Sex, Drugs & Swimming in Haight-Ashbury
Trip Start
Aug 18, 2010
1
7
Trip End
Aug 26, 2010
San Francisco, California
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Alamo Square was nothing to write home about. I knew it would be like this- after all, it is just a row of Victorian houses- which you can see all over the city. I got my pictures and headed to the Haight-Ashbury district. Not far away. My feet are completely torn up after the last few days- multiple blisters on each foot. I was just trying to push through the pain for the day but it was hard! Anyway, I ate at pretty much the first cafe I found in this area. Katy's Cafe or something like that. It was decent. I got way more than I could eat: 'fancy grilled cheese' that for some reason came with homefries. In addition, a cup of roasted red pepper soup that came with a giant cheddar herb biscuit. I ate half the sandwich and some of the soup and boxed up the rest for mid-afternoon food.
I took in the sights and shops of the Haight-Ashbury district, which is still playing up the "Summer of Love" thing. A lot of new-age hippies in the area and then a few which looked like they might have been here since the 60's. While I was making fun of some fake hippies in my head, an old one came out of his shop and started heckling them. Very refreshing. The old guy then proceeded to tell me "It's too damn early and too damn hot. You want to go swimming?" "Kinda!" I said in passing. He said something else after that but I was on my way.
I walked to the Golden Gate Park from there, and was offered weed by about 5 dudes right at the entrance of the park. I politely declined. I eventually made it out to the California Academy of Science. I always like science museums and this one was very modern and unfortunately, very kid-friendly. Despite the brats, I enjoyed the place.
They have a life-like Rain Forest there complete with fish, birds and butterflies. Many other live creatures too, which I liked. There is also a large aquatic part, which has corral reefs to Florida swamps complete with an albino alligator! I then went to the 'Extreme Mammal' exhibit which was showcased. A lot of cool fossils/bones from extinct or rare mammals. Then I went to the planetarium show which was really interesting! Much more realistic than the planetarium I went to in 3rd grade.
After that the museum was closed and I walked back to the entrance of the park there where again, whispers of bud and pills. This time I got an offer of sex for some floorspace for the night. No thank you.
I walked allllll the way back to the mission from the park. I did not intend to, but I now feel intimidated by the bus system and the BART just seemed out of the way. Luckily it was still daylight, because I walked back through the Tenderloin- not a nice place at any time of day. I talked to my long lost boyfriend most of the way back; a great avoidance tactic for the pan handlers.
Lauren and I went to the Mexican bus for dinner. I got 2 grilled chicken tacos which ended up being very tiny. Washed the tiny tacos down with a few beers while conversing with Lauren and a couple of her roommates. Now it's bed time and I only have 1 day left of my trip!!
Comments
I wish you wouldn't tell stories about walking thru "questionable" areas while you are still there! You make me nervous!