naked men and clam chowda.

Oh San Fran, how I love you. We got the hell out of the winery, after taking some wine and olive oil we were told we could take (only to be chastised later... oh to work under crazy people) and Abby, Adam, Becky and I went to Santa Clara for the night. There was a really neat farmers market going on and we ended up camping 15 minutes outside the city. A big weight was lifted off our shoulders when we realized we didn't have to wake up at 7:30 to work in the fields for eight hours.

Adam and I had been racking our brains to think of who we could call in San Fran so we didn't have to pay the ridiculous hostel prices for the weekend. Halfway through our last workday at the winery Adam looked at me and exclaimed with glee, "Matt Hubbard!"

And here we are. Sitting in Sunnyvale, CA 4o miles outside of San Fran in Matt's kitchen while his two crazy (1/6 wild) cats, that look like cheetahs, attempt to eat all things that move.

We have had long days of lots of walking, exploring and site seeing San Fran, which was AWESOME as I have never been here. Adam and I drove in the first day before Matt got off work and went to the San Fran MOMA, where the special exhibits were Ansel Adams and Georgia O'Keefe. It was a wonderful contrast from farm field to art museum. We wandered around the whole afternoon, which was a great way to get San Fran under my skin.

The next day Matt, Adam, Marcel (a man from Germany who lives in Matt's complex) and I walked all over the city. Literally. From Mission to the Wharf to Castro and Haight Ashbury, we saw it all. The Wharf was overwhelming, but I got some delish clam chowder in a bread bowl which I had been craving. AND when I was walking down in the ferry terminal, I glanced up and it was like the crowds parted and there was Stephen Raaka. Who I haven't seen since sophomore year. It was fantastic that in a big city like San Fran I run into Stephen... What a small world. We embraced and chatted briefly. We were planning on meeting up, but our schedules didn't work out. However, next time I'm in the city, I plan on seeing it Stephen style.

We got up to Castro and the first thing we see is naked men. Completely. Nude. Walking down the sunny streets, tan everywhere with solemn looks on their faces. Best part about it was that no one really had any reaction, besides us, we just followed them with our eyes, mouths open. Of course I immediately texted Sean, who is moving here oh so soon, his reply? "Just wait until it gets dark." haha. oh my. what an eccentric city.

Adam and I went to the