San Francisco

Firstly, and possibly most important, never call San Francisco by "San Fran." This will not only decrease your chances of meeting cool people, but will also forever dub you as "the tourist." Instead, refer to it as "The City." Anyone within a two hour radius of the city will know what you are talking about. Let's be honest, if meet someone who lives within two hours of San Francisco and doesn't know what you are talking about, clearly they have never experienced it. Therefore, RED FLAG, abort this relationship ASAP. (Unless circumstances allow this faux pas to be overlooked.. The judgement lies on you). 
Of course there is Fifth Avenue and Union Square with the shops where one shirt costs more than a years worth of paychecks. If you're looking to get into The City fashion, check out the thrift stores. Affordable, stylish, and awesome experience. Remember: Patience is key to any good thrift store find. Unlike the stores, you have to search for your treasure, but once found, there is a great sense of satisfaction and accomplishment. Thrift store to most definitely check out: The Goodwill in Haight Ashbury.  While you're in Haight Ashbury district, duck into Red Victorian Bed Breakfast & Art, an eclectic little bed and breakfast with a coffee shop on one side and a hotel on the other. After you get a cup of coffee from Red Victorian, get some grocery shopping done at Haight Street Market. A local grocery market carrying all things good for you. Beware, the isles are a bit skinny and crowded. Gluten free foods and beers, specialty foods, health foods,  much can be found here.
Strolling outside of the district of Haight & Ashbury, into the Mission. Hungry? Whether you're a vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, or omnivore, you will find the food at Cafe Gratitude, delicious and filling. You may feel silly when ordering when you say, "I'll have I Am Trusting." But you sure feel great when your food is brought to you set down in front of you while the server says, "You are trusting." I Am Trusting is only one of the menu items, the menu includes, but is not limited to, I Am Happy, I Am Beautiful, I Am Gracious, etc. You will leave with a feeling of gratitude.
If it's a Wednesday night, watch out for people running around with Nerf Guns.. This video explains it all.   

The City ALWAYS has something going on. Whether it be a gallery stroll, a concert, urban spy wars, or a festival. Check out Fun Cheap SF for more ideas on what's happening in the Bay. 






Goodwill: 1700 Haight St (at Cole St) San Francisco, CA 94117.
Red Victorian Bed Breakfast & Art: 1665 Haight St. (between Belvedere St. and Cole St.) San Francisco, CA 94117
Haight Street Market: 1530 Haight St. (between Ashbury St. and Clayton St.) San Francisco, CA 94117
Cafe Gratitude: 2400 Harrison St (between 20th St and 21st St) Mission, San Francisco, CA 94110

To Travel Or Not To Travel..

Whatever age you reach, if you are an explorer, wanderer, adventurer.. That passion will never go away. Life gets crazy, you can't do as much as you'd like to do. Bills pile up, work gets stressful, kids get challenging, and there is not enough time to get the things you need to do, done, let alone time to do the things you do simply just because you want to. Where has the time all gone? Take a break, breathe. When you feel guilty about taking time off of work for a funeral, it's time to grab that car, bike, plane ticket, bus fare, whatever way you choose to get away, and get outta there! Push your limits, rediscover the strength you possess. Travel.