San Francisco, I think I love you........

I always like arriving in San Francisco. I flew in from New York. The flight was enjoyable, partly because I was sat next to a very nice bloke. Although his life is very different to mine.....it also had bizarre similarities (Although we are ethnically dissimilar, we were born on the same continent [Africa]; we had almost been educated in the same college from age sixteen to eighteen [In a small town near Cardiff, Wales, UK and, almost because I didn't pass the assessment to be eligible for the grant.]). He had some work to do, and I didn't want to distract him from that, but he sometimes seemed happy to chat. Good guy. Lucky guy, he lived in the bay area...

I have only been to San Francisco twice previously to this trip. The first time was only a few years ago, when I was on a road trip from LA to San Fran. (Yes, I know: it was imaginitive). And then a few weeks ago (See my previous blog "The profound importance of kindness and courtesy). After the wonder (and stress) of New York, and a mildy annoying social scenario (the aftermath of which was resolved in San Fran. over facebook chat). It was a pleasure to be in a town that I find less stressful.

So a good flight, easy pick up of my luggage, then an easy ride to a pleasant youth hostel on the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) underground train. I was glad to be in a youth hostel where I had stayed before and felt comfortable.

First the inevitable (cursed?) checking of email etc., then off for a pint in my favourite San Fran. music bar, located nearby. Before I went I had to retrieve my "trademark" blazer which I had foolishly left in the lounge of the youth hostel. In doing this, as seems to have happened a few times my own gormlessness worked to my advantage: I got chatting to my dear and new friend Morag McTavish. Even better...off to the pub with a friend.

Why do I love San. Fran.? Well the people always seem friendly and helpful. I love the fact that it is hilly. San Fran has at least three dimensions (I currently do not have time for any philosophical discussion about any fourth dimension, that might exist?). It has a wide variety of districts, all with their own cheeky and charming characteristics. It is near the sea (so you can go to the beach and swim) which means there is a fresh breeze here. It is culturally rich, there are art galleries, bars with live music, and even good live music on the streets everywhere. I love travelling around - and hanging off the side - on the traditional trams (the locals call them cable cars, because they are pulled along on cables, within the tracks). You can cross the beautiful Golden Gate Bridge and you're into the fabulous Marin mountains. I love walking around the Marina near Fisherman's wharf, and then going for a Clam Chowder. San Fran. is wonderful.

I have heard it said that it is better to travel hopefully that to arrive...........Not so with San Fran. It is better to arrive in San Francisco, than to travel hopefully.

If you have never been here in San. Fran. before; you must. Save those pennies and come.....!