8 things you learn while living in San Francisco
Best insight from the 2 month old local, obviously!
Since I moved to this city, every experience in the past 60 days have been nothing short of exhilarating. Some good, some weird and some that make me feel extremely dumb. Reflecting on this ride so far, I’ve managed to put together a list of all my observations. DISCLAIMER- if you are reading this and are a SF native- hopefully its a“hella” fun read ( all in good spirit!)
Now that that’s out of the way, let’s dive into this shall we?!
1. Paying for the MUNI
ROOKIE MISTAKE 101. How dare you lawfully abide by the rules and purchase a $75 monthly pass?! Remember- the real challenge here is to tackle all the disapproving looks you get for being responsible and tapping in your card every day! Its your decision- to fit in or be the outcast.
2. Love/Hate relationship with the MUNI
Continuing with the trend of complaining about my only other significant relationship in this city- the MUNI, can either be a blessing in disguise or a royal pain in the buttocks! Know that being stuck on the train for 45 mins is super normal, ESPECIALLY during a Giants game. And if you are lucky enough to be riding during rush hour- cancel all your plans, because you are never reaching home on time!
3. Get yourself a jacket please!
When people say California weather is great, they most probably have other cities in mind! Do not ever think that you can rock up to SF with your cute pair of shorts and legs for days ( I did that..), because Karl the fog is coming for you.
4. People will judge you if you ask for a bag at a grocery store
Not only does a bag cost an extra 10 cents, but it also costs you your pride and dignity. Wait until the cashier shoots you the look of disgrace while also simultaneously commenting on how you’re the WORST person ever to not bring an extra grocery bag, that’s when you know you messed up big time!
5. Garbage disposal challenge
If you know your trash disposal methodologies and can navigate around all the trash cans here, then you my friend, are a certified genius in my books! I know my rep for being a good local is going down the drain with this post, but I must admit that trash disposal here is extremely hard and a nerve wracking process. Make sure you know the proper rules of recycling, because one wrong bin, then you’re basically a trash person!
6. You’ll know how long a mile really is after walking/biking/ jogging here
Let me tell you something- if you think you are fit and can conquer anything, think again! This city’s ups and downs will pump up your lactic acid to levels that’ll get your legs crying. So maybe try jogging to the Ferry Building first rather than thinking that biking to Sausalito is a child’s play. (Been there, done that, never doing that again!).
7. You WILL find whatever cuisine your heart desires
If there is one thing you should know about me, it is that food is my biggest weakness and possibly one of the biggest reasons why I moved to SF (shameless confession). Indian, Chinese, Ethiopian, Japanese, Korean, Italian, Jamaican…. You name it and you’ll find it here! Believe me- the proof is the numbers shown on my weighing scale!
8. AND FINALLY…Long weekend plans
Let me take a WILD GUESS- you went to Yosemite/ Lake Tahoe/ Crater Lake for this past long weekend, didn’t you?! Or even better- these are your go to options for every long weekend, right? RIGHT!? Do me a favor and go find another place to explore and please don’t tell me it’s either going to Napa or driving down the 17 mile coast! (SIGH!)
In conclusion, here’s my definition for SF so far- “A treat for the eye and the stomach but a definite burn for your quads and your wallet!”
