Days 266-267: June 21-22, 2025 – San Francisco, California
There is something about California that evokes nostalgia in me. I wasn’t born or raised there (that would be Poland and Connecticut), but whenever I return it feels like coming home.
I’ve seen Golden Gate Bridge many times and bicycled it, but sailing underneath was a special treat.
I arrived in Los Angeles in the 1970s, intending it as a short, temporary stay, but ended up staying 10 years. So many of my adult “firsts” happened in California. It was the first time I lived on my own, in 11 different places – back then, I could fit all my belongings into one carload, so moving was a breeze. My first apartment was about the size of my current cabin (the more things change, the more they stay the same…) I first fell in love there and had my first heartbreak. Bought my first car and years later ran my first (and only!) half-marathon in Monterey. Got several degrees at CSUN. Made some life-long friends, and lost a few that were gone too soon. All three of my sisters would eventually join me there. I was aware of all the reasons people were hating on California –- the smog, the traffic, the superficiality – but to me it always felt magical.
So much has changed, but so much remains the same. The sea lions are still barking at Pier 39. The street entertainers are doing the exact same act (jumping over 5 volunteer spectators!) as 30 years ago.
What has changed: at Safeway, a grocery chain, all non-food items (cosmetics, shampoo, vitamins) are locked up and require staff assistance to purchase.
I was looking forward to checking out the World’s Largest Collection of Failures Museum. But in the ultimate irony/contradiction that is California, it had shut down.
Whenever there was turmoil in my life, I would make my way up the coast from L.A. to San Francisco for comfort. Today, meandering through The City of Firsts, it still felt magical, and after years of world travel, it still remains one of my favorite places.
11 responses to “There’s Something About California”
You may have already researched it, but here is one article re that sculpture in front of Ferry Building.
https://www.sfchronicle.com/entertainment/article/revolution-naked-woman-sf-20277918.php
Oh! What an interesting history. I didn’t know it was only temporary.
I used to visit San Francisco 3-4x/year for business. I remember being there shortly after the sea lions’ pier takeover. It was quite the attraction, although nobody thought at the time it would get so big or be so permanent.
I was surprised to find that they were still there, after all these years.
You hit the nail on the spot for me too!!!! I choose never to live in California again… I was raised there for many years and left in my 20s. I still go back almost yearly… going on my third trip back on Friday for 2025. Maybe it was our age when we were there… it is magical and I get a lump in my throat when I fly in. I still hold my head high and say… I am from Califonia. It is a feeling I have never been able to explain to anyone.
Dear Shannon, you know it was you and Jane Anne I was thinking of, when I said I made life-long friends there. ❤️️
Oh I got that one! Truly the bestest of friends through every up and every down. For you two… I’m glad I came! Let us not forget that we all made Texas home too! The three amigos who grew the worlds largest squash
😍😍😍
Oh my goodness, yes that monster squash! ❤️️ ❤️️
I couldn’t agree more Basia. I also spent formative years in California. I had not been back or even thought much about it in years, so it surprised me when I got choked up looking at the Bay Bridge which I crossed twice each day back then. What a treat for my cabin window to give me a full view of that bridge while we were docked. My new home gave me a window to my past. Indeed a magic window! Thank you for this post.
So glad you enjoyed it, Chris. There is something majestic about both those bridges, and especially about seeing them from the Odyssey.
I grew up in San Diego and I know the feeling every time I go back. Wouldn’t want to go back to live but sure miss a lot of things about it.
I think this is my favorite post so far!