Small pleasures in the city by the bay

Unable to settle in one place for long, again I’ve been beckoned by the splendid city by the bay. The pass few days I’ve wandered the cities that dot the Bay Area in visit of friends, and mostly just to absorb the vibe and allure of its environs simply because I miss San Francisco (which has ever ranked first in my estimation among US cities). There is no more simple pleasure than roaming her hilly streets, sipping scented coffee and random cafes, and watching the spring blooms sway with the bay breezes. Such are the small pleasures that balance the confusion of this world.

The splendid bay on a gorgeous Spring day.

Six days in the Bay afford a chance to visit and re-connect with some people. A friend, who had moved here a few years back, showed me her favorite secret haunts around the city. Though SF is no more “home” to me than any other city, all the same I cherish its unique charms.

Sullen scene at the cemetary of Mission San Francisco, with graves dating from 1700's.

All morning yesterday whilst wondering the small neighborhoods in the city, the words famously celebrated in song by Simon and Garfunkel came to mind:

I’ve got no deeds to do,
No promises to keep.
I’m dappled and drowsy and ready to sleep.
Let the morning time drop all its petals on me.
Life, I love you

With the burden of the rat-race lifted, one tends to view the world from a more refreshing perspective. Having no schedule to meet, life flows at peace more when the politics and posturing of the world at large are forgotten. Freed from worldly worries for now, I wander with the spring petals blown in the wind and all is at peace for nothing is happening (in the most profound sense).

Photography for sale by the Ferry Terminal.

The remaining few days were spent picnicking with friends in the park, lounging at cafes to catch up on the news, and here and there, capturing a photo of the city’s steady pulse of life happening. Being neither a stranger to the town, nor a local resident, I come and go unnoticed by the tourists and residents alike. So it’s said, “Wherever you go, there you are!”… might as well enjoy it.

Warm fire and Thai food on a cool evening.