So I’ve gone and got myself a job. In California.
I recently made a trip down to the Bay Area to check things out, and see if I couldn’t find a place to live while I’m down there. During most of the week I spent there I didn’t have a car, so I got around by public transit. People told me that I was crazy, but I already knew that.
Between BART and Caltrain the service itself didn’t seem too bad, but signage was occasionally a problem. When there’s no indication at track level as to which direction the train will be going, things can be confusing. Millbrae Caltrain platform 5, I’m talking about you! On my first day, shortly after figuring out that the train headed south to San Jose, a backpacker who had been walking up and down the platform since before I arrived asked me which way the train went, and he was then asked the same question only a few moments later…
On a brighter note, cars seem to stop for pedestrians almost without fail, to the point that people will pretty much slam on their brakes if they see you waiting at a crosswalk. Contrast this to Markham, where you’re lucky if drivers even notice you, nevermind actually stopping.
It was pretty warm there, but according to my new boss you can get by without AC if you’re only at home in the evenings. This is something I have a hard time believing, given the temperatures I saw during my trip, but we shall see. I came away with a few leads for apartments, although given I can’t really go down there until the University gives me my diploma, I’m still a way off actually moving.