San Francisco, Love At First Sight

I was 12 years old when I first visited San Francisco. I immediately fell in love with its waterfront views, steep hills and charming architecture. I felt invigorated by the energy in the crisp air and for the first time I could picture myself living somewhere else besides the East Los Angeles neighborhood where I grew up.

My mom and I were in the Bay Area visiting my uncle who lived in Oakland. He took us on BART into the city. That short train ride would take us into a different world I would never forget. I thought it was freezing, compared to L.A. My mom bought me a purple hooded sweatshirt with a very 80’s looking logo on it that said San Francisco. I thought I was so cool.

We hit the usual tourist stops, but the biggest thrill had to be riding the cable car from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. Of course, I had to ride standing up, hanging from the side of the car. The hustle and bustle of Fisherman’s Wharf was so exciting. The smells of the freshly cooked crab and the sourdough bread filled the air. I felt so lucky to be there and couldn’t wait to brag to my brother and cousins back home about the wonderful things I had seen. We were waiting in line to ride the Red and White Ferry when I told my mom “I want to live here someday.” My dream eventually came true!

I’ve been living in San Francisco for over 5 years now and I still feel like I did when I was 12, seeing this great city for the first time. The older I get, the more I appreciate how lucky I am to live in one of the best places on earth.

Today I went for a walk at Crissy Field. It was a post card day, clear and breezy and buzzing with tourists. I walked all the way to Hopper's Hands at Fort Point and back to the Marina Green. I could have spent all day out there soaking up the sunshine and people watching. The dog walkers are always a sight to see, trying to control their pack of dogs as they tangle themselves with the leashes. There’s also the men fishing off the pier near the Warming Hut patiently waiting for the big catch. And then, there are the busloads of tourists speaking every language in the world, taking millions of pictures and captivated by the majesty of the Golden Gate Bridge.

Weekdays are my favorite time to stroll through that area. It’s less crowded and you can always find a spot to sit down and enjoy lunch while looking out into the bay. I go out there when I need to clear my mind and relax.

I’m not sure how much longer I’ll live in San Francisco, but my list of things to do before I leave keeps growing by the day and I’m determined to make the most of everyday while I’m here.