live in a yurt in northern California and people wouldn't blink.

I've now never been south of Fresno, but everything is much more permanent here. Buildings are just as unheadad and sitting on the earth, but they're made of stone, not camping materials. Roads cut through the area instead of winding through nature. While northern California has art popping out of every conceivable nook, the are of Fresno feels more planned, less eclectic.

Both have good coffee Both have good beer (allegedly) both have restaurants named after the Sequoia that serves a decent burger. Santa Rosa is home to Tom Beland, one of my favorite comics creators. Fresno is home to what has quickly become my favorite fringe festival.

The biggest difference to me is one of the locals' attitudes. Fresno-ans dislike their home city, for reasons that visitors can't understand. Meanwhile, it's more expensive to rent in Northern California than it is in Toronto due to all the silicon valley workers moving up there.

This morning, I had a choice. Face literally 100 miles of rush-hour traffic, or take the scenic route through stunningly beautiful hills and water. Next time, Golden Gate. Next time.

As for me, if i return to rogue, I will have to make a tour out of it. Perhaps then i can see south of Fresno, and the magnificence that awaits.

Waffles!