This coming weekend, if all goes well, I'll be in San Francisco. Yeay!
I've never been out to California in my life...or any further west than NM.
A few months ago Michael had mentioned going, with his friends one of whom is a doctor. She's going to some big convention, so her husband invited Michael and a few others, and Michael invited me. I've long wanted to visit out there, but never have had the courage to go alone. I know, I know, but I'm lame like that. I can't help it.
Anyway, it's not really convenient in any sense of the word, but after my near death experience a few weeks ago, I'm determined to do some things I've never done before, goddammit.
Anyway, it's not really convenient in any sense of the word, but after my near death experience a few weeks ago, I'm determined to do some things I've never done before, goddammit.
That sounds more melodramatic than it should, but it's still kind of true.
Anyway, I'm trying not to think about the flight (part of which will be by small plane) and focus on the good parts.
I have a real tendency to work myself into a panic. I'm not that comfortable with flying to begin with. I'm one of the few people who have personally known at least two people who died in fiery airplane crashes. I mean really, what are the odds?
Michael called a few days ago, letting me know about the group's itinerary and asking what I'd like to do. Unfortunately, we'll only be in SF for two days, barely enough time for anything.
Unlike NY, which was fraught with decades worth of pop cultural importance put upon it by me, I don't have much of a connection or knowledge of SF.
Anyway, I'm trying not to think about the flight (part of which will be by small plane) and focus on the good parts.
I have a real tendency to work myself into a panic. I'm not that comfortable with flying to begin with. I'm one of the few people who have personally known at least two people who died in fiery airplane crashes. I mean really, what are the odds?
Michael called a few days ago, letting me know about the group's itinerary and asking what I'd like to do. Unfortunately, we'll only be in SF for two days, barely enough time for anything.
Unlike NY, which was fraught with decades worth of pop cultural importance put upon it by me, I don't have much of a connection or knowledge of SF.
What do I know? hmmmm....well, the hippies and beatniks of course...
but I was told that the Haight Ashbury area is "like Bourbon St." now, so to "avoid" it....
oh, and Chinatown....and oh, and that bridge thing up there.
oh, and Chinatown....and oh, and that bridge thing up there.
But that's pretty much all.
Actually not having much to want to see is kind of nice. It frees things up. I like not having a plan...at least in theory.
Michael's put me on the task of finding some place where we can hear vintage disco...a task I have been negligent in. I need to get crackin on that.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to figure out what to wear. I'm woefully unprepared for such a trip. I'm thinking a fedora and a cape.
Michael's put me on the task of finding some place where we can hear vintage disco...a task I have been negligent in. I need to get crackin on that.
Meanwhile, I'm trying to figure out what to wear. I'm woefully unprepared for such a trip. I'm thinking a fedora and a cape.
My only certain plan is to recreate the "Phyllis" opening montage as best I can.
18 comments:
For vintage disco - and not the overplayed shit, but some stuff that never made it from vinyl to CD - check out DJ Bus Station John..
"His grooves are rarer than rare (he won't play a track if he thinks you can buy it), and his sound combines yellow brick road-era gay bathhouse classics and early New York downtown-scene electro with disco tracks from Pluto (or a storage space in Berlin)..."
http://www.auntcharlieslounge.com/html/tubsteak.htm
He spins at a Tenderloin dump called Aunt Charlie's on Thursdays (sketch neighborhood; keep your eyes open) and can often be found elsewhere around town on the weekends. Fun.
Have a good time.
Ooh...thank you, anonymous.
I actually had read about this (the thursday night thing)...for which will won't be around. I didn't know he might be around on the weekend however. I must investigate further.
I'm on it.
Evenings in SF can be chilly and breezy. I think you'll love it (it's my ideal climate!) but at the very least you'll need a sweater and maybe a jacket. Think: "December/January in New Orleans."
It's a gorgeous city....have a wonderful trip!
I only hope that in your journey back you will have to be standing in the air plane (if that is your sort of thing...)
Do you know we have the exact same bridge in Lisbon?
i think you're spot on with the "phyllis" outfit.
take video.
YES YES YES! get here NOW
You're in Peenee's good hands.
Trust in Peenee.
O M G! You'll have a blast. Even if the trip is short it's good to mix up one's scenery/experiences. Wow! Definitely take it all in as much as possible. Have fun! YOU deserve it.
And for Christ's sake: surely you can score a Xanax from friends for the flights?
I went a couple of years ago -- with the in-laws. When hubby and I broke off on our own for a few precious hours, we just walked the streets and looked at the architecture. Did eat at some fantastic restaurants -- Street and Luella. Hopefully they are still there.
It's a fantastic city. You can't go wrong.
Take a good book for the flight and just spend the money for a beverage or two. Or go the Xanax way.
How exciting for you. Must meet Peenee. I was there once in 1983 with my parents and wanted to run away and live there. I have xanax if you need it and be sure to wear a flower in your hair…
"Ding, ding, ding goes the trolley"! And Fisherman's Wharf. No Cape Fear.
OMG!!! Miss J SO wishes she was in SF to meet you Jason. Have a great time.
Have fun! You'll love it...and it is chilly, so pack a jacket.
Try to check out Gump's...retail heaven!
So glad to have you grace our fair city! The culture's not that dissimilar to New Orleans. Despite the usual weather, it's actually been quite warm this week. (Although warm for us is 75.) If you're staying downtown, The House Of Prime Rib is always a hoot for dinner & (strong) drinks: think 1963. Also, happy hour at the Fairmont's tiki lounge, the Tonga Room, is a must. A vintage tiki bar replete with indoor rainstorms. (If you get drunk enough you can pay the extra $8 to stay & see the house band float out on pontoons over the chlorinated lagoon.) For beat culture most folks hit up City Lights, Lawrence Ferlenghetti's bookstore, or Vesuvius, the bar next door, which is great if you sit upstairs you can observe the cumming & goings of the Broadway strip club clientele. (I recommend the lesser known Specks across the street. (Free cheese & crackers & characters.) Also, I second the notion of visiting Aunt Charlie's, even if it's a slow night, the bartender, Barry, will steer you in the right direction.
Have a complete and utter blast!!!! Just going to Castro Street and walking around is wonderful. It's one of my favorite places in the whole world: Look for the picture of Harvey Milk painted on the building where he lived; go to Cliff's Variety (where I used to work) and be the millionth guy to ask knowingly where you can find screws and nuts; go to All American Boy and buy an All American Boy sweatshirt; have a drink at one of the many bars and boy watch.
I'm so excited for you! I only wish it were LA instead so that we could meet.
Have a blast darlin', and go ahead, leave your heart.
If I were going to SF for just a quick weekend I wouldn't over schedule. Let the city lead you around.
That being said, I have really enjoyed walking to Coit Tower and climbing to the top for a city view.
And my favorite place in the world to get tiramisu in in San Francisco. Caffe Greco at 423 Columbus Ave. It's right there where Little Italy and Chinatown converge.
It's good to bust out of your shell. Have fun!
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