I loved my spring break. So much so, that if given the choice, I wouldn't have come back at all. I would've continued on in my blissful vacationing ways- wandering the city, hunting down street art, going on sunny hikes, and sneaking in more dark chocolate than any dietary guidelines would ever approve of. Mmm.
Tomorrow it's back to the blur of deadlines, readings and 7am alarm clocks. Ah well.
I think the most important thing I learned this trip has been the value of community. That one, overarching, broad term seemed to connect every experience I was having, every piece of art I encountered, and every meal I gorged on. We are all trying to find community- be it the delicious food communities of Bi-Rite, Marin Sun Farms, and at the San Francisco Ferry Building , the badass artistic community of Mission Street, the wonderful children's community at 826 Valencia, the local communities coming together at Monterey Market, you name it.
My trip to the Bay Area reminded me of how wonderful it is to be surrounded by passionate, living communities. It reminded me of how much I love the pulse of the city, the buzz of storefronts, the effervescence of dreams coming to life and fizzing out, the stark contrasts and bright lights. But also of how much I love the outdoors, and of taking the time to climb trees, or roll in mud, or run with the wind in your face. To appreciate the million different shades of green, or the teeny tiny coral ladybugs. Ahh NorCal, I love you so!