Culture shock - moving to Oregon...

I lived in Southern California my entire life. When my fiancee got into school in Oregon, we were both really excited for a change in scenery. Two years ago we packed up our things and moved to the Pacific Northwest, and have not looked back since.

Things are VERY different in Oregon. Things that are normally taboo in CA are normal in OR. For example, if you tried to talk to a stranger in CA, whether in the store or on the bus, you'd get the stink eye and silence. In OR, people will start up conversations with strangers all the time and divulge their deep secrets. Nothing seems to be TMI or inappropriate here. I had an old lady start telling me all about her sad life while I was waiting in line at the pharmacy. Being a Californian it was very awkward for me. There is an overabundance of friendliness here!