It’s officially been a month since James and I moved to San Francisco! We said bye bye to Toronto and hello to California living! Now that we are finally moved out of our temporary place and into our new apartment everything is beginning to feel a lot more settled. James has started his new job and I have started to get into a schedule of blogging and exploring!
I’ve only had one bout of homesickness since we arrived so I think I am doing well on that front. And with things like What’s App, Skype and FaceTime it makes it really easy to stay in touch with friends and family. And I am SO thankful for that : )
What can I say about San Francisco so far…
Well, the people here have been overwhelmingly friendly. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I was pleasantly surprised. I even made a new pal at the Benefit store downtown. Who knew waxing my legs would lead to meeting a new friend? : )
On the flip side the rumours are true. There are a lot of homeless people. Whatever you are thinking, times it by 10. That’s how many homeless people there are. Luckily they mostly keep to themselves so there hasn’t been any reason to feel unsafe. It does smell like pee most places downtown. It’s something I don’t think I’ll ever adjust to.
The weather is almost always like Toronto in the fall. Crisp, sunny and depending on the day it can get into the low 20’s. It’s certainly not hot California weather, but I am totally ok with that. The fall is my favourite season so I am really loving the weather. People here joke that you should always carry a sweater no matter what time of the year it is just incase, as it can suddenly get chilly out of nowhere. Good advice!
James and I did most of the “touristy” things when we came here on vacation a few years back so we have mostly been walking around and trying to get to know our new neighbourhood (apparently it’s called SOMA). We did go to see Golden Gate Bridge this weekend and that was really cool. Transit is cheaper here which is nice. $2 gets you unlimited bus and street car access for 90 minutes, so usually I can get to where I am going and come back within that amount of time. Wrap your head around that TTC!
We’ve been to a few places to eat but to be honest I can’t remember the names of most of them. One I do remember is called Uno Dos Tacos where I had delicious fish tacos and a mixed drink that came in a bowl called a the “Las Cazuela”. Let’s just say that the drink portions were generous!
Overall I am really loving our new adventure. It’s both liberating and a bit scary to start over somewhere new, but luckily I have my best friend with me so it’s been pretty amazing so far : )
Have you ever been to San Francisco? What was your favourite part?
jenn f says
so glad things are coming up roses for you! its always scary to go to a new place and try and make a life there.
SF looks awesome though! it really is a fav place of mine…must visit when i’m on the west coast again.
Megan Joy says
Yes you must! It’s a great vacation spot, there’s so much do to!
Chelle says
The TTC really needs to pick up its game with transit. Even in Ottawa you have free access to any route, no matter which direction, for a full 90 minutes once you get on. I have no idea why Toronto is so rigid on single directions. Very, very annoying!
Megan Joy says
It really is! I was so pleasantly surprised when I realized I could use the transfer for 90 minutes. So smart!
Jen says
Congratulations on the move! Glad the people have been so friendly and that the weather has been beautiful!
Megan Joy says
Thank you! I can get a little lonely but overall I am totally love it here
Julie says
I am so glad San Fran has been so San Friendly. (See what I did there). Toronto misses you though!
Megan Joy says
Julie puns are my favourite puns. Miss you too girl!
Natalie Heather says
I’m so glad to hear things are going well!
Megan Joy says
Thanks Natalie! So far so good
MizzJ says
Oh wow you’re living in SOMA? I heard that’s a pretty hip neighbourhood?
Megan Joy says
I am still discovering the neighbourhood but it’s really close to all the downtown “stuff” which is awesome
Steph says
I’d love to visit SF! Glad you’re enjoying it so far. That drink looks so amazing and I envy you get to go to the Benefit spa!
Sarah Norquay says
Miss you so much! Never been to Dan Fran but I plan on changing that next year;-)
Sarah Norquay says
San fran. Silly phone
Camey says
Hahaha it most definitely does smell like pee most places downtown… I am always so surprised when I go other places and it doesn’t smell like pee! Which is kind of strange now that I’ve admitted out loud… So glad you’ve been enjoying the city, it really is an incredible place to live, I always feel so lucky! And feel free to let me know if you’re ever in need of any recommendations for places to eat/visit/shop/etc.!
XO Camey
Megan Joy says
Haha so I guess I am getting the authentic San Francisco experience Camey
Jayne says
I’m happy you and James are enjoying the city and trying to make it feel like home! Technology is great isn’t it? I think it’s a lot easier now for sure to not feel quite so disconnected from friends and family.
I have been to SF a long time ago though. I was there helping homeless people actually and helping out in a shelter with a church group. Homelessness is a huge issue over there and it’s almost like part of the city which is unfortunate…
Megan Joy says
It’s pretty insane how many homeless people there are. And you can tell many of them either suffer from mental illness or have serious addictions. The city would benefit from more community outreach for sure!