Other California: Sacramento and national parks

What is the first thing you think of when you hear the word: "California"? The answer is as plain as the day - ocean, golden sand, palm trees, wind in the hair, relaxed and smiling people. But, it's not that simple, California is not just fun by the beach. It is much more interesting than just bright leaflets made for tourists.

If you want to get acquainted with "Other California", it's better to start with the capital - Sacramento. Sacramento is the oldest city in California, which is, unfairly, overshadowed by more popular cities. In Spanish Sacramento means "mystery". Strolling along the old city, you find out that this mystery is hidden deep in the history. A perfect place with the atmosphere of romantic and wild West. Everything here - houses, streets, wooden sidewalks - looks like the decoration of the western. There are cowboys and sheriffs, Indians and gangsters, Buffalo Bill, gold rush, taverns and saloons. Other than that, the city is pretty nice and quiet. It's a good place to relax and take a breath before big and important trip to the national parks.

Speaking of the national parks, it's necessary to say that the word "park" shouldn't misinform you. These are not small pieces of land, filled with trees and surrounded by a fence. These are truly massive natural reservations.

One of the most famous, that must be seen the first are Sequoia and Yosemite. The incorporated harmony of the nature and the human with untouched wild beauty being preserved by the effort of many people. This harmony probably is essential in relationships between human being and the world around him.

In this book you will also learn about other unique nature places of California, such as Lake Tahoe and the legendary Death Valley.