Today we took residence of our really-good-deal San Francisco rental. This places me back in my home town for the first time since August, 1979, when I took off for New York City to begin my junior year in college, following two years in which I saved up money by working as a records clerk at San Francisco’s “Juvy.”
I don’t know whether we will be in San Francisco in five years. Or four, or two. We will definitely be in California, because I’m never leaving. But the housing market may eventually nudge us into the East Bay, particularly if we end up buying again in the area. (A wise woman–Sandy, actually–said of our relocation back to the Bay Area, “This will not be our last move.” With that, we redoubled efforts to Toss Stuff.)
So the question becomes, how much fun can we have in San Francisco in our first year back in the Golden State? How can we squeeze every bit of joy from the experience?
We are going to plan a year (to immediately answer that question) where every week we do something special.
Some weeks it may be something as simple as rediscovering the Alemany farmers’ market. Yes, the Ferry Market is lovely and fun, but the Alemany market is sincere and full of good value.
Other weeks it may be doing those touristy things not yet crossed off our lists: Alcatraz. Angel Island. Or even some we’ve done before, like having tea in the Japanese Tea Garden and walking over those teensy bridges.
Then there are city walking tours. I love these (Sandy, not so much); it’s my favorite tourism activity (well, next to eating).
How many years has it been since I walked across the Golden Gate Bridge? Have we ever chased a kite on Crissy Field? And the film festival awaits us.
Or the special event of the week may be as simple as driving to Ocean Beach and sitting in the car with hot tea, watching the waves crashing. Or spending a day riding every streetcar line from start to finish. Or visiting the Rhododendron Dell. Or joy-riding up and down Taraval Street–oh wait, we just did that!
Our new home is on the line for the 6 Parnassus, which opens up a world of possibilities… in fact, taking the 6 for a grand tour might be an excellent way to begin.
Posted on this day, other years:
- Tiptoe through the Tech Trends - 2012
- Breaking news: the Internet is useful, people still use libraries - 2007
Beautiful post, wonderful idea. Welcome home 🙂
Thanks for the inspiring post. Couldn’t we all be explorers and celebrators of our own communities. This reminds me a bit of the wonderful children’s novel, “The Seven Wonders of Sassafras Springs.” We have “wonderfuls” all around us. Happy 2010.
My sister (a retired librarian) forwarded this post to me. Welcome back to the Bay area. Three things you should keep in mind:
First, you should know that there is no longer just one film festival in San Francisco — there are film festivals all throughout the year. January usually starts off with Noir City at the Castro and the Ocean Film Festival will be down at Pier 39.
Second, you might want to check out my arts blog (My Cultural Landscape) and subscribe. It covers local theatre, opera, film, etc.
Third, be sure to subscribe to Goldstar fro half price tickets to theatre, concerts, etc.
https://www.goldstar.com/signup
Cheers.
George Heymont
http://myculturallandscape.blogspot.com/2007/11/about-author.html
Thanks, George! I’ll keep my eyes on your blog, and I appreciate the other tips.
I took the Alcatraz tour as a Genuine Tourist about 10 years ago, and it was really, really cool. I’m not a tourist-attractions kind of gal, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Also, after just having read Lisa See’s new novel Shanghai Girls, some of which takes place at Angel Island, I’d be curious about what that is like, too. Just don’t forget to send yourselves some great postcards from the tourist places you visit!!!
Don’t wait too long to make that trip to Angel Island! My own trip (and the day spent) there, back in the early 1980s when I lived in SF myself for awhile, is one of my fondest memories of my adventures there. Congrats on the new abode, the new job, etc.
wow, is it ok if i live vicariously through you and even insert myself into an adventure or two? i returned to SF when i was 28 and really took advantage of it. i lived in The City as one should. i commend your ambition and say “bon voyage!” don’t forget walk-about shrimp cocktails at fisherman’s wharf.
Hit the Cable Car Museum if you have never been. Both a museum and history of the cable car, and the actual working cable car powerhouse, so you can see the cables in action.
We’ve disagreed, disapproved, but we both seem to be San Franciscans at heart. Your “Return…” brought me back. Grew up in S.F. in WWII. No housing so we lived in a now defunct hotel (Drake wilshire) near Union Square. I was only about 10, but no public schools in that neighborhood then. Explored in widening circles from Powell, took every Cable to its beginnings and endings, went to beach, GGate Park on the trolley on Market,climbed the Tower, marvelled at the wonderful lefty murals there. Father worked on Treasure Island Navy Base, went out there… hung out with sailors and marines waiting to be shipped to the Pacific theatre, Loved that tea house, Chinatown, all of it. To wander unchaperoned all over S.F. at 10 was and is my favorite adventure, even 60+ years later. Thanks… John B. OK back to work, you know where!! the memories are god for a drink in Boston.
I visited San Fran for my first time last November. It was an enchanting city, I wish I would have had more time to explore those other things you listed. We mainly spent the day at Universal Studios.