Living in the Desert

After having lived in Palm Desert for four weeks, I've created a list of desert characteristics:

You know you're in the desert when...

* People have perpetually tanned skin
* The majority of street names include the word "desert" or "palm," or are desert/western-themed (ex: "Oasis Street," "Covered Wagon Trail," "Westward Ho Drive")
* Restaurants always have little mister things running to cool and attract passer-bys
* There are date festivals
* There's a pool/golf course around every corner
* Your city hall is made of adobe
* Cacti grow in conspicuous places
* There is a "Caution: Blowing Sand" sign on the freeway on-ramp

Despite the quirkiness of this area, we've become rather fond of it. It has all the conveniences of a big city while maintaining a small-town feel. It is also really clean and pretty around here, with a surprising amount of greenery (not naturally-occurring, of course, but pretty). It's a resort town to which people come in the winter, so there are a lot of interesting shops and restaurants. Anyway, now that I've sold you on Palm Desert, come and pay us a visit!