Fall down, Bring on the Spring

The semester is finished! I survived all 17 credits worth of classes. I knew it wasn't impossible because I thrive on challenges. Looking back on this semester, I have learned a lot more about different personalities and how I relate to people. People are so abstract and interesting and watching them is one of my favorite things to do because you just never know the life that someone else is living but yet you still try to figure it out by the way they walk, act and carry themselves. This is something I've been so fascinated with...and it has helped me learn and accept the differences that exist.

I deal with a few hurtful times this past semester, especially dishonesty, but it has only made me a stronger woman. This new layer of skin I have grown is unbelievably strong, however like every human being- it still has some weak spots.


Academically, I expanded my mind with my Journalism studies. I learned an incredible amount about shooting video, editing, interviewing, producing, etc. I am ready to create now! I feel I know enough about the industry to go out into the world and do what I have always wanted.

With that I am planning this summer's travels with hopes of getting academic credit, as well as, personal insights into the world's treasures both small and large.

What I do know is that this semester opened so many more doors and closed so many more- people came into my life, went out of my life, helped me, hurt me, loved me, despised me- all in all I can't be happier that these changes took place because a new year is upon us and nows the time to decide what should or shouldn't be carried into 2009. 2008 wasn't so great, but 2009 will surely be fine.

It's been awhile...

Well, I know it's been a little too long since I've written but who could blame me with so much time and preparation going into starting this school year! Wow...now that the summer came and went in what felt like a minute's time it is time to get back into the daily routine of classes and meetings. I am not complaining though because my classes this semester rock! They are only going to benefit me in the future so I figure why not take full advantage of the classroom time I have now.
Improving my journalistic writing and refining my future career seems to be the theme this semester. Meanwhile I am planning some more trips that will be taking place next summer. I am ecstatic!! I may be taking a few others in between than but for now my focus is on next summer, as well as, getting through today hehe...(as one of my sayings is LIVE FOR NOW LIVE FOR THE PRESENT)
My mind is in a whirlwind of ideas and events and relationships and blah! I feel like screaming sometimes but ya know, I just think back on how amazing this summer was and reflect on all that time I spent clearning my mind and trying to clarify my mind, body, and soul. Oh yes...Great things are in store this summer I can feel it, see it, hear it and know it's coming...

Nope, sorry I won't be going home...

No. Why did July 6 have to come so fast?! The only thing I don't enjoy about traveling is the flight back home. It's back to reality and no fun is involved with that!

I figured I'd take advantage of my last day in San Fran, so I woke up early and hit the freeway by myself again to see the city one last time, but this time I wasn't alone.

The Irishman I met on the Wharf accompanied me for the day and we toured the Wharf more in depth. He took me to Pier 39 (http://www.pier39.com/) I got to see all of the shops and restaurants that'd I'd missed on my own. We stopped in one of many of the tourist shops and ran straight to the back where there was a mini hat shop. It was such a fun time trying on different, crazy hats. He made me feel like a kid again!

For lunch we stopped at WipeOut Bar & Grille (www.wipeoutbarandgrill.com) located near the entrance of Pier 39. I ordered one of their Surfin' Sandwiches with a side of corn chips instead of french fries. The food was fabulous and very satisfying, however, the service wasn't all too great. I ordered a glass of fruit juice and the waiter never brought it. I wasn't craving it that bad, so I figured I wouldn't bother asking again. The space to eat was cramped and the tables were small, we actually had to put things on the ground to make room for our plates. I would recommend the restuarant for its good quality of food, however, just be prepared for possible service and space problems.

The day continued with a walk along the Wharf and with constant conversation about our travels, both past and future, and fun encounters with vendors and people on the street. He took me to his favorite park spot in Ghiradelli Square and we sat and looked out into the Bay. People were actually swimming in the water! The mini beachfront was deceiving and I was tempted myself to jump in the water. I would have froze! The sun was shining and the wind was blowing and we were making great conversation about our life and our goals. There is something about European men that I seem to flow well with, especially their compassion and deepness of mind, body, and soul. His cute accent didn't hurt either! :) He allowed me to experience something in San Francisco that I never thought I would. He opened my heart to see the world that is at my fingertips if only I choose to take advantage of it. The fact that he left his home for the summer to travel and work abroad inspired me and proved to me that it is possible.

He was such a sweet guy! He rode back with me all the way to Malbrae, where I parked my car at the bart station. The ride lasted about a half hour and we listened to his iPod, which suprisingly enough had all of my favorite artists on it : Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Maroon 5, John Legend, Leona Lewis, Frank Sinatra, etc. I was in heaven! An incredible Irishman and some of my favorite music all in the city of San Francisco.

