With San Francisco.
For the few months following my move up here at the end of May this past year, I enjoyed the city as if I were in Orientation Week of college -- of course I loved it. The public transportation was so convenient! The people so friendly - new friends, old friends, all the time! The fun in abundance! Marina, Polk Street, the Mission! The food! The views! The culture, the smells, the everything!
And then the honeymoon phase ended.
Public transportation took too long and I couldn't figure out logistics of, say, how to pick up and deliver a bed without a car. I couldn't wear heels because the hills are too steep. The incessant smells on the streets started to make my head swirl. My wallet was suffering from all the 'fun in abundance' I was having. The views compared nothing to my beautiful SoCal beaches. I missed my family. I missed my friends. I missed the sun & fresh air.
And of course, the FOG. Don't get me started on the fog.
But in this past week, I could feel the gears slowly turning, turning turning, and today, it clicked: this city ROCKS.
This morning, D & I woke up and contemplated all our weekend plans: should she go to the football game, or to Oktoberfest? Meanwhile, should I go hiking in the Redwood Forest, or should I go to yoga in the park/Farmer's Market/California Academy of Science? And then we'd meet up for a movie in the park? Really, the options were just too much to handle.
After taking a step back from our "first world problems" (but seriously), I stepped back and grinned. This is a common theme on the weekends here: not being able to decide what to do in the city, because there's so much TO do!
Though I love, love, love LA, never was there a day there when I could do as much as I did today, all via public transport, all alone - because there is no taboo here - and with an option to ditch out at any time for another activity. There is always something for someone in this city.
In that respect, SF reminds me of Las Vegas -- at the end of the day, you will always come back, no matter where you go or what you decide to do - with a story.
For example, today:
- I made friends with a random man on the bus, who didn't know where he was going, but he wanted brunch.
- A few minutes later, I went to the Farmer's Market in the Ferry Bldg, where I purchased my favorite (but oh-so-expensive) Warren Pears and Plums. They are to die for.
- After strolling around a bit, I then witnessed a man punch a girl who stole a necklace from his girlfriend. Police, chaos, etc., ensued. Huh.
- Then, I went to the Cal Academy of Sciences to meet up with some friends from LA. Admission was free for Cole Valley Residents today, so I got to see baby ostriches, a killer aquarium, and (almost hold) butterflies today. I am telling you, this place rocks.
- "Midnight in Paris" was showing in Washington Square Park this evening, so D and I packed up our blankies, a bottle of vino, and some snacks to join hundreds of other Friscans under the starry sky. The best part of watching this movie were all the other elements going on: I could see the movie, hear sirens from SFPD (mixed with the lovely Parisian soundtrack), smell weed (always), and almost taste the pizza from Tony's, my favorite pizza place in all of SF, right across the street.
- The night didn't end. We went to D's friends' place nearby, and finished off the night with great new friends, conversation, and laughs.
- To top it off, on our walk home, Dena and I saw a car pull over to the side of the road, where a girlfriend started beating up her boyfriend. This city is WILD.
- Did I mention that on Thursday, I went to the Mission with some new friends and went dancing at a North African reggae club? Too cool.
On that Thursday night, I met Chloe, who I can sense is definitely a "soul sister" and is just a totally cool chick from France. She has traveled the world, and told me that once she got to San Francisco, her need to travel subsided.
SF has it all. And I am SO glad I'm here.
(But I still don't like the fog!)
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