The City

So we did it. This is our final destination and then home. So with a bit of sluggishness we headed to San Francisco. Excited because all I heard the whole trip is how amazing Halsey (Hannah’s cousin) is and that we are going to have so much fun (she knows how to party). We found her place located, little did we know, right off Valencia, a edgy part of the city, and met her and a few of her roommates Andreas and Josh. Halsey cooked us up a great dinner and we all sat down to a proper meal and got acquainted. Halsey had to work that night so we took the opportunity to crash early and get some rest.

Woke up the next day nice and refreshed, not so much for Hannah as she was feeling a bit under the weather, but I was feeling strong so far. Hannah was leaving early to spend time with her cousins that live in Sacramento and I was left alone to explore and wander aimlessly.

The feel of the city is creative, murals down alleys, little restaurants and shops hidden from the main strip. White Walls Gallery was show casing stencil artists and here are a few artist from all different galleries that are amazing: Chris Stain, Adam 5100, Ramblin Worker, Jane Hambleton. One of my last stops on my journey was this place called Little Otsu. They specialize in zines, paper products, calenders and gifts. I bought a calendar from a cut out artist that I love Nikki McClure. Her work truly inspires me. Last stop amazing cookie place, Anthony’s, to spoil my new friends. Got to sample them all first before walking away with a ½ dz. Yum. Back to the apartment and hung out while Halsey and Andreas worked on their Halloween costumes. Hannah called and said that had the flu and wasn’t able to make the trip back. Bummer, poor girl, I know how much she wanted to be a part of everything.

Halsey let me tag along with her to work where a heavy metal band was playing that night. Stoked, haven’t been to one since I was 16 where I was the awkward teenager waiting to get body passed in a crowd of 15. Everyone and I mean everyone was wearing black. Me, I was in plaid with red jeans. I had such a good time observing and this was good stuff, plus the music wasn’t too bad. Halsey was able to leave work early and so we went another bar. Early Halloween costumes were roaming around bringing some extra humor to the night. Met a bunch of people, fun was had. Good night. Good day.

Woke up and wanted to surf so badly but Hannah had my car and I know it would be impossible to take my long board on the trolley. Would have been a good story, although I am sure my board would acquire a few more dents. Josh and I headed out on bikes down to Haight Street to get some music at Amoeba. Stopped at a pizza place right next to Amoeba grabbed a slice of potato, and something else pizza that was bomb! Got a great picture of the girl behind the counter. I asked if she had barbeque sauce on her face, looked possible.

Amoeba we fun and I was there for a while, because for some reason I get totally overwhelmed. Found a bunch of new music and it was much needed. Yay! Hannah had just gotten back and was feeling a bit better, so we peddled back to meet her. I guess while I was out having fun the night before she was turning her insides out, sucks. So with what energy she could muster she and I walked around to see some shops. Her will is strong. It was fun being with her, I missed her a lot. We have become separated at the hip. Found the Curiosity Shop and enjoyed the little notes they had for us.

Back at the house the festivities were starting, costumes were being put on and faces were being painted. Hannah had to crash as her symptoms where coming back . My costume partner wasn’t going to be able to join us. Bummer. So I put on my trusty flannel, cowboy boots and drew on a mustache and there you have it….I was a lumberjack. One of the party patrons didn’t have a costume, so I painted him black and darkness began. That whole night he hid in alleys and appeared out of nowhere. It was pretty hysterical. Haley’s costume was awesome and was getting a fair share of attention. As we walked to the bar she was greeting children and families. Pictures were taken, autographs were signed....she totally won in my book. All night you could hear little robot sounds coming from the crowd. Andreas also had an impressive costume that he had been working on forever. Look at the face of his twin, amazing.

Onward to the party all the while pausing as people had to pee and pictures had to be taken. The party was a blast. I thought someone was going to get seriously hurt as there was a rock band playing, moshpit and an outdoor fire all in the same vicinity…luckily someone had some sense and put it out after costumes were getting dangerously close. Halsey may have almost fallen in once. There were lots of other bearded ladies at the party so we bonded and immediately started talking about styling and shape. I caught a glimpse of Halsey out of the corner of my eye doing robotic moves towards the door and I took the clue to follow. The crowd was not condusive to big costumes and many of the larger costumes were getting smashed…Andreas’s arms were getting broken off. And so we hailed a cab…you should have seen Halsey try to get into the cab with here entire outfit on…took her a good few minutes to figure that it wasn’t going to work. Got to the Parkside where Rattler was playing. Rad! You know its going to be a good show when the roadies are putting garbage bags over the speakers so they don’t get wet from beer flinging and spraying. Met more bearded ladies in the front row and we danced all night. Got completely soaked with beer and hand so much fun. Halsey won the contest and was able to claim her prize of a beer bong on stage. Good girl. So proud. And on that note and with a teetering robot we pilled into yet another cab this time headed home. What a Halloween San Francisco… love ya.