blackeyesunrise

DAY1

First day in Bay, and I lose my cell phone. Or rather, a homeless woman walked in to Mason Cafe and took it. Heh. Possibly a good thing, I haven’t received a call since. Need to stop taking things out of my pocket every time I sit down. We drove up in 7 hours despite bridge traffic and pee stops. Met up with my freshmen year roommate, Aditya, and partied it 80’s style @ Cat’s Club. Very nice. So while he’s up there pulling people on stage raising a ruckus, I’m smiling, laughing, the wild energy of hundreds people singing all at once. He thumbs up from his platform across the club. I raise my drink. And now dumbstruck, a two mile stagger to Orchard Hotel, passaging out. Life sure is funny.

DAY2

Was another beer after rounds of sake necessary? No. But the little dive (Chelsea Place) popping around the corner not five steps away… well now. Yes. And we did. What lovely bartenders. Been a wandering day, split up in the morning after breakfast at Roxane Cafe; I discover light on the happy streets of Union Square-ish area. Reconvened in mid-afternoon, crossed Chinatown to the heady selections of Goorin Hat Shop. Quiches and wine at Divine Cafe, admiring the view of fellow conversationalists, and toting a dozen records from Rasputin; we found our night coming to an almost close in sore-footed exhaustion, pulled towards a mostly empty, nondescript Japanese restaurant. Perfect.

DAY3

Late wake, and off to MOMA for hours of hot cultural injection. Running theme. I empathize with kaleidescope beads and all the mad tumblings for art’s sake but did anything ever mean anything, like shades of orange colliding with blue? Maybe she believed in it at first sight but I believe in second, and having met eyes once and the breath on my shoulder about to speak, I ran away. Cafes later, coffees later, another quiche from Cafe de la Presse, hit up Yoshi’s (historical jazz landmark) in Oakland for 2nd set of Bobby Hutcherson. Great sound, even for a non-enthusiast, and oh yea… at the Barnes and Nobles prior, bought a copy of Dave Eggers’ book What is the What.

DAY4

Last night. Walking and talking, dim sum, more coffees. A blur day because while we smile and speak of plans, there is the specter of daily grind. Doubt. Then making of promises, setting limits/goals, proposing actions, and another road trip. Well. Been a good one, this outing, spontaneity and impulsive detours. Non-stop comedy, trading rips. Explored a great deal with purposeful abandon. Unfortunately did not make it out to all the places on my to-go list… Golden Gate Bakery (recommended by Sean) was packed by means of an immobile line wrapping around the building, nor did we make it to Milk (recommended by Christine) as wanted to keep things low key prior to the drive home. Another time. Maybe soon. Finished What is the What and am inspired.

DAY5

Return to OC. Work. Hung out w/ Grandma. Drove back to SD.