In a career that has allowed me to travel and spend time in many parts of the world, I consider myself blessed to live in California. There’s no place like home – when home is in the mild Mediterranean climate of the “Tuscany” of Northern California
Don’t get me wrong – there are great places all over the world. I’ve met great people from Portugal, the UK, China and Japan. I’ve enjoyed the hospitality and foods from many varied areas. But here is the “but” - California has it all – wine, ocean, great climate, great food and the ability to participate in a variety of outdoor activities.
With few exceptions – I can tell you what months it will rain, and if snow isn’t your thing, or you are just tired of the long winter months of the east coast – California is the place. And if you do like winter sports – then a short drive to the Sierras will give you all the access you crave. During the summer months, humidity is low and you can enjoy eating out in your back yard without the need for a screened outdoor area – we have few bugs – no need for repellent.
I live in Sebastopol, California, a town with a population of 7,900 in the heart of Sonoma County’s wine country, 52 miles north of San Francisco and a short 30 minute drive to the Napa Valley. As I write this – it’s mid October and the weather today is in the 70s. The vineyards are starting to take on the fall colors that New England is famous for but the vineyard foliage is at a height that’s at eye level. It’s easy to feel engulfed in the miles of rolling hills that seem to go on forever. Deep oranges and with shades of red that blankets the landscape.
Sebastopol doesn’t lack in outdoor festivals going on late into Autumn and starting again in early Spring from the Celtic Festival, Cajun Festival, Shakespeare in the Park and then for a change of pace there’s our Documentary Film Festival.
In May of 2012, my wife and I will be on a European River cruise, and I’m sure we will have an enjoyable time, but I know that as the trip winds down, we will both be looking forward to getting home.
