Before traveling to California I honestly had no idea what I was about to encounter. I was nervous about jet lag, the people I would meet, and that I wouldn't get to do anything that I really wanted to do. Despite being nervous, I am happiest when I am ridiculously uncomfortable. I love not knowing what will happen or where my feet will take me, and that was a big part about why I loved San Francisco so much.
I went to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fishermans Wharf, and Haight and Ashbury. I was so excited to see everything but my favorite was the intersection of Haight and Ashbury. I went to Amoeba music, which boasts one of the largest collections in music history, the street where the Summer of Love started, and many houses that belonged to famous stars. We walked right by Jimi Hendrix's house, Janis Joplin's, Grateful Dead's, and Sid Vicious'. We took photos near the intersection just as Grateful Dead had, and it was just an amazing experience.
We decided to only dine at places that were not available at home. We ate at small local places and I have to say that was the best choice. I felt like a Californian and it helped reinforce the fact that I'd love to move there one day.
I met tons of people but my favorite was named David. He lived on the street by Union Square. I couldn't help but notice him when walking by so I stopped to see what he was selling. He was taking wire and making it into different shapes and selling it for money to stay in a hotel room for the night. He was selling things for pretty cheap but still offered a discount if we couldn't afford it. He was telling us stories and about how he is learning to make new shapes from his friends. We each bought about two things from him and he was so happy because he said we paid for his hotel room for the night. It was heartbreaking and life changing at the same time. He had so little but he was the most rich man I've ever met because he was so happy and he was making other people happy. It was great meeting him and I hope I get the chance to in the future.
I spent my time mostly with Michael, Shanice, Sarah, and Gabriella. We were always doing something and we had a blast. I loved hanging out with them and that was my favorite part. We made so many memories and they're all very important to me.
The thing I liked the least was the length of the trip and the fact that I missed work in school. I would have rather been there for a week in the summer. I am on my flight home right now and I have massive amounts of homework to catch up on, but this conference provided me with knowledge I will cherish for the rest of my life.
I went to see the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Fishermans Wharf, and Haight and Ashbury. I was so excited to see everything but my favorite was the intersection of Haight and Ashbury. I went to Amoeba music, which boasts one of the largest collections in music history, the street where the Summer of Love started, and many houses that belonged to famous stars. We walked right by Jimi Hendrix's house, Janis Joplin's, Grateful Dead's, and Sid Vicious'. We took photos near the intersection just as Grateful Dead had, and it was just an amazing experience.
We decided to only dine at places that were not available at home. We ate at small local places and I have to say that was the best choice. I felt like a Californian and it helped reinforce the fact that I'd love to move there one day.
I met tons of people but my favorite was named David. He lived on the street by Union Square. I couldn't help but notice him when walking by so I stopped to see what he was selling. He was taking wire and making it into different shapes and selling it for money to stay in a hotel room for the night. He was selling things for pretty cheap but still offered a discount if we couldn't afford it. He was telling us stories and about how he is learning to make new shapes from his friends. We each bought about two things from him and he was so happy because he said we paid for his hotel room for the night. It was heartbreaking and life changing at the same time. He had so little but he was the most rich man I've ever met because he was so happy and he was making other people happy. It was great meeting him and I hope I get the chance to in the future.
I spent my time mostly with Michael, Shanice, Sarah, and Gabriella. We were always doing something and we had a blast. I loved hanging out with them and that was my favorite part. We made so many memories and they're all very important to me.
The thing I liked the least was the length of the trip and the fact that I missed work in school. I would have rather been there for a week in the summer. I am on my flight home right now and I have massive amounts of homework to catch up on, but this conference provided me with knowledge I will cherish for the rest of my life.