Layering is Key

So if I learned nothing else on this trip, its that layering is necessary. I thought, "oh I'm going to cali, I won't need a jacket." WRONG! I spent the majority of the day outside, so I was equipped: one tank top, one shirt, 3 sweaters and finally my sweatshirt. But, I was warm.

I walked around Fisherman's wharf first. I'd felt I had seen too much of "local" San Fran and I really wanted to be immersed in tourism. Well, that lasted about 15 minutes. Highlights include buying a necklace, buying a huge icecream I did not finish and getting a free bowl of chili on the street. Then I made my way to the cable car, for $5 a ride. I took the car down to China Town. There was supposed to be some festival down there, but I couldn't find it. Instead I meandered in and out of the streets with no direction or goal. I was starting to get aggitated. I had plans that night to watch the Oscars, and I was nervous about them. Yes, I have been very social this trip, but none of it had long term effects, except for this one. Like, I said, I don't make good first impressions, so I was worried. This could be people I might wanna hang out with in the future. Finally, I call and she is all excited to hear from me and we make the plans. I feel a little more at ease. Someone had told me to check out Coit Tower and Telegraph Hill, so I leave Chinatown, which I couldn't stand for its sameness and fakeness. On my way, I decide to grab something to eat at a deli, and wound up on the phone with my brother most of the time. Next thing I know I'm in a bookstore called City Lights. 2 hours later I leave. I had found the travel section and decided to do some research on my upcoming trip.

Part of me doesn't like traveling, because I feel like I have to do everything all at once, that if I don't I'll be missing out. I think that's why I was soo agitated in Chinatown. I also worry what others wanna do before my own wants, so when I was with myself I was completely aimless. I know sitting in the basement of a bookstore researching travel doesn't sound like a great way to spend time in San Fran for most people it worked for me. I finally felt at ease again.

I then went up to Coit tower, which was quite a hike and got to see the pretty views. I then walked down the other way. OHMYGOSH, the houses/apartments there were amazing. I would def live in one of those if the price is right. They were all so unique and interesting, full of character!! I walked all the way down to the water, and followed the water around. Looking at a tourist map, I realized I almost forgot to go see the sealions!!!! My favorite animal!!! So I started at pier 27 and worked my way to 39, which is basically like a Disney World pier. Honestly, picture Downtown Disney and you basically understand what Pier 39 is like. So after I shopped some shops and saw the sealions, I made my way back towards the hostel. Its interesting, instead of following the pier, I went up a street, and all of a sudden I wasn't a tourist anymore. It's amazing what the difference of one street will do.

Speaking of not being a tourist, many times throughout my trip I have been asked questions like a local, such as "where is the safeway", "is it ok to park here" and comments like "oh you guys must be used to this weather". So that was entertaining.

After being a half an hour late I finally get to Amanda's apartment to watch the Oscars. I didn't realize that it was going to be such an affair. There were about 10 girls there, all gorgeous and perfectly composed. Luckily, I had paired down to 2 layers before I arrived, so I didn't look like a hobo(yes, hobo). Alot of them were dating roomates, and others were friends from college. Everyone had wine glasses. There was cheese and crackers, apple slices, brownies and cupcakes. I only feel bad that I didn't bring anything. I didn't seem to have too much in common with these women, but you know me, that won't stop me. I did have fun, which was good. It was nice to hang out with a bunch of girls and stuff. It was also nice to have a sense of normalcy here. Everywhere I've gone so far has either been for professional reasons, or tourism, so it was nice to have a purely social call.

Today, I am heading to the school that my interviewer is principal at. It's supposed to be one of the worst. We'll see how it goes I guess. Once I mentioned my interest she seemed very impressed. I don't think she would try to get someone to visit a school after an interview, if the candidate didn't have a good shot at getting the job, so we'll see.

I need to get going, my time is almost up, literally on the computer and in San Fransisco. I am flying back tonight, but don't arrive in Albany until 11am ish on Tuesday, where I get to work at the JCC, hang out with my brother and throw myself a going away party Wed night. So if you are around, let me know! Then I leave for Thailand on Friday, so I probably wont' post again till then.

Bye!!