Did I rrrrrrreally have to leave? Just when things were beginning for me. Seriously?

I drove home from the station with a deep sadness but I wasn't sure if it was because I left the city, a great guy or a new part of myself is emerging from within that I've never known existed.

Upon my return home, I took a detour trip with my friend and some new friends to Paolo Alto where we toured the beautiful, rich neighborhood and shopping district. The town was incredible! Very Southern Californiaish with palm trees, Spanish influence, ritzy boutiques and restaurants, and hot, hot, hot weather! We stopped at the Cheesecake Factory for lunch, even though I had just eaten about 2 hours ago ;) I didn't know what to order! The menu was way too many pages and there were way too many choices for me. I settled on fresh grilled vegetables and a bun. It was somewhat of a veggie burger. I enjoyed it and of course I topped it off with a large amount of ketchup. There are a lot of vegan choices, however when I asked for a side of fruit they unfortunately couldn't accomodate because of certain reasons. I enjoyed the meal, the environment, and the company.

There were various gelateria's, coffee shops, clothing shops, and the occassional shady rug and carpet shops, but I did notice a lot of restaurants. My only wish for this town would be to try something from every restaurant because they all looked welcoming and tempting.

OK, well goodbyes took place, but the real goodbye took place as I was driving to Oakland with my friend. Everything came crashing down on me and tears began to pour out of my eyes! I didn't want to leave. I wanted her to turn around and I wanted to avoid the fact that going home would be hard and readjustments must take place.

I called home to check in with them after an emotional goodbye with my friend. We'd be seeing each other in a little more than a month, but it seemed like forever. My plane left on time and I had to do another transfer in Las Vegas that was cutting it very close time wise. I ran to catch my flight from Vegas to Philly and found myself between two older men. One bookworm and another lone traveler from upstate PA. He told stories about his home and his first plane ride to Las Vegas a week or so before. I spoke with him for a good amount of time, but really all I wanted to do was sleep!

I managed to get about 21/2 hours of sleep, but I was incredibly uncomfortable and was looking out for a guy who seemed to somewhat be stalking me since the airport haha! Oy, I just closed my eyes and prayed to get home safe and as early as possible.

We arrived earlier than expected, which seemed to be happening a lot on this trip. US Airways is on top of my recommended airline list because the service was fantastic! When we landed in Philly we had to wait a bit until the jetway could be hooked up to the plane. This was a little frustrating, but I kept my cool and patiently waited to get off.

I was off the plane and running through the airport- thank goodness I didn't check any bags! I had to catch the next train into the city and I had about 3 minutes to get to the tracks! I'm sure people were laughing at me because I was sure laughing at myself. What a crazy girl running through the airport passing people, trying to avoid knocking people over with my bags haha! Once I got to the tracks I waited for the train, hopped on, and started eating my breakfast. I had no idea what was going on and everything was a blur to me. I don't know how I got off the train, walked back to my apartment, and cleaned out my luggage all in about 2 hours before my class. I had this hidden energy that kept me going throughout the morning.

What I did manage to think about was the fact that I was back in Philly and as I rolled along down Cecil B and Broad to get to my apartment I was overcome with sadness and confusion. Why was I here? Why must I live in Philadelphia? Why can't I be somewhere else that I've dreamed of living? Someone has a plan for me and right now this is where I'm supposed to be whether I like it or not. That escape to San Francisco was exactly what I needed to rejuvenate my mind, body, and soul as a whole. It was exactly the trip I needed to take to allow me to see that I had more to live for even if it isn't meant to happen at this exact moment, there is always time in the future.

Fresh, Fresh, Fresh.

Today was the most gorgeous day that I have experienced during my time in San Francisco. Today was also the worst for my stomach. I felt so tired, moody, and sick. I just sat in the car and didn't talk the whole way into the city. I couldn't do anything about it though except for rest, but that didn't last quite that long. By the time we arrived in San Fran and got out into the 70 + degree weather and I stared up into the cloudless, robin's egg blue sky there was no way I would let my moodiness mess this day up. I had to put a smile on. All senses were heightened and the sunshine glistened against the ships docked in the bay. So amazing!



The Ferry Building was our first destination for the day. The market is open Mon- Sun each week and on the weekend's there is a special Farmer's Market( http://www.ferrybuildingmarketplace.com/visitors.php). It is highly recommended that you make it out to the Farmer's Market for fresh selections of produce, home-made items, and great people! If not, definitely check out the shops inside the Ferry Building there is a wide range of stores- information can be found on its website.



