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February 09, 2009
San Francisco
Chis and I love San Francisco. Easily the second city in America in which we could see ourselves living. Like Vancouver, there is a sense of outdoors that I totally connect with. Prana is a big part of our attachment to the outdoors, and we bike, walk and run. But there is something about the temperate climate of California that is intriguing. Well, we could sail year round couldn’t we?
It’s always fun to dream. I think this is how we have managed to move 11 times in 16 years. We are open to anything, completely malleable to change, and things have a habit of dropping in our laps from out of nowhere when we least expect it. It is this open mind that keeps us young. If we had kids, this would be a principle we would instill in them.
The baby shower was a ton of fun, and I was able to meet many of Chis’ San Francisco colleagues for the first time. They are an amazing bunch of people, each interesting in their own way.
I’ve only been to San Francisco a few times, but this time I felt more at home. With my black cords, fleece sweater, backpack and sunglasses, I looked like a local! I hoofed it up Nob Hill to practice yoga. We bought groceries at the farmers’ market at the ferry building.
And in contemplating my return to New York after two weeks away, Chis and I talked about what it all meant. Was this a pilgrimage, or just a really amazing trip? Was there a purpose? Was there a reason for feeling the urge to do this trip, at this time? By comparison, last winter I sailed from Puerto Rico to Bonaire, and from Aruba to Panama. While these would seem to be more cathartic and meaningful, they weren’t – not like this.
Family, friends, and children. This is the recurring theme. In New York, we have virtually none of these. This is the hardship of living abroad. As the fog clears, it becomes patently clear that we must commit more time to family, friends and children.
It is easy to run away to pursue a dream. But ultimately, the things that are important in life are always there, right beside your dream. Often taken for granted, but never disrespected. To everyone who devoted the time for me on this trip: thank you for being part of my family. You mean the world to me.
Posted by dave at February 9, 2009 07:47 PM