San Francisco Bay Area

I'm coming home

Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco

The bay is calling and I am coming home. It’s been 3 years since I left San Francisco. Perhaps I left my heart in SF. I am sure the city is not the same and neither am I.

I feel like Santiago in the book The Alchemist, exploring the world and coming back home. Life is full of miracles. This book was following me in Raleigh in 2021-22 and had interesting conversations with folks.

Each moment is mesmerizing in SF. My favorite places to be - the bridges, gardens, parks, beaches and the foodie spots. I love walking the streets of San Francisco, there’s always a new charming neighborhood ready to explore and uncover.

San Francisco

• The bridges

  • Golden Gate

  • Bay Bridge
    

• The parks and walks

  • Golden gate park

  • Dolores park

  • Presidio

• The waterfront and beaches

  • Embarcadero

  • Marina

  • Fisherman’s wharf

  • Ocean beach

• The restaurants

  • My top 10 foodie spots from 2019 in Google Maps: https://goo.gl/maps/JMtrTAjqWJ3jZtg9A
    1. Brenda’s Soul Food — Crawfish Beignets 

    2. Ippudo — Steamed Buns 
    3. Oren’s Hummus — Hummus with Lamb
    4. The Bird — Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich
    5. Takoba SF Sushi — The Minna signature roll
    6. Dragon Beaux — Seabass Dim sum 
    7. Farmhouse Kitchen Thai — Hat Yai Fried Chicken
    8. Flying Falafel — Pita pocket with half Falafel and half Chicken
    9. Saigon Sandwich — Banh Mi Combination Sandwich
    10. Dumpling Time — Xian Lamb Dumpling
    

Walking the streets and discovering a new restaurant or bakery, finding the nooks and corners in each neighborhood - a favorite indeed… And there is always a new spot to explore that didn’t exist a few months ago. It’s a foodie haven for folks like me.

The city is changing always and shifting in its own way. There are folks that visit SF for events and conferences and only see union square and the bad parts of the city. I do wish folks could see the better sides of SF. There are so many stories untold, waiting to be discovered.

Until I moved to San Francisco, I didn’t know any better. But now I adore embarcadero and the marina and everything in between. I have lived in Santa Clara, Pleasanton and San Francisco, and trust me each one had its mark in a decade.

I remember the gorgeous fireworks above the SF Bay bridge from 5+ years ago. Never saw anything like it before and I am in awe.

And every time I am in a new city, I am reminded of my love for San Francisco. And I was in awe when I visited Lisbon in the west coast of Europe. The similarity is breathtaking - the bridge, cable car, and the hills.

As I get ready to be back in the San Francisco Bay Area, I am amazed by the kindness of folks once again. In this world where its all take, there are kind souls extending a hand when you are in need. I so appreciate this lovingkindness.

It feels like the time I knew I wanted to be in Lisbon, but not quite sure how to make it happen. This time, finding a furnished room share near the office seems like a unique challenge. Since I don’t drive, proximity is a key factor and the areas nearby are by the water and nature, which I am excited about.

And I am blessed to have my dear friends and family support me with their prayers, wishes as I embark on this new journey in a new city in SF Bay area.

Whenever I read a story where there is a reference to San Francisco Bay area or California, there is a little tug in my heart. And I am lucky to find a new opportunity right at home in this volatile job market. Mucho Gracias! Grazie Mille!

Cheers to new explorations!

To begin life again … To new memories …