These precious few days in San Francisco, I've wandered up and down the steep hills and gazed at the timeless beauty of sailboats on the Bay and lights twinkling through the fog. I've climbed the steps to Coit Tower and basked in the moonglow. I've had intense conversations and laughed with good friends, old and new. I've rediscovered places and things I'd almost forgotten.
I've eaten vanilla bean gelato and Boudin sourdough bread for lunch and North Beach pizza for breakfast. I've immersed myself in the awe-inspiring energy of this amazing city that has twice been home to me - and dared to imagine that it could become home again.
I am not ready to leave San Francisco. For me, it's a magical place that long-ago captured my heart. But early tomorrow morning, I'm off on the next leg of my journey to Vancouver, British Columbia. It will be my first trip to Canada and I'm looking forward to spending time with friends, including the effervescent Maddie of Persisting Stars!
Sans access to a computer, I won't be posting until returning to Savannah late next week for Jordana's college graduation and related festivities. Wishing you all a wonderful and safe Memorial Day weekend!
I am sure you had a wonderful time with Maddie.
Posted by: Yoli | 03 June 2008 at 19:44
Hi Tara, It's been a long time between visits but it's lovely to drop by again. I've always wanted to travel to San Francisco and it sounds like you've enjoyed your visit. I hope the rest of your journey is a safe one and I look forward to dropping by more regularly to catch up!
Posted by: nel | 31 May 2008 at 04:42
Hi Tara! I am so glad you got to be in SF! I also can't wait til I go there! If you get a chance to come to charleston when you get to Savannah..please let me know!!!!I will be here for the summer!
Posted by: pam aries | 30 May 2008 at 18:36
Being a Vancouverite myself, I know you will love the city just as much as San Fran - I've always thought that if I couldn't live in Van, the only other city in North America I would consider is San Francisco. They both are truly gorgeous (I may even like SF more!)
You really are going to the best part of Canada though - Vancouver and BC can't be compared to in terms of scenery and beauty and activites - though if you want a bit more charm and culture, Montreal can't be missed either.
Have fun! You may see me walking around (I live in the same neighbourhood as Maddie)
Posted by: Wanderlusting | 29 May 2008 at 20:15
Wishing you a happy and safe trip home!
Sandra Evertson
Posted by: Sandra | 29 May 2008 at 05:11
San Francisco is an amazing city, one I've only visited, but I can understand why people leave their hearts there. I'm so glad it was all you remembered and more.
Good wishes to you that the rest of your trip is a safe and happy one. It sounds quite wonderful so far!
Posted by: Jeanie | 29 May 2008 at 00:10
Safe travels! You may be on your way to Savannah by now, I'm raising a glass to Jordana! Congrats!!
Posted by: stephanie | 28 May 2008 at 05:11
I am so glad for you that you have had this time to reaquaint yourself with a place of the heart. Maybe you will be able to come back and live one day. Wishes do come true. :) Beautiful photos in your header. Enjoy your stay in Vancouver.
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 28 May 2008 at 04:36
I am so glad for you that you have had this time to reaquaint yourself with a place of the heart. Maybe you will be able to come back and live one day. Wishes do come true. :) Beautiful photos in your header. Enjoy your stay in Vancouver.
Posted by: chiefbiscuit | 28 May 2008 at 04:36
Can't wait to see the pictures you will bring back . I love Maddie's photos
Posted by: le petit cabinet de curiosites | 27 May 2008 at 09:11
waving at you from burlingame
Posted by: AscenderRisesAbove | 26 May 2008 at 18:19
I was living there for 8 years! at Burbaby! and I know where you can find the best sushi! :)
Write to me if you need some address there Tara. And Thomas( my husband) and I, we are still there in some way....we participate in a community center projet that was making our faces on mosaic...this mosaic is between the branches of trees around a fountain in Burnaby :)
Have a great time! and do some kayaking if you have the time on Maine Island :) you will have seals swimming around you...
Posted by: caty | 26 May 2008 at 17:06
My heart bleeds with your heart.
Have fun with Maddie, she is something to look forward to!
xo
Constance
Posted by: rochambeau | 26 May 2008 at 15:37
You're in Canada, albeit on the other end of this vast and magnificent country. Wonderful.
I've never been to San Fran, but it is high on my list of places I would love to see and I know it is one I would feel an affinity for.
