California Dreamin’ In SF & Tahoe

California is the BEST STATE IN THE UNION. According to my own anecdotal analysis. It’s as close as we’ve come to a large scale social democracy in the US. If I didn’t have to live in New York, I would consider California. Besides their political leanings, everything I’ve seen from San Diego up to SF has been nothing short of beautiful…okay that’s not true. The homelessness in LA and SF is pretty sad. However, as a state, Cali is pretty kick ass.

SF Not SanFran

I’ve been to SanFran multiple times, including Airbnbing for a month while I did stand-up there. They don’t like it when you call San Francisco SanFran though. They prefer you call their cute little city SF. Of course, the only people who call SF SF are people who are from SF. S. F.

Regardless of the silly name calling, and the high amounts of wealth disparity, you won’t find the uniqueness of SF anywhere else. Great dining, local shops, victorian homes, old ass trolleys, and the smell of weed lurking just around the corner. You also don’t need a gym membership. Walking a few blocks up and down it’s picturesque hills will give you enough of a cardio workout for the entire month.  Assuming your lungs don’t collapse on the way to your destination.

There’s a lot I can say about SF, but you just have to go and experience this tiny little city with postcard views. It’s #4 on my places to visit in the US after NYC, Chicago summer, and LA.

Places & Things

• Saint Frank Coffee – This is the art of San Francisco coffee right here. Try the Almond Macadamia Nut Latte.
• Biking – Rent a bike in Fisherman’s Wharf and ride over the Golden Gate bridge.
• Palace of Fine Arts Theatre – Hang in the park and enjoy the views and the cool ass Greco-Roman architecture. Take some pictures to get lots of likes on Instagram.

Lake Tahoe

Bachelorette parties galore! Some bachelor parties, but mostly bachelorette parties. I’ve never seen anything like it, though I’ve never been to Vegas. There were more phallic party favors in Tahoe than exposed dicks in Castro (SF gayborhood).

The best part of my trip was the reunion with my good friends from Chicago. We were there for our friend’s wedding. It was also my first time as a groomsman and my first time wearing a tux. H????T. My friends and the moments we created is what I’ll never forget about Tahoe.

The city itself was beautiful. Pristine beaches. As a Chicagoan who has experienced the piss water that is Lake Michigan, Tahoe’s water was clean and clear and something I enjoyed swimming in. The city’s pace reminded me of Malta. Without the old world charm, and a bit more commercialization, and much better coffee.

I don’t think I would ever go back to Tahoe though. Unless I lived a few hours away and wanted a timeshare. A place I could escape to. It was a fun trip. I’m glad I was able to experience it, but there’s just too many other places in the world for me to explore.

Places & Things

• Free Bird – Tiny coffee shop that is usually packed. The first time we went I got the Dirty Bliss (not on the menu), which is the Cacao Bliss with coffee added. We tried to go back a few other times, but there was always a long line and we didn’t have the time to wait.
• Beach – Go to the beach yo. Take some tunes. Paddle board, swim, ya know.
• Mountains – Ahem.

Have you been to SF or Lake Tahoe? What did you think?

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