San Francisco Static: Lost in the Fog and the Feels
okay, so, i’m pretty sure i’m running on caffeine and regret. 5323121 and 1840021632 - don’t ask. it’s a thing. the pressure was 1020, humidity was clinging to me like a damp wool sweater, and honestly, it felt like the city itself was breathing down my neck. it’s 90% humidity, which is…there right now, hope you like that kind of thing. i just checked and it’s drizzling, but not like a gentle, romantic drizzle. more like a persistent, judgmental drizzle.
I landed in San Francisco yesterday, and it’s…a lot. Like, a really a lot. It’s not the postcard stuff, you know? It’s the grit, the weirdness, the constant feeling that you’re slightly out of sync with everyone else. I’m staying in a place that smells vaguely of sourdough and desperation - it’s near North Beach, which is…well, it’s North Beach. Lots of Italian restaurants, lots of arguments about baseball, and a surprising number of pigeons.
I spent the morning wandering around Fisherman’s Wharf, dodging selfie sticks and trying to avoid eye contact with the sea lions. Someone told me that the best clam chowder is at Boudin Bakery, but I’m skeptical. I heard that…it’s mostly just bread and broth. I’m going to investigate, though. Gotta keep the blog alive, right?
I stumbled across a street artist painting murals in the Mission District. He was using this crazy technique with stencils and spray paint - it looked intense. He said, and I quote, ‘The city’s a canvas, man. You gotta leave your mark.’ Deep, right? I bought a tiny, slightly crooked print of one of his pieces. It’s going straight to my mom.
Speaking of the Mission, the food scene is insane. I grabbed some tacos from a little place called La Taqueria - seriously, the best tacos I’ve had in ages. Yelp gave it 4.5 stars, which is basically a rave review in this town. I also found this amazing little coffee shop, Ritual Coffee, that’s obsessed with single-origin beans. They take their coffee very seriously. Like, bordering on religious.
I’m trying to keep a list of essentials, but it’s proving difficult. Here’s what I’ve got so far:
Rain jacket: Obviously. San Francisco rain is not a gentle sprinkle. It’s a full-on assault.
*Comfortable shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
*Portable charger: Because you’ll be taking a million photos.
*A healthy dose of cynicism: Seriously, it’s helpful.
*A willingness to get lost:* That’s where the good stuff happens.
I met a guy named Leo at a bar last night. He’s a session drummer - plays with a bunch of bands around here. He was telling me about this gig he’s doing at a dive bar in the Haight-Ashbury. Apparently, it’s legendary. I’m thinking about checking it out.
Someone also mentioned that the best views are from Twin Peaks, but it’s perpetually shrouded in fog. It’s like the city’s actively trying to hide itself. I’m not sure I’m up for that challenge.
If you get bored, Oakland is just a short drive away. It’s…different. More artsy, less frantic. I’m planning a day trip.
I’m starting to feel like I’m just a tiny speck in this massive, chaotic city. But that’s kind of the point, isn’t it? To get lost, to discover, to feel something. I’m heading to Golden Gate Park now - hoping to find a patch of sunshine and maybe a decent cup of coffee.
I heard that the Japanese Tea Garden is beautiful, but it’s always crowded. Maybe I’ll skip it. Or maybe I won’t. Decisions, decisions.
Seriously, if you’re planning a trip, check out TripAdvisor for some more ideas. And don’t be afraid to wander off the beaten path. You never know what you’ll find.
And if you’re looking for a good place to eat, Yelp is your friend.
Okay, I’m officially out of energy. Time for another coffee. And maybe a nap. Or three.