It is amazing to drive through a city and see the difference in landscape literally change from one block to the next.  Since moving to San Jose, this experience happens everyday, but by no means does this only happen in San Jose; it happens all over the world. 

The area that I live in is a very nice, quiet neighborhood.  Not too much goes on here.  There is a movie theater, loads of gyms, a very nice grocery store, and more.  All of these places signify the status of the neighborhood.  For instance, exercising is somewhat of a sign of wealth in this country.  If there are a lot of gyms in one area it correlates to the income of the citizens.  Now by no means is this definite or scientific it is just a generalization.

Then you take a trip down the street about a mile and life changes.  It seems run down and tired.  The difference between the two neighborhoods is literally a matter of blocks and within those blocks everything shifts.  On the other hand, if you venture on the highway for about 10 minutes you get to a very new urban area with brand new shopping malls, nicer roads, and a variety of upper class restaurants.  Then about 10 minutes further on the highway and you will run into one of the nicest areas, well depending on how you classify nice.  The roads are lined with tall trees, there are no pot holes, and the city/shopping centers are modern and new.  Here you will find some of the most expensive and posh restaurants and bars or lounges as they may be referred to.  This is the area where there is a dress code for bars and such; no shorts, flip flops, or hats, to name a few. 

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Filed under: Travel on August 17th, 2007