I am on the final countdown to BlogHer! woooo hooooo... I can't wait to go and meet these bloggers in person. I am just going to soak up all that I can. And won't it just be fantastic to be in a room full of people that know what I'm talking about when I say "today's tweet..." But mostly,
I can't wait to go to The City!
A long time ago, for a brief time, I was fortunate enough to have lived in Marin, just across the Golden Gate from The City. Up until then, I had always called it "San Francisco." I also used to say "Trolly" and would never remember to bring a heavy jacket for a summer evening. I even had the gall to order light beer in public. After a few months of sticking out, I began drinking amber ales, left the "Cable Cars" to the brave tourists, bought several beautiful coats, and called it, "The City."
My dream is to one day own a home back up there... once the book deal closes or I win the lotto. Whichever comes first. I just absolutely loved being up there and go back as often as possible. I love walking down Columbus at night. Steam coming up from manholes. Crowded coffee houses. Triple X nudie bars right next to schools... it's just a whole mess of images... and smells... and comforting buzzing noises of a city that is a little seedy, a lot lovely, and totally alive. It feels real and yet magical. Those of you that left your hearts there (haha) know what I mean.
I must admit, however, that I have not yet been introduced to many other American Big Cities. I grew up outside of LA, so been there, done that. But Manhattan? Never. Nashville? Huh-uh. Boston? Nope. Seattle? Seen nothin'! I don't know that any place would ever replace San Francisco, but I would like to visit those cities, as well as so many other intriguing destinations. For now, though... I can't wait to get off the plane at SFO and get some Dim Sum at Yank Sing's!
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What about you? What's your favorite city? Where would you like to visit? There's a poll to the right just begging to be clicked! If you have another destination in mind, something off the beaten path, comment below. Maybe I'll add it to my growing list of places to go.
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Tuesday, July 8, 2008
The City
Posted by Sugar Jones at 3:12 PM
Labels: cities, destination, San Francisco, The City, travel, vacation
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15 comments:
Well.... my all time favorite city is not on your list. And it would be..... Charleston, SC. It's absolutely, magnificently beautiful, right on the water, soaked in history, culture, fabulous restaurants, art (Spoleto), etc.
I lived there for 9 years and (one day) will retire there. Hubster doesn't want to retire there so apparently I'll be moving there "solo". :-)
There really is no place on the planet like Charleston.
NYC is great; Boston is great; Atlanta (home) is of course great; Dallas is great; San Antonio is fun, (and great Mexican food); Honolulu is beautiful (but overrun with tourists), Savannah and New Orleans are both beautiful (I have not visited NO "post Katrina" though); Nashville is nice; Minneapolis is lovely (in the Spring and Summer). However, there are LOTS of towns on the West Coast I have YET to explore!
Have FUN at BlogHer!! I'm envious!
I've been to most major cities in the USA, and while NY will always be a type of home plate for me, I still seek that new city. I've been dying to go to Istanbul since I first learned the word, and I am excited to say that for my 31st birthday in September I am making that happen, I'll dash over to Athens too, that acropolis thing sound like it's a must!
I'll show you around NY if you take me to San Fran!
Oops, wrong persona, hate when I do that! That's my secret identity!!
I have to say, I do love NYC. Not all of it, but the parts I love, I love deeply.
I would stay away from the iconic Times Square and midtown. But I love Greenwich Village, the East Village, the Lower East Side, Union Square. I'm a downtown kind of girl, but I've got a soft spot for the Upper West side and Morningside Heights around Columbia University.
And then there's Brooklyn, my adopted hometown. (born in the Bronx, grew up in Manhattan and the Bronx, spent my twenties Downtown and my thirties in Brooklyn.) I love Williamsburg, despite the infestation of hipsters. Love Park Slope and Gowanus. Brooklyn Heights, Greenpoint, Sunset Park, and all the other personality filled neighborhoods.
