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Last week I wrote about my “pretend” trip to Orlando. This week I  forgot to do my little atlas game. So, I am going to write a short little entry about my new “love affair”. That is right–I am having a love affair with San Francisco!  I feel very lucky to be living near this fabulous city! The last two weekends have been spent in the city and were pretty near perfect-I just keep discovering more about the city to enjoy.

I love that it is a large city with such cultural diversity, liberal politics, beautiful architecture and outdoor parks. The food is amazing and varied and the arts are wonderful. The nightlife will not disappoint either. In short, San Francisco has all the qualities that one of the top cities in the United States (even the world) should have.

But, it has even more! Because it is perched on the edge of the Pacific Ocean and a short drive from dramatic mountains. On one side of the city are wild waves, crashing to shore, having traveled across thousands of miles of open sea. On the other is the more tranquil and beautiful bay. There are picturesque islands such as Angel Island and Alcatraz floating between the Bay Bridge and legendery Golden Gate.

The city has the largest urban national park in the U.S.- the Presidio and is dotted with pretty open spaces throughout. And, of course, there is Golden Gate Park, larger than Central Park in New York City. Then you have the dramatically steep hills, bunching up the city, separating individual neighborhoods that are so different from eachother that traveling between them almost feels like a passport is needed!

The people are much more outdoorsy and laid back than say, New Yorkers. But, not as nice as people in Chicago. It is hard to surpass that midwestern openness! The beaches are beautiful…a little moodier and less suntan friendly than San Diego or Los Angeles, but wonderful  all the same!

Last weekend I woke up in polished, upscale Pacific Heights(apt. sitting for a friend)–had a wonderful leisurely brunch and a massage(badly needed!)–met friends and went on a stunning, panoramic hike in Golden Gate National Recreation Area. We drove across the Golden Gate Bridge, of course, and stopped to take pictures of the bridge and bay(picture shown above). We returned to town and had a homecooked, delicious meal at Maverick and then laughed it up at Cobbs Comedy Club in North Beach.

This next weekend, I intend to check out the Chihuly exhibit at the de Young museum and perhaps the Japanese Tea Garden in Golden Gate Park, maybe even get some Burmese food at Burma Superstar. Yummm.

I read this post and think, “you are living well”! But, at least I recognize it and appreciate the richness of my life. I won’t live near San Francisco forever! So, for now, I will soak it up as much as I can.

Do you think there is a city that can rival San Francisco? Tell me about it!