I know its been ages, but I can't seem to find the desire to write in this blog, which frankly, needs a life.... and some spice. I have found more joy writing in my actual journal than at a computer...when I get the chance. I am leaving New York tomorrow (today) at 3pm, and I sort of feel ok about heading back to Minnesota to do my taxes, pack, and think about where to live/ work after Ireland.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed each coast for its special traits.
Things I noticed about San Francisco:
1. The food is amazing (and fairly cheap), and there is SO much variety.
2. The lesbians were a little intimidating as a traveler walking into a bar alone. My new possible endeavor: become a bartender.
3. The views are incredible, and sometimes you meet cool people while hiking.
4. The people in SF all spoke of this "magnetic vibe" the city held. It was beautiful listening to them speak about it, and their passion for their home. Some even said they moved from NY to be in SF.
5. A lot of dogs, which I don't mind, its fun petting a strangers dog.
6. Even though the people were not necessarily as open as Minnesotans, once they opened, it was a good sign you were going to stick around in their lives.
7. The public transit kind of sucks, its useful, but only between the hours of 6am-12: 30am. And good luck getting to the airport before 8am on a Sunday. There is a reason for all the cabs.
8. Walking the entire city in a day is TOTALLY possible, and you will feel it the next day in your shins and butt.
9. Even though it gets chilly, it’s sort of comforting. And you can always walk into a cute used bookstore.
10. Coffee and scones: you can find a coffee shop anywhere and sit for hours watching people, and writing. I wrote more in my journal while in SF than I have in MONTHS. Which I find vital.
New York:
1. The food is good, a bit too fancy, and a bit more expensive than SF. I recommend an authentic oven roasted pizza.
2. Never met any lesbians, because, well, that’s just the way it works sometimes. All of my sister’s friends were rad though...
3. The views seem quite limited, but a peek behind some buildings promise beautiful views of the bridges jutting into the sky.
4. Everyone that I met that is living in NY said they used to live in SF but then moved to NY. Don't ask -don’t know. The people are straightforward and say it like it is, but they are also incredibly helpful when lost.
5. Not too many dogs, but a lot of stray cats. I guess the apartments are smaller here in the big city
6. Living in the city can be tough and overwhelming, but survival is key. Finding a job is important- and don't be afraid to stretch the truth, LEARNING as you go is a large part of making the dough you need. A lot of people won't necessarily question your claimed traits, as long as you work...and show up.
7. The public transit is AMAZING... you can catch a subway virtually every 5-10 minutes, and twice an hour between 11:30-5am. Or something like that. I recommend buying a week pass when visiting, because you will get on a train going in the wrong direction, but will know one stop later because they announce stops and they are visible on the walls upon arrival.
8.Walking the entire city in a day is IMPOSSIBLE. A plan must be had when visiting for any given amount of time, otherwise NOTHING will get accomplished because each district is HUGE. (Brooklyn, Queens, Manhattan, etc)
9. The chilliness is not too comforting, because it’s wet and pretty stinky.
10. Getting a coffee to go is pretty typical, don't expect to find a place to sit indoors and chill.
Overall I feel pretty good about San Francisco more so than NY. It's a little too anxious for my already anxious soul. But who knows where the world will guide us. Ireland is fast approaching, and I cannot WAIT. I have grown a bit melancholy about how to live life post-graduation; I guess I just thought I would be a little kid forever. All of these worries are just fabricated into my brain, but I can't help them sometimes because they feel so real. I really just want to do everything, and maybe find a cool friend who will realize that its cool to travel and live and eat together... because sometimes, it just gets damn lonely.
My next endeavor: staple down some places in Ireland to FARM (since the woman I was supposed to stay with hasn't returned my e-mail... perhaps another is in store) and couch surf. The one thing I am most looking forward to is the dreamlike views, stories, and maybe a little Irish jig.
My last thought that I will leave with is what my sister just told me: "Leave when things feel soft. Because you can always go back." I don’t know. Maybe?
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