HOME AGAIN
The Culinary Muse returns from hiatus to find that San Francisco is in the middle of its best time of year - Indian Summer - with a dash of rain (we prefer to think of it as a heavy fog) thrown in for good measure. There was just enough rain yesterday to keep the tourists alert and to discourage them from thinking (realizing?) that we live in paradise. One of these tourists, a stockbroker from Illinois, was telling the Muse that he first visited San Francisco in 1957. He was on leave from the Marine Corps. When he arrived he headed straight to North Beach where he spent his entire week's leave. To this day this obviously successful businessman from the era of The Man in the Gray Flannel Suit sounded wistful as he spoke of beatniks and coffee houses. In semi-retirement, he is trying to talk his wife into moving to SF but she won't leave Illinois and their ten grandchildren. His children have all married into old families with deep local roots so they are staying put as well. But he is still trying to figure out a way to come back. Maybe the phrase 'I left my heart in San Francisco' rings true for more people than the Muse realized. People do seem to leave at least part of their souls here. Time spent in San Francisco is transforming. The natural beauty stirs souls but so does the underlying sense of freedom and possibility. As Emily Dickinson might say we "dwell in possibility....". So nice to be home.
Pam, I was onced exiled to Southern California. Wow, did I feel like a fish out of water. I am so glad that CM is helping during your exile. We look forward to your return home.
Posted by: Karletta | October 28, 2005 at 07:23 PM
You don't know me, but I have to say, I totally relate. I went to college in Berkeley, then moved to the city for almost 3 years. I had a little "crisis" and had to leave my beloved city and move back to Southern California (purgatory!). That was about 8 years ago, and I'm finally (finally!) job hunting in preparation to move back. I think that expression ("I left my heart...") is no joke. At least not for me. Can't wait to check out the "food world" upon my return.
Your blog has been a major solice in my exile. Thanks.
Posted by: Pam | October 28, 2005 at 04:28 PM
Thanks, Amy. It is so nice to be back.
Posted by: Karletta | October 20, 2005 at 10:55 AM
Welcome home! And welcome back to blogging.
Posted by: Amy | October 19, 2005 at 04:24 PM