Just words for now. I'll show you some pictures after my next expedition ( here).

I haven't seen much of the city. Just a distant glimpse of downtown from the taxi, a couple of drives to dinner, and my local adventuring.

Let's break it down into three categories: The physical setting, the lifeblood of the city, and the people in my life.


The Physical Setting
So many hills that you have to be an athlete to consider riding a bike. Random gusts of wind strong enough to make a sail out of loose clothing. Sunshine so warm that I always choose the better-lit sidewalk. The ocean, showing itself when I least expect it. And the Fog.

The Fog has a personality. It has free will. You can't predict it and you can't hide from it. But it's nothing to be afraid of - it shares the city with you. I hope I'll understand it better in the coming weeks.

The Lifeblood
This, I can't quite read yet. I've hardly talked to anybody other than my family, but, at least around my neighborhood, people are content, calm, and considerate. I'm mostly judging by random smiles and the looks on drivers' faces as I walk in front of them at stop signs.

The People In My Life
Awesome. I'm so lucky that I got this homestay! There's a 17-year-old boy, his mom, and their dog. The first is bright, adventurous, and approachable. The second is generous, wise, and sincere. And the third.. he's lovable, but a little apprehensive and stressed. We're still working on our friendship.

Everything's really awesome and I'm really happy. I can't think of anything I'd change.