What a city of surprises. I remember coming here a few years ago for a city and really enjoyed it but I guess I didn’t really see the city like I did this time. I decided to come to San Francisco because all my friends in LA are busy during the week and I did not want to rely on others to be driving me around. I am so incredibly happy I took this trip but I also made a lot of realizations.
I love seeing the world and this trip is an example of why. For some reason, I had in my mind a very different idea of SF compared to actuality. Three days later, I’m still incredibly shocked as I walk around the amount of homeless people on every street, even in the most tourist city center. I’m not the type of person to be afraid walking down a street by myself but I definitely have my doubts in this city wherever I am. What is incredible is the polarization of everything I see. In one block, there can be a fancy and big shopping mall as well as a small run down mexican restaurant that looks like it may close down any day. People begging for money, asking for quarters, starving artists and people simply lingering around outside is endless.
In a way, I’m glad the homeless population is not congregated in one area of the city but at the same time, it makes me wonder what type of help is offered to those people here in the city. I really want to know all of these stories but for the first time in a while, I found myself becoming someone that just wants to avoid any type of situation where I’m faced with a homeless person…. which in this case, is every time I walk outdoors.
I have a lot to ponder after being in SF for a few days. I’m incredibly lucky to have met an Australian friend through Couch Surfing that spent the last two days with me sight seeing, walking around and having a good time. Also blessed to be able to stay in a hostel right downtown, to avoid being in more sketchy neighborhoods.
Thats it for now, more thoughts to come later.
Joanne Lam 