It was a place I could see my family selling their goods, especially my Dad with all of his garden goodies and my Mom's fresh-baked vegan desserts. My parents are heavily involved with organic, home grown, fresh food. They need to move to San Francisco, but that's beside the point. The Farmer's Market offers visitors a chance to buy wholesome ingredients for cooking and other uses.



I did some shopping for my family inside the Ferry Building at the delectable chocolate shops, CA mushroom speciality shop, and organic goods store. It was a dream come true and a place that rubbed me the right way!



We headed to Fillmore Street next to hit the Jazz Festival(http://www.fillmorejazzfestival.com/?op=home). It's an annual event that is great for kids, teens, middle-aged, and older people. Seriously, there are A LOT of people who visit the festival and a big warning goes out for anyone who gets uncomfortable in large crowds. For me the environment was perfect, great music, food, items for sale, and people people people!



The parking was disastrous as we had to drive around for 35 minutes to finally get a spot outside of Japantown and walk to Fillmore Street. Get there early and be alert to snag any free parking spot. Once we got onto the Street, we walked up and down. I was starving, so we stopped to get the best potato and spinach knishes I've ever had- no overstatement here. They are freshly grilled up and served hot ready to be topped with ketchup (especially for me). No cheese, no meat, just full of flavor!



After a satisfying lite lunch, we decided to head back to San Mateo and all of a sudden I felt a burst of energy within me and I was ready to start the night!



So, my plans to get everyone together for a last night, dinner hurrah...worked! A bunch of my new friends and I went out for sushi and it was incredible- not only the food, but the experience! We sat around a hibachi table and told jokes and they were so interested in hearing about my time in San Fran and would ask me questions and really show they cared.

One thing I realized about West Coast folks is how personable and approachable they are. They're are so laid back and always out for a laugh. They're not uptight and worried about their problems. I need to surround myself with more people like this!

I was insanely stuffed, but still managed to eat Yogurtouille again. I mean, it was a must, it's my last night- give me a break!

Good laughs, Amazing weather, Caring friends, Delectable food, Fresh new life to lead.

Alone in the city. Thank goodness!

"Here take the keys and head to the bart station, it'll drop you right in the middle of the city."
What was that?
Drive on the California Freeway to the bart station to get into the city?
Heck yes! Never did I imagine that my first time driving on a highway would take place in San Francisco. Nonetheless could I imagine doing it by myself! It was so easy and it came so naturally for me. I bumped up the music and rolled the window down because I was cruisin' on the highway now, oh yyyyea!

The bart was very convenient and dropped me off in Union Square near the Trolly Car station. I know it is a common tourist experience, but why not? I am a tourist aren't I? Well I waited in line for an hour and ended up hopping on the wrong trolley car! I got on the Powell- Mason Line but I wanted the Powell- Hyde Line, so I hopped off on top of a hill and slipped onto the back of the next Powell- Hyde Line car that came my way. I made some friends on the way, especially with the trolly conductor of who I asked questions about the Alcatraz Tour and other options.

I got to Fisherman's Wharf and headed straight to the Cruise and Bay Tours ticket booth to find out that the conductor was right and the Alcatraz tours book up far in advance, so I used my better judgement and bought a ticket to the next Sea Bay Adventure Tour. I paid an extra $3 for an extra half hour on the tour, which I recommend avoiding because there isn't anything extra that is worth paying more for and staying longer on the boat.

