Welcome to the Bay

 I met my best friend in college. We’ve been through boys, big moves, and a baby. Most of our friendship has been long distance, her military husband the cause of our separation. I prayed the universe would find a way to bring us back together, though after each assignment that possibility seemed less and less likely. I moved to San Francisco 5 years ago, having lived there as a child the big city vibes along with the promise of open minded progressiveness called me back to the windy, rocky coast of the Golden State. Like everyone that moves here I went through trials and tribulations or as some might call them the rookie mistakes of a newcomer. I found my favorite restaurants, bars, and annual events. I gained new friends and played tour guide to visiting ones . Over time the changing city and its temperament have caused me to fall out of love with this city and I’ve come to take it for granted. I now have to make the conscious effort to take in my surroundings, to relish in the beauty of architecture around me, and to truly see the people I share this space with everyday. Just as I reached the point that comes in every San Franciscans’ tenure, 'should I stay or should I go?’ I began juggling the prospects between L.A. (too much driving) and New York (snow) when I received an unexpected text “ WE GOT SAN FRANCISCO!!!!”. It was my best friend. I was elated and excited. She’s family to me and she was coming to a place where I have none. Out the window went my plans to relocate and in its place I was determined to fall in love with San Francisco again. I have the opportunity to show the city to someone experiencing this excitement for the first time. “I’ve got to hand it to you, you up and moved here on you own. This is a lot. It’s kind of overwhelming.” She said to me as we sat down for a drink. We were at one of the many patio restaurants at the Ferry Building attempting to wrangle a cranky two year old whilst waiting for the next departure time. Ignoring the dirty looks sent our way from diners who simply couldn’t fathom a mother binging her child out in public before it had the good manners not to cry, I thought about it for second. I had definitely grown a thicker skin. I wasn’t afraid of breaking social norms nor concerned with the disapproving opinions of strangers. As we walked I informed her of the most basic newcomer knowledge: Its never water; always pee. Leave nothing in your car, and ‘don’t start nothing won’t be nothing’. There is only so much I can tell her, she will be settled soon enough. The ins and out of city living would be learned through trial and error. Watching her excitement and observing her naivety brought me to a place where I saw the city anew. I became determined to reignite the vigor I once held for this place. In the meantime I want to show my friend the SF that I loved and document it along the way.