Tales of the Journey and Homecoming

I just returned to San Francisco after being away on vacation in Europe for almost three weeks. It was great to get away and see old friends and it was also very good to come home. I had some very interesting experiences while I was away, mostly a realization that my life has changed and very possibly that I am growing up.

Firstly, I was in Ibiza for a week and had the pleasure of celebrating my 42nd birthday there. I realized while I was out with my friends and as they were planning to go to the season closing party at Space, that I simply did not have a burning desire to be inside a night club and opted instead for a leisurely stroll through the old town. I found this very gratifying. I also realized as we were drinking copious amounts of beer every night that I am very thankful for the healthy lifestyle that I am exposed to and embrace here in San Francisco. Don’t get me wrong, I love beer and wine and a good party, but with some moderation. (I hope I don’t sound like an old fart here)

Every year since I had left London, I have felt somewhat obligated to visit, to check on my friends, and my ‘affairs’. After this visit though, I feel this is no longer necessary – again, don’t misunderstand me, I love to see my friends, but the London streets exhausted me. The people all dress the same and there is very little color. I saw a girl on the tube one day wearing red shoes and it struck me as so unusual in the environment. I also noticed how many foreign languages are spoken in London and I found this a little disturbing. (I suppose I was expecting to hear more English)

Having said all of that, what I do love about London is the access to art and all the wonderful old buildings that are steeped in history that is incomparable to anything here in the States. I visited the Tate and the Tate Modern, as well as the Royal Academy of the Arts and I stumbled across Leake Street – an amazing street filled with very good graffiti. These were all wonderful experiences that left me feeling enriched.

I will go back to London, but perhaps not too soon and perhaps also for other reasons than I had before. During this trip, I have confirmed again that I am at home in San Francisco and that is what matters more than anything to me.

This is where my heart lies. (for now, because, who knows what the future holds)

Be well.