I nearly got blown off into the San Francisco bay! The winds were fierce and whipping across my face. I got excited once we reached the Golden Gate Bridge and went right under it.
The Sea Tour was a great opporunity to take pictures and to meet some other tourists.
THe next thing on my agenda was lunch. I wandered up and down Fisherman's Wharf in search of just the right place, with the right price. There are a lot of expensive restaurants because of the touristy area, but I stopped and asked a few locals and with some more searching I came across Buena Vista Cafe(http://events.contracostatimes.com/san-francisco-ca/venues/show/5891-buena-vista-cafe)
near Ghiradelli Square (http://www.ghirardellisq.com/ghirardellisq/events.php?id=6). I checked out the menu and saw that they had a Veggie burger with sweet potatoe fries meal for less than $10! I was sold, so I went in and sat by the bar. Service was very slow and it was unfortunate because the food was great. I had to wait 25 minutes for my veggie burger and though the waitress would remind the chefs about my order, it didn't seem to get it to me any faster. I was in no rush though. I was by myself and taking every moment in. It felt great to not have to worry about someone else and ask them what they felt like eating or what they wanted to do next. I just did my own thing. Traveling alone gets a big A + from me and everyone should try it.
After a hearty and tasty lunch, I headed back down toward the piers because I wanted to still do the Blazing Saddles bike tour (www.blazingsaddles.com). There were many locations along the Wharf. I went in and rented a bike for about 2 hours, just enough time to bike the bridge and head back. The employees were young and very friendly! Very attractive too if I may say so myself ;) I was good to go and off I was once the cute Irishman went through all the instructions with me.
I started peddling up and down hills and alongside the bay and stopped to take pictures just about every 10 minutes. If you want great exercise, great pictures, and a great story I suggest biking the bridge. To have done that 7 mile stretch alone made me feel incredibly independent and brand new! Granted my legs were jello and I was sweating up a storm, but it was the one thing during my time in San Fran that actually gave me the feeling that I was leaving things behind in my life and out searching and finding new things to live for.
I met a lot of riders along the way, mostly families. I didn't expect to have to ride up so many hills! WOW- I made it though and I zoomed by the cars waiting to get onto the bridge. I made my way onto the bridge in its grandiose, burnt orange beauty. Oh how breathtaking the view was!
I rode on the bridge for quite a bit, but started feeling a bit queasy. I knew I had to hop off and walk the rest of the way across. It was a bit scary being up so high and walking alongside hundreds of cars that were flying by. I kept looking out for the famous red convertible, but no show- I couldn't believe Danny, Jessie, and Joey let me down :( It's OK I got over it haha. I was on the Golden Gate Bridge, I managed to get there by myself, and I was in the midst of San Francisco fog!
The ride back was a breeze, I flew down hills and breathed in the fresh air along the Pacific Coast before heading back toward the Wharf. Upon my return to the bike shop, I found myself in a conversation with the cute Irishman who helped me earlier. There was no one around and we had the chance to introduce ourselves and talk about our stay in San Fran. We planned on meeting up again very soon actually...hmm- how exciting! :)


I had to head back home though and the trolley car wait was not that fun. It took about 2 hours to get on the train and get back down to the bart station. I made a phone call home and told my family about my day in the city. They were in amazement and I was really proud of myself!

Off to the bart station and time to head home. I still couldn't believe how natural it felt for me to drive on the highway and know exactly where and when to get off! The fun continued with a nice dinner with my new adopted family ;) and it was followed by dessert at Yogurtouille(http://www.yelp.com/biz/yogurtouille-san-mateo-4). It is the hottest new trend in the city where people go to get frozen yogurt and dairy free frozen yogurt and dress it with all sorts of toppings. I went a little crazy and paid about $6 for my mound of dairy free strawberry yogurt and toppings, but I was taking advantage of it!

The night ended with a get together with my new group of friends. Everyone mentioned that I belong on the West Coast and that I was such a laid back kind of person who would be perfect here! After today's adventures, I was actually starting to believe that myself...

4th of July

4th of July in San Francisco! Yes, this is almost as amazing as New Year's Eve in Times Square!

Waking up to the beautiful San Mateo sunshine started off the day perfectly. Playing tennis at the park for an hour pushed the perfection to a new high. Oh yes, nationwide tennis match going on in San Mateo between my friend and her mom. :) It felt great to get out and play without rain pouring down on the courts like it would in PA.

The day got off to a slow start, mostly because of the eventful day I had yesterday. After a cereal and soy milk breakfast, a tofu sandwich and fresh fruit lunch, my friend and I packed our gear to meet up with friends in Foster City, a town south of San Mateo.

San Francisco Bay is a prime spot for fireworks on the 4th of July, however, the crowds can be a bit much for those wanting to actually see the fireworks. Also, the fog is usually somewhat of a problem, as it blocks the fireworks show altogether. So, we figured the best spot to check out the fireworks would be out of the city and into a quiet town.

The seating area was on park land overlooking a river-like waterway where people could ride their boats. The scene was set with groups of friends, family, couples sitting around the water and on the grass looking into the clear, night sky waiting for the show to begin.

Once the sun set completely, the show began and we enjoyed a half hour of a great light show.

For a moment I realized that as I turned to my left and right I wasn't among anyone who I've known for more than 8 months! I was amidst strangers. They'd taken me in as one of their friends- as someone they enjoyed being around and mistakened as a longtime friend.

But within that moment I realized this is what life is about, escaping that comfort zone that holds one back from reaching out to others and from understanding that life is filled with change.

