Common cents
Today I was down to my last $4.00, when I received an email from K.B informing me that some mail had arrived for me. ANZ mail. I had to budget $4.00 for a phone call, a bus ride and a BART ticket out to El Cerrito. I made the phone call, confirmed the arrival of a brand spanking new card, paid $1.00 for the bus and bought an under priced ticket for the BART. 40 mins, and many unsuccessful attempts at Tetris 40 Lines later, I'm sitting at Kris' computer, updating this journal, and my grumbling stomach doesn't have to hang on anymore, as I have monies in my pocket, although now I'm a little over cautious about guarding my card and cash.
The last week has been great, albeit on a tight, tight budget. I've managed to stay with some fantastic peoples, and take in the cheaper sites of San Fran. Mostly time spent reading, (Joe Matts Comic Diary is amazing, although he is a self confessed R.Crumb plagiarist), drinking $1.25 coffees, walking instead of taking the bus, and over-use of my digital camera. I've stayed from Nob Hill, to Mission to Lower Haight. Had kind hosts, who treated me to amazing dinners, word games, free maps and sight-seeing jaunts.
Adam drove me around town and up to Twin Peaks, which has a spectacular view of the entire city during the day, and an even better image of it, I'm sure, at night. We also attended a local comedy night... 1 out of 5 funny people is a below average ratio, but none the less a great evening. He also introduced me to "Anagrams" an amazing word game that could easily be my new favourite pass-time.
Jeniffer treated me to a few episodes of the Simpsons that I have missed on my travels, and my first 40 ounce. All in for cheap alcohol. We also went to a landmark in the Nob Hill/Tenderloin district, The Edinburgh (?) Hotel, and I sat in on some interesting, slightly loud and obnoxious conversation being carried out by an old southerner, and ex-wrestler, and an Australian Ex-Pat who name dropped more than a major label P.R person. We also went on a sticker campaign, a delightful stroll through the far from delightful "Tenderloin", and a Robert Crumb exhibition.
Kris and Kristin were sweet enough to throw me a spare ticket they had to an Oakland A's home game. I arrived to be be greeted by my smiling friends holding Hot-Dogs and Sodas. I actually enjoyed the game way more than I imagined I would, especially the mid game Chili-cheese-fries. Yes. Kristins friend Maria was to kind, and helped me solve my "must-visit-a-free-health-clinic-because-doctors-are-too-expensive-here-and-I-really-need-a-new-inhaler" dilemma, by donating hers to me. Too nice.
I've been staying with the fabulous Jessica Huston and her band of merry women at her place in The Lower Haight area. They've been spectacular to me, treated me to amazing foods, showed me the goodness of Trader Joes, their local video store, with the most varied and quality collection of film I have ever seen, Cheap Chuck, Game-boy access and warm feelings. Yesterday Jessica and I drove out over the Golden Gate bridge to Hawk Hill, and the surrounding areas. I loved it, loved it up there. Hawk Hill is astounding. High and windy, and only accessed through tunnels that were built during the Cold War era, and some that date back to World War 1, the place was altogether creepy and exhilarating. On the way back, through (the name I cannot remember) a valley village, I saw my first wild Coyote, a Deer, and a quick lesson on what to do in case one happens upon a mountain lion. This is my last night at the Haight House of women, and I'll miss it when I leave, although Jessica is celebrating her birthday in N.Y, so we'll see here there come-July.
Talia arrives in S.F tomorrow, I cannot wait. It's maybe been a little over three weeks, but it feels like forever, I'm slightly anxious.
I am also hungry.
