San Francisco, the eclectic city with cable cars, Victorian Houses and the Golden Gate Bridge. A city known for it’s murals, the Bay Area and wide range of food from Ghirardelli chocolate to Sourdough bread. In San Francisco there’s an art and an openness for all walks of life to gather from beggars, socialites, artists, wanderers and travelers, all experiencing the opportunities the city has to offer.
I remember my first time arriving in this iconic city. It was about a year ago and I will never forget the moment when I noticed all of the houses and buildings connected together and seeing the breathtaking view of the Golden Gate Bridge before my eyes. The windows in the car were rolled down, music was blasting and I breathed in the salty air of the Bay as we drove across the bridge. I knew right then, I had made it to the right place. I will never forget my first moments experiencing the city, from trekking up a giant street hill to the infamous Lombard Street, to walking across Pier 39 and seeing seals bask in the sun. It was love at first sight. When I explain my love for the city to others, my eyes light up and I talk about the amazing food, walking along Union Street, the jam packed streets, Baker Beach, the warm sunny weather, the cool ocean breeze, the city viewpoints, the vibrant personalities of strangers, Dolores Park, the quaint coffee shops and watching the sunset fall behind the Golden Gate bridge at Battery Spencer park and wait for the city lights to glow as the sky turns from day to night.
The amount of love and affection I have for this city is indescribable. Perhaps it’s the change of scenery or the numerous reasons why I believe this would be a great place to live in during my 20s — a place filled with organic and vegan restaurants, overpriced rent, limited parking and memorable views overlooking the city. A city that reminds me of a west coast version of New York, as soon as you’re in the midst of the noise, you feel the innovative energy and endless opportunities knowing that anything could happen. From the infamous words of Tony Bennett, “I left my heart in San Francisco.”