Reading this takes me back to my first time in SF in 2019, where I had my first culture shock seeing a self-driving car on the same street where there were so many homeless people. Coming from Vietnam, I had never seen so many homeless people in such a strange way. The difference was too big, I couldn't process it. But also, SF has one of the most vibrant swing dance scenes in the US. They host this weekly dancing in the park in the Golden Gate Park, and the dancers were all lovely and friendly. And I miss the SF hilly roads haha. That's how I discovered the song "San Francisco Street" which then became my favorite.
We were there in late 2019 (December) as well, but didn’t see any robot cars yet. The gap between the rich and the poor is large in the US and very visible on the streets as you pointed out. The situation seems to be better now, although not for the Tenderloin district and areas in the Mission.
We first stayed in the Mission, that's why. And then moved to a nice airbnb in Twin Peaks and it was totally different! Did you go to the top of TP? We were in the neighborhood so we walked up the peaks almost every morning and it was really nice and refreshing.
Thank you for sharing Kimberly's post about moving out of the US. I checked it out and ended up subscribing. Also, yes, here in AZ we have Waymo cars here. And yes, it's really weird to see no one in the front seat. I told my Sis once that I would try it out... as long as she was in her car behind me to make sure I got to my location. LOL. I've heard that it "gets confused", causes traffic jams, etc, but I liked hearing that women only use this one because they feel safer. That makes total sense to me, and I never thought of that!
Really enjoy your writing style and your observations of the USA. I can definitely identify with most of them. Being from South Africa ...the USA feels like a different universe...and eye-wateringly expensive for us with our weak currency. Enjoy your travels to The Galapagos ...still on our bucket list !
Thank you, Heike! Doing the Galapagos on the cheap is not really possible, but doing it without spending a year's budget is. I'll let you know how it goes.
We were just in San Francisco and I too was shocked by how much was locked up -- way more than just chocolate I'm sorry to say. We actually rode in a Waymo because a friend really wanted to. It was ... interesting.
Ditto comments from This Traveling Life! Suggest we establish a hotline for the next time you consider braving a government office. They often feel like places of no return....😁
I liked reading these observations. Great description of the IRS building. Total nightmare. Glad you discovered Trader J's!
Thank you!
Reading this takes me back to my first time in SF in 2019, where I had my first culture shock seeing a self-driving car on the same street where there were so many homeless people. Coming from Vietnam, I had never seen so many homeless people in such a strange way. The difference was too big, I couldn't process it. But also, SF has one of the most vibrant swing dance scenes in the US. They host this weekly dancing in the park in the Golden Gate Park, and the dancers were all lovely and friendly. And I miss the SF hilly roads haha. That's how I discovered the song "San Francisco Street" which then became my favorite.
Thanks for the lovely article!
We were there in late 2019 (December) as well, but didn’t see any robot cars yet. The gap between the rich and the poor is large in the US and very visible on the streets as you pointed out. The situation seems to be better now, although not for the Tenderloin district and areas in the Mission.
Thank you for reading!
We first stayed in the Mission, that's why. And then moved to a nice airbnb in Twin Peaks and it was totally different! Did you go to the top of TP? We were in the neighborhood so we walked up the peaks almost every morning and it was really nice and refreshing.
I don't think I've ever been! Maybe today...
Thank you for sharing Kimberly's post about moving out of the US. I checked it out and ended up subscribing. Also, yes, here in AZ we have Waymo cars here. And yes, it's really weird to see no one in the front seat. I told my Sis once that I would try it out... as long as she was in her car behind me to make sure I got to my location. LOL. I've heard that it "gets confused", causes traffic jams, etc, but I liked hearing that women only use this one because they feel safer. That makes total sense to me, and I never thought of that!
Ah, so robot cars are elsewhere in the USA, too. Good to know.
Maybe you should have split the gummy between the two of you. Sounds overall like a memorable evening.
We had fun all right, but next time we will definitely split one!
Really enjoy your writing style and your observations of the USA. I can definitely identify with most of them. Being from South Africa ...the USA feels like a different universe...and eye-wateringly expensive for us with our weak currency. Enjoy your travels to The Galapagos ...still on our bucket list !
Thank you, Heike! Doing the Galapagos on the cheap is not really possible, but doing it without spending a year's budget is. I'll let you know how it goes.
Wish I was leaving the US when you are. Lucky you. Great read, this.
Thanks, Bev!
We were just in San Francisco and I too was shocked by how much was locked up -- way more than just chocolate I'm sorry to say. We actually rode in a Waymo because a friend really wanted to. It was ... interesting.
And, yeah, prices in the U.S. are shocking.
I will sign up for Waymo today, because I must give this a try. I would like it to be… interesting.
Lovely writing. Thank you.
Those poor Tony’s bars! 😂
Ditto comments from This Traveling Life! Suggest we establish a hotline for the next time you consider braving a government office. They often feel like places of no return....😁
Yes, it was very Kafkaesque.
Indeed!