My prolonged absence from the ‘logue has been a busy and, at times, stressful stretch. Over the past week, I have made the move from Newark to my new abode in North Beach, Frisco. One aspect of this particular move that has proven particularly challenging is the scarce nature of parking spots near my apartment building - a trait shared by many neighborhoods in this densely populated city. Still, I’ve been able to transport most of my clothing a many basic housewares to apartment twenty seven of the three-story walk-up that serves as my new home.

Last friday was my first opportunity to enjoy the neighborhood. That night, Rachel and I had a medium North Beach Pizza. After returning the leftovers to the apartment, we took a leisurely walk north on Columbus all the way to Ghiradelli Square and back. It was a sweet introduction to these surroundings. The weather has been uncommonly warm for weeks now, and walking across town at 11pm is not normally such a comfortable experience, I believe. Indeed, it was a special walk and a memorable one for my first as a resident of this storied city.

Today marked my first morning commute by foot in some time. The last may have been while I was an undergrad in Berkeley. Down Columbus to the Transamerica Pyramid, east on California, north on Sansome across Market to 525 Market I went. With the warm weather growing ever warmer, it was a gorgeous summer morning to be introduced to my new commute.

After the walk home and a brief cat-nap on my Coleman Quickbed, I decided to visit some local landmarks: City Lights bookstore, where I bought a copy of George Orwell’s Animal Farm, and then Vesuvio, a Columbus bar full of charm and juke-box jazz. Alone but not lonely, I ate the incredibly satisfying hot dog I had purchased at Sam’s as I drank a pint of Pilsner Urquell. It was busy, I thought, for a Monday night. You will go there with me when you visit.

There have been additional North Beach adventures of interest, but for tonight that shall suffice.

On another note, I now have another reason to sell my car. For now, it is parked in Newark.