“The coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco.”
Mark Twain
I thought it was summer time. I’m in sweats, a turtleneck wool sweater, and I’ve got my space heater on full blast. What is going on here?
My cab driver today muttered with a slurred Chinese accent, “This is widiculous. Widiculous, this weather! I can’t wait to get out. I been here 26 years. No more. Me no like this cold weather.”
“Aww, really? I know it sucks, but you don’t like it here anymore?”
“Nawww, too expensive. Once I pay my went, I barely have enough.”
“Tell me about it. It is expensive here. You’re right.”
“I go Texas.”
“What??? You’re leaving San Francisco for Texas?”
“Yesss, I like Texas. BEAUTIFUL! Warrrm, very warrrrm. And you can buy place for $50,000. Big home. Here you get parking space for that much.”
“Seriously. I hear ya.”
The price we pay to live in the city: expensive, yucky weather. This is the first time I’ve heard of someone leaving permanently after being here so long. Kinda made me sad.
Hot and sticky, an ebon cloud bank filling the sky, anxious eyes watching for a hint of rotation, six million commuters going who knows where, Texas has its moments. Barbeque, burgers, and Texmex. Backyards, harleys and SUVs…I’m gonna go soak up some sun. What’s that in the distance? 40,000lbs of thrust!
I love visiting San Francisco. As a California native who has moved to the back of beyond in Nevada, I forever will regard California and the Bay Area my home. And yes, while at Candlestick Park, watching a Giants game, my dad and I had to leave because my body was cold from the inside out. And it was in July!
I left the traffic and the commuting and the noise and the polution and the conveniences and the varied foods and the great music [thanks KFOG for being online!] behind for a little piece of my own land, a home and some quiet time. I visit then get to come back to some semblence of sanity. Its all good!
Hi,
Came here from the KQED podcast. Congratulations on the Bay to Breakers!
Thanks for highlighting how this crazy housing market is affecting the lives of people who don’t get the luxury of stock options or fat salaries. It is sad!
gg