18 Dec San Francisco: Part 4 – Brunch, History and Maraschino Cherries

So, we’ve started going to brunch now. Exactly at the point when I can’t afford anything at all, like basic vegetables are out of the question and Clipper card top-ups are painful, yet now is the time we decide it’s a good thing to do once a week. I’m learning about American breakfast foods though, which has resulted in having way too many discussions with people about the differing definitions of biscuits and how it’s far too confusing really. Also there are bottomless mimosas, so…

One night a couple of weeks ago I finally went into Twin Peaks in Castro, a bar I’ve probably walked past at least 50 times since I’ve been here, and I’m not exaggerating at all. Actually over thanksgiving break I realised that in the past 14 days I had spent more than 38 hours in Castro, that’s a little excessive… But finally going into Twin Peaks was wonderful, the carpet throws you off at first, unexpected in a bar, we sat upstairs and listened to the man we were with tell us stories about how this was Lady Gaga’s favourite place in San Francisco and she loved to perform up here on this balcony. I don’t know whether I believe him or not but it was a beautiful idea and a beautiful place to sit and people watch. The windows look over the crosswalks at Castro and Market St , you can watch the F pulling in and out if it’s still early enough and look over the edge of the balcony to the people sitting below and wonder what they’re speaking about. The tiny little Tiffany style lights on the tables are lovely too, they make for a warm glow about the bar and make you feel a little more classy than you are when you’re picking maraschino cherries out of everyone’s drinks with your fingers.

Twin Peaks was the first bar in Castro to put in windows facing the street. Midnight Sun, our other haunt every Monday night was the last in the traditional Castro strip. I love feeling the history of the city. As soon as I stepped into that building and onto the soft surprising carpet I felt it. This city has so much to offer and so, so much I have yet to see and experience. I’ll work so hard to make sure I see a little of it all before I go.

Finals are overwhelming and I can’t wait to be done with them, this term has felt so much longer than those at UEA, and that’s probably because it is, at least 3 weeks longer at the minimum and I am exhausted. I’ve enjoyed my classes for the most part though and loved the different ways of learning I’ve had the chance to do here. I feel as though I’ve been here for much longer than I actually have, and I definitely feel much more at home here than I ever did in Norwich and I’ve lived there for nearly 2 years now. I know I say it far too much, but I really do love this city and I’m thankful everyday for the people I’ve met and gotten to know here, I can only hope even if we’re separated by over 5000 miles next year that they continue to stay in my life forever.

– Georgia Tomlinson-Spence
(@georgiarts)