Pros And Cons, Driving Edition:

Here is where I will document some of the vast differences that I have encountered in my new "SoCal" life versus my experiences growing up in Georgia. Today's topic? Driving.

[Photo of my cross-country drive whilst moving.] 

Pros:

There are these things that I have deemed as "rich people lanes" (they are technically called "FastTrak") in which you pay a few dollars on select highways to wave at those stuck in traffic as you pass them at a more adequate speed in two lanes inaccessible to the rest of the road.

Semi-trucks must adhere to a maximum 55 mph speed limit, regardless of the posted limits for passenger vehicles. Also, they are required to stay in the two right lanes on big freeways. This means that you won't get boxed between two 18-wheelers whizzing passed you at 85 mph in the pouring rain, and for this I love you, California.

Cons:

There is no inclination whatsoever for most people that slower cars are to stay to the right. You can be cruising along and suddenly there is a white sedan going 60 in the far left lane. Attention Californians, this is not okay!

I cannot count the number of times that I have seen cars that clearly have one passenger driving in the HOV lanes! To me this is just wrong. Sure, it is an easy way to avoid traffic and you're less than likely to get caught, but what makes you so entitled to the luxury over everyone else that is commuting? My conscience just won't let me do it.

Prius drivers in general are atrocious.

General Observation:

I was quickly corrected when I moved that freeways are not to be called "I-605" or "the Interstate" or "Highway 60". No, here they are just "the 55" or "the 215", regardless of their specific classification of road. This was strange to me, but it was a rather quick adjustment to make to sound more like a local.