Everyone knows I love to travel, and a mini vacation is my jam. A quick jolt to lift my spirits and recharge, are always on my to do list. I try to squeeze in at least two – three a year..along with my annual lengthier destination getaways. Last week I headed out to the west coast, San Francisco to be exact, with my friend and bomb photographer Alma. We spent our days hanging out..eating good food, talking a lot of smack, and just enjoying the San Francisco vibe. Of course you know we shot a few pics in between all the fun we were having. It was the perfect place for a mini vacation.
San Francisco has definitely reserved a space in my heart. The various eclectic neighborhoods, gorgeous architecture, and diverse cultures, makes the city a very unique place. It reminds me of NYC a whole lot. There’s amazing eateries ( that I will link below), night life, shopping and of course historical sights to see. The Golden Gate bridge is a whole experience in itself..who knew.
The time I spent in this wonderful city was very rejuvenating, but also very enlightening. Even though this city is beautiful and steeped in culture, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention all the mentally ill people living and roaming the streets in many areas. The number of homeless individuals are staggering…I’ve never seen anything like it. It was just the weirdest juxtaposition ever.
Upon returning home I began to work on the draft for this blog post. I wanted to fill the post with pictures of the beautiful San Francisco, and only talk about the amazing time I had (because I did have a blast), but it just didn’t feel right. I felt compelled to share about what I witnessed, and how it affected me. As I hopped in and out of eateries and shopping plazas, I couldn’t help being a little saddened by what I encountered. These emotions were bottled up inside, and I needed to get them out.
I did a little research and found out some of the history and struggle around the epidemic there. The articles I read helped me to process what the hell I was seeing. I’m a New Yorker and I’m no stranger to seeing the homeless, but this was different. I didn’t intend for this post to be mired in gloom, but it’s reality. What I can say is, I love this city, and would return in a heart beat.. as a matter of fact, I will be very soon. I hope that the city’s newest mayor “London Breed” works as hard as she claims, and succeeds where the previous mayors have failed, with radically reducing the number of homeless in San Francisco.
With all that being said, I still had the best mini vacation ever in San Francisco, and you can too. When, not if you go, please do yourself a favor and check out State Bird Provisions for some of the most amazing food you’ll ever eat. Grab a quick delicious and healthy bite, in a really cool space, at Media Noche. For all my champagne loving gals, The Riddler is a must…your welcome. Also, if you love a huge classic hotel, but also enjoy a modern boutique hotel, then the Palace hotel is everything you could possibly want, and some. San Francisco is a city full of character. It represents all the beauty and vulnerability of the United States. Our strengths and weaknesses, and the work that needs to be done. This was a mini vacation I’ll never forget. I truly left my heart in San Francisco.
As always loves, until our next travel encounter, stay inspired
xoxo
There is always something to see in other cities and unfortunately some of it is ugly. But, we have to look past it all and continue to be kind to others. Looks like you had Great time there regardless. And that’s the way to vacay. . . .
Thanks Neti! It sounds like you truly understand the experience. I really appreciate you always stopping by and supporting.
xoxo
Great post! Last year I had an opportunity to visit San Francisco and Muir Woods. The redwoods are truly a sight to see…and the Golden Gate Bridge 🙌🏽🙌🏽🙌🏽. Truly sad to hear about the staggering amount of homelessness…we are experiencing a hurricane here in the Carolinas and my primary concern is where will the homeless population go. Praying that San Francisco and other cities across the nation can remedy this staggering crisis. Love all of your pics so much!
Hi Steph!
Thanks so much doll! I remember when you went to San Francisco. I was also floored by the whole Golden Gate Bridge experience..simply beautiful! People are suffering in cities all over the country, if it isn’t homelessness, its hurricanes. I hope you guys weren’t hit to bad.
xoxo
What a great read Elaine! I love that you shared such an honest account of how you felt about the homeless and mental health issues while also giving a nod to the beauty and cultural experiences! Your honest approach made this travel post even more interesting. Loved it!
Thanks Tonya! I’m so happy you enjoyed the post. I had to share my complete experience..I felt that it was the least I could do. I couldn’t just gloss over it.
xoxo
Elaine lovely blog post and fantastic pictures. How cool to have your photographer alongside of you. I plan to visit and yes it saddens me to see so many homeless people on the street. As far as the hotel, Can you tell me how was the service you received ?
Hey Felicia!
Thanks for stopping by lady! Alma and I had a blast, she’s so cool! If you stay at the Palace Hotel, you’ll love it..there service was great. Hopefully the homeless issue will be addressed..it is sad.
xoxo
I loved this post and even more how you kept it so real by mentioning the reality of life. I have not been to SF in over 10 years so obviously things have changed quite a bit. Thank you for a lovely post and also a great suggestion of where to stay when I take my own trip out there.
Hi Lana
Thank you so much! I felt so compelled to share my feelings about the epidemic of homelessness in this beautiful city. I’m not sure if it was like this when you visited 10 years again..do you remember? When you return, definitely choose the the Palace Hotel..so good!