Enjoy your time north of the 49th parallel......and enjoy the rest of your trip.
dana
Posted by: awareness | 26 May 2008 at 03:12
You described so beautifully the San Francisco I love -- the one I just so recently left.
I hope, on your first visit to Canada, that you decide it's a place you need to see more of. I love Vancouver. But I also love Toronto and would love for you to someday make a visit to the eastern part. There are some of us you know who would love to get to meet you, right Gillian??
Posted by: Sherry Smyth | 26 May 2008 at 00:30
Oh! I'm so sorry that I missed your posts about coming to SF till now...but it sounds like you had an amazing time in the beautiful city by the bay. I look forward to seeing your photos...seeing SF in your eyes! Enjoy Vancouver, it is nearly just a perfect as SF...of course, I'm a wee bit partial to SF. :)
Posted by: Madeline | 25 May 2008 at 22:37
Oh, do enjoy. Vancouver is a wonderful city as is San Francisco. I do hope you get nice weather. It's been rather temperamental in BC so far this spring. Vancouver is a glorious place when the sun shines.
Posted by: Carla | 25 May 2008 at 18:51
Very sorry we didn't connect, Tara. I thought you were going to still be here in June after the blogger conference. You will have a great time in B.C. I was there several years ago. Victoria is a very beautiful city. Have fun. Oh, and don't miss the Bouchert Gardens.
Posted by: annieelf | 25 May 2008 at 16:38
I feel your heart in this one. Leaving places that we love isn't ever easy. But you are a wild gypsy woman who is changing the world one amazing story at a time. Vancouver just might be waiting for the very story you have to share with it.
Travel safely.
Posted by: frida | 25 May 2008 at 08:37
Tara,
Been following your trek and as always I am amazed with your energy and delight in all things. When I read that you were on the way to Vancouver, a drift of jealously left my heart as I am in love with Vancouver. My husband and I spent several days in this glorious place about ten years ago and my heart always sings when I read or hear the name...Vancouver......the food unbelievably outrageously wonderful, the flowers, the pristine environment, the beauty, the majesty of this cosmopolitan town of refinement and grace. We would visit again in a heartbeat....hope you get to Victoria Island, if not, maybe next time....and did I mention the people....How Devine!!.
Your friend in Iowa and it's Spring at last. With hugs and best wishes for you and Jordanna's upcoming graduation...Enjoy!!!!!
Posted by: Pipian7 | 25 May 2008 at 00:26
Safe journey my friend I cannot wait until July.
XOX
Kristen
Posted by: Kristen R | 23 May 2008 at 23:01
Oooooo, CAN it become home again?? I would love to have you so near!
:)
Posted by: amber | 23 May 2008 at 21:49
have a wonderful meet up with maddie! it will a be great fun to read both your blogs and hear about the big event :) and congratulations to your beautiful daughter. goodness what talent she has!
your friend, bird tweet robin from down the road
Posted by: bird tweet | 23 May 2008 at 19:57
savannah is so close to me..congrats to your daughter...safe travels...i have missed so much while i was distracted...hugs and blessings, rebecca
Posted by: Cre8Tiva | 23 May 2008 at 16:37
On dirait que tu t'amuse bien. Tant mieux...
Posted by: Rethabile | 23 May 2008 at 15:39
Tara I should have been touring San Fran with you because when I was there twice I did not care for it. Found it very windy..but then again we hung out near the ocean.
You will love Vancouver I am sure and I do hope that you take the ferry over to Victoria a place I know you would love!
Happy trails,hugs NG
Posted by: naturegirl | 23 May 2008 at 14:03
It all sounds absolutely perfect. There is no other place like SF. Safe travels, my friend; and enjoy your daughter's graduation. Congrats! xo
Posted by: Rosemary | 23 May 2008 at 06:58
Have a wonderful time. We'll catch up later.
Posted by: deirdre | 23 May 2008 at 06:06
It seems like SF already is your home (again). We'll be waiting here with open arms to throw your homecoming party when you give the word.
Safe travels and my love goes with you. I miss you already!
xoxo
Posted by: tangobaby | 23 May 2008 at 01:49
Tara
Just caught word your spending the weekend with Maddie. The perfect remedy for a San Fran withdrawal. You'll love Vancouver but mostly you'll love the persisting star...enjoy.
See you when you get back!
(I'll call there on the weekend!)
xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 23 May 2008 at 00:48