Mind Mapping at a Price

Tootling around the San Francisco Bay Area after a three year absence is like filling in the grey areas in a giant map. I kind of sort of remember how to get places in the big picture but the little details need completing. Nicole has been nice enough to let me use her car. Unfortunately it is a gas guzzler and my mind mapping exercise is a bit pricey.

So far I've made it to Oakland, Berkeley, South San Francisco and all over the City of San Francisco. The only landmark of note that I've not yet seen - the Golden Gate Bridge. Kind of hard to miss but I know those golden gates are waiting for me.

Getting Into Pace with the City's Dog Patch

Living in London it took me a while to match the pace of that city. I would say it is a fast moving place where you had better figure out where you're going and how you're going to get there on your own. There is with little interaction between people and on public transit you certainly don't make eye contact or polite chatter.

San Francisco, on the other hand, is a city that is easy to get into sync with quite quickly. Yes, the public transit is somewhat confusing but your fellow travellers are generally happy to help you out and give you recommendations for good sites to see along the way to your destination. Plus, they'll keep chatting with you even after you have figured out where you want to go and how to get there.

I've enjoyed my four days back in San Francisco and familiarizing myself with this friendly banter on public transit, meandering along sidewalks and general sun/surf gazing that happens along the Embarcadero. You really feel that Life is Good here in SF.

I'm temporarily staying with my generous friend Nicole in her house out in an area called Dog Patch or Potrero Hill and possibly classifiable as Mission Bay. Ah yes, the beauty of naming San Francisco neighborhoods. Geographically it is close to South San Francisco and is an industrial area with lots of lofts, warehouses and public transit storage facilities. Nicole managed to buy one of the beautiful old Victorians that dot the city. The foundation of hers is from the 1800s. Inside it is fitted out with all kinds of modern features. It is really a little slice of heaven.

Maps from the website Dogpotch.

Back in San Francisco

Arrived in San Francisco last night at sunset. Honestly, it is surreal to be back. I was welcomed by the fog that gallops over the hills above Pacifica like horses parading into South San Francisco.

Here's my very simple plan...

First step - get an income
Second step - Decide on living in San Francisco or the East Bay
Third step - Find an apartment

Pre-First Step - Stay calm

Starting the process by reconnecting with friends and cousins.