I'm in San Francisco. Though I spent the whole first day with my friend traveling throughout the city, stopping at Haight/Ashbury, Golden Gate Park, and driving along the coast and didn't get much time to do the exploring that I'd wanted. It was very helpful to have my friend with me and especially her car to get us around to destinations of our choice. The transportation system in San Francisco is easy and there are various ways of getting around such as: MUNI, Bart, and bus to name a few. I recommend taking the Bart especially if traveling from outside the city. I took the Bart because I was coming from San Mateo and it dropped me off right in the heart of the city.

Golden Gate Park was beautiful! This is where we saw the Rose Garden and the Japanese Tea Garden. We had to pay to get into the Japanese Tea Garden, which I didn't quite agree with, however, it was $4 well spent. I felt like I stepped into a whole other world of green and natural wonders. Absolutely gorgeous! Because it was foggy and drizzling the weather put a damper on the experience, nonetheless, the flowers and landscaped grounds were still magnificent.

We stopped for lunch in Haight Ashbury at a Thai restaurant. The food was quick and tasty. There are a lot of Thai and ethnic restaurants to eat at on the block. There are various eateries, "hippie" clothing shops, spiritual stores, tattoo and piercing parlors, and funky graffitti designs that line the streets and buildings. Haight Ashbury is very unique and I would compare it to South Street in Philadelphia.

The day ended, quite fast too with a trip to the San Francisco Giants Stadium. Our original intent was to see a baseball game, well that didn't work out. There were so many people waiting in line for tickets and not two seats within the same section of the stadium! We pushed those plans aside and moved ahead to Union Square where luckily, a band was playing. Great music, great friends, great weather! What really caught my attention was the hearts at the four corners of Union Square. I was absolutely mesmerized by the different art inside each of them. The one heart, featured as the main picture for my blog, was of course my favorite. It is the everlasting image that sums up the whole of my trip and allows me to quote one of my favorite singers- "I left my heart in San Francisco."- Frank Sinatra

Wednesday, July 2

Yes! I am flying out to the West Coast. The Coast untroddened by my own two feet. I had only paid $286 for a round trip ticket to Oakland, CA, but it was a red-eye flight and I had a layover in Las Vegas. Of course I didn't mind because when you are looking for affordable and cheap prices, your best bet is to be open to stopping in cities along the way. My layover lasted three hours and during that time I stopped at one of the airport eateries for enough food to hold me over until tomorrow. As I sat alone eating my sandwich, an older man asked to sat with me and being the trusting and friendly person that I am, I let him. I couldn't shut him up after that! We had conversations about San Fran, life, traveling alone. Honestly though I couldn't wait to get on the plane and find myself in San Francisco. Luckily the hour and a half plane ride got me to Oakland by 1:30 AM for my friend to pick me up! A breath of fresh California air filled my lungs and I let it out nice and slow...for once I was relaxed.

Tuesday, July 1

First day of the month. First day of a new beginning.

Traveling alone to San Francisco was not my original plan, but I have learned that when those original plans don't work out, you have to improvise. Hm. Improvisation. Never really a strong point for me- quite scary actually. I'm used to the play by play method of making itineraries and purchasing tickets ahead of time.
Well that method went out the door over the bushes and crashed into the lake. I was on my own in pretty much a physical AND emotional way. Let me try and put it in perspective for you: Have you ever asked your mother about a week in advance to make you your favorite dish for a weekend dinner and you spend all week anticipating that delicious meal your going to be having? Well, what happens when come Friday night your mother tells you that she won't be making you that meal because she didn't get a chance to go food shopping all week? I'll tell you what happens- you break down. Your stomach growls, your palms sweat, your heart races and you feel confused and bewildered not knowing where to turn. Uh huh, yea well we have both experienced that feeling of desertion. Don't worry though because you manage to rise above the situation because of a little thing called leftover surprise.

Immediately, I wanted to hop on the plane and leave all my troubles behind in Philadelphia, which coincidentally acted like a safe haven for me. I was running. Escaping maybe? But mostly leaving as a means to seek a new environment where maybe I could find peace. I was running thousands of miles west with no one chasing after me. Maybe that is how I wanted it deep down inside and how it needed to be. I finally (and when I say finally I mean after months and months) realized the importance of my needs, my wants, and my life enough to inspire me to begin my lifelong journey.

Tears no more.

It was time for me to live. I know there is a world of people to meet and places to visit that I must experience in order to deepen the awareness to my life's purpose.

Let the traveling begin...