I have, however, always wanted to go to San Francisco, and may still make it. I think San Fran and NY might be the closest in spirit. Maybe London or Paris. I've heard Toronto is nice, or is it Quebec?
I so wanted to go to BlogHer, and even more so since meeting so many wonderful bloggers (yes! you!)
Maybe next year, which will be more settled, hopefully.
Hey Sugar! I would have picked NY on your poll, but you said Manhattan, which is only one fifth, although the most famous part, of NYC.
So if we're doing boroughs, then I have to put my vote in for
BROOKLYN, BABY!
HWHL: I can't believe I didn't put Charleston! My pilot used to fly there all the time... so jealous! I have always wanted to see the town squares that are apparently everywhere. He got me a book on it. Not the same, but maybe some day I can put some living into that theory.
Hey Mysteria Wysteria: I am DYING to go to Turkey! So much religious history. And everyone I've ever met from Turkey has been super cool. How cool that you are going!
Rowena: Okay, now I HAVE to go to NY! And I toyed with Manhattan vs. New York. I've heard enough to know that it's definitely not the same. I guess I left it like that hoping that someone would "set me straight" about the other burrows. Looks like you did! Seriously, if I can ever make it, you have to give me a step by step insider's guide. Sounds like you know the place. haha...
woopsy... I meant burroughs... don't drink and post! jk
Wow! Come on! God made a lot of beautiful places in the world--and I've been fortunate enough to explore many of them including all those on your list--but when He got to San Diego He got it JUST RIGHT!
Since moving here in 2000, the few times we've left 'home' we just whine to get back. We are ruined.
That said, DO NOT miss the real "The City." NY NY is only scary in the movies. People are friendly, the streets are as safe as anywhere and there is very little graffiti. The food is to die for. The more often you visit the more you get what a 'village' it really is. (Don't miss the 'Korean Delis' that the locals use. They're on nearly every block) And Oh,the energy! New York City is as ON as we are livin' the "Duuuude" life. So if you MUST leave San Diego--put Manhattan on your short list!
In the meantime--Celebrate! ...CJ
(I so look forward to your fun blog posts, Sweet Sweet Sug'r!)
San Fran is such a magical place. Who can explain why? It just is.
Kinda unaffordable, though. Like so many wonderful places.
The most nurturing place for my soul that was also affordable was Manitou Springs, Colorado. I met my husband there. The Business of Art Center is there. In fact, that's where we met. We both felt called.
So, yes, I believe that there is magic in a place, and you can go there, you should. If it's meant to be, you'll just feel it in your bones. You will be called.
Hey Sugar, I would looove to visit all the places in the US, I still haven't been, buhu. I think, before I die, I would have visited at least NY, Boston, Chigaco to name a few. Swedens capital Stockholm is beautiful, and Gothenburg (not its real name). Auckland here is ok, but not as nice as Christchurch, the garden city. Right now any city in the Greek islands would be good.
And Rome. I loved Rome, and Milan. Sigh. Let just go now!
Hey Sugar! I've travelled (sp?) all over and been to many cities, but my all time favorite is S.F.! I try to go at least once a year!
Of course, I am a California girl at heart.
=)
Hi Bella! I lost you there... HWHL deleted her blog roll... I was so dependent on that thing!
I knew you were a Cali Girl. I saw your posts about Big Sur. This a beautiful state. There are definitely other great places, but I'll always call this place home.
Like someone else said, San Francisco and New York are pretty "close in spirit" what with the wonderful food, diversity of people, and of course the mass amounts of hipsters. I will never ever stop finding wonderful things I love about this city though. Something about New York just didn't do it for me like this place does.
The other night I risked looking like a massive tourist and took a cable car home (it was the fastest way!). It was about ten o'clock at night and we were heading up Hyde and I turned around and just saw the most amazing view of the Bay Bridge and the city skyline. Coincidentally, I was listening to an Eisley song when the lyrics sang "This place is so lovely/ it kind of makes me very happy". It was probably the best thing ever.
Needless to say....I really like living here.
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