From Bowl Cuts to Vodka Sodas: January 2019

It Was December - Rose Gardens, Golden Gate Park, SF - Dec 2018

I can't say I ever thought I'd find myself writing an ode to the Richmond. Not when I first moved to SF and was told by a then-resident, "When looking for places to live, avoid Richmond and Sunset. They're too far out. It's like not even living in SF." And I definitely did not see myself writing one when I lived in NOPA, where I couldn't figure out why anyone would ever live anywhere else if at all possible. And yet, here I am, writing one.

See the Irony? - My Backyard - Richmond, SF - Oct 2018

Sidewalk Koi Fish and Bougainvillea - Richmond, SF - Oct 2018

Moving to the Richmond was more by convenience than by choice. A friend of mine moved out, and I needed a place to move in. As with most things in my life that I grow to love, I didn't like it at first. It was too quiet (both literally in terms of noise and figuratively in terms of restaurants, bars, etc.) It was too spread out (you mean I have to walk 10 blocks to the closest grocery store?) And, almost all my friends lived elsewhere.

It's still quiet. It's still spread out. And almost all my friends still live elsewhere. But I grew to love the Richmond Spread, as I'm deeming it. Call me crazy. It's okay. One-year-ago Leah would too.

There's a Bus Stop - Richmond, SF - Dec 2018

Bad Hair Day - Baker Beach, SF - Oct 2018

Let's begin with the Richmond Spread in terms of distance. Initially incredibly damn irritating. The distance from one place to another is multiplied by four in comparison to the rest of the city. But also, so what! Because everything is a bit more spread out, every errand is practically begging to be an adventure. And while I'm not always looking to make an adventure out of grocery shopping after work in the dark, weekend roaming can be a good ol' time. Every other block offers a view of the Golden Gate Bridge, and if anyone tells you they're tired of seeing that, then they're lying or nuts. Also, the park and the ocean are present.

If You Look Hard Enough, There's a Bridge There - Richmond, SF - Dec 2018

If You Look Hard Enough, There's a Bridge There, Pt. 2 - Richmond, SF - Dec 2018

So now the Richmond Spread in terms of what the Richmond has to offer. I mean, what doesn't it have to offer?! Lots. But also lots to offer. It's like a smorgasbord board (thought it was spelled 'shmorgeous') of nearly all of SF. You've got Trad'r Sam's, the best tiki bar known to man (I'm biased.) You've got the best ramen known to man (I'm not biased.) You've got Cinderella's, Arsicault, Fiorella's, The Bitter End, Tommy's. You get the picture. The place is overflowing and yet empty, and I love it.

The Greatest Wednesday on Earth - Japanese Gardens, Golden Gate Park, SF - Oct 2018

And now the Richmond Spread in terms of variety. The people don't fit into a type. There's families and college kids, young professionals and old winners. Not once have I thought, "Do all these people get their hair cut at the same place?" And I like that kind of a neighborhood. Keeps you grounded.

They Weren't Running Before This Photo - Golden Gate Park, SF - Dec 2018

Much like the people, the houses and architecture don't fit into a type either. There's Victorians mixed with...other styles. I'm not going to pretend to know architecture. But I will tell you, there are all sorts of houses mixed together. It's eclectic and not always cohesive. And, yep you guessed it, I love it.