SF, it was my home and later travel destination for numerous times over the years 2013 to 2025. The city by the bay sometimes under the fog’s grey. And often brings the sunshine directly to my heart and soul. And I am sure it will deliver that to you, too.
You can find more about my previous SF thoughts and pictures here and here.
Today, I compare my feelings from a decade back to now and share them with you.
California and especially the Bay Area are democratic, left-wing and digitized modern societies. The cost development has been stopped in its continuous raise. SF has also transformed the highway right by Ocean beach into a pedestrian and bicycle zone. Yeah, a two lane each way major road has been blocked for cars and traffic for the sake of calmness, tourism, sport, relaxation. Of course, with all the pros and cons included. People voted for it, whilst most people living in the ocean beach neighborhood did not welcome the decision as they have to detour now across the smaller streets. Still, the trend towards fewer vehicles continues in the city’s boundaries. Right downtown some roads are blocked for partying and some bar extension, meaning you can walk around with your drink. A novum around here and rare in the US. Besides Las Vegas and New Orleans this is not the case across the United States. I always vibed with SF and had that pure feeling that this destination combines the party with the work, the spirit with the soul.
Also, the city felt safer and cleaner to me compared to both five and ten years ago. Yes, there are still problems here and there and homelessness is still visible. But somehow, the city improved a bit and raises up to its charme once again. I walked, biked, and drove around town and felt OK to good. Some pot holes might still have been there, but therefore new self-driving taxis can be spotted quite frequently. Order them online or via the app and unlock and get them going by QR Code Scanning, Waymo for example. No driver, the car itself moves the steering wheel. So fascinating! And it works, sometimes unsure to slow, but therefore safe and they are not allowed to enter the highway yet. Still, what an experience.
The weather was super sunny during my visit and the city felt warmer. Just south of my beloved SF is San Bruno which already soaked in all the heat typical for California in early June. So same same weather whilst also increasing temperatures for some days. Nearby the landing or classic port of San Francisco, a gigantic statue of a lady has been erected and in the neighboring fountain that has been out of water for years, they installed a paddle tennis court. Paddle Tennis for sure is the new in-sport in town. A weird development: The ROSS Dress for Less store on Market Street has now its own police. I felt OK during my visit there, yet slightly uncomfortable.
I loved that the magic of Union Square and of course the bridges still works. They might be eternally magically excellent. I biked over the Golden Gate Bridge deep into the Marin with a rental bike once again from Blazing Saddles. Couple days later I relaxed on a sunny day around Union Square just to watch the flowers and the people, the traffic and the pausing of strangers. Not sure if SF has one single heart, but this place still could be it. And that Bay Bridge is as well still standing strong. Enjoy the pics!
=> Visit SF, feel it, vibe with the soul of the world.
Oh, and 102.9 is still there basting the best old school hip hop music and RnB vibes from your radio.
All the Best for 2025 and beyond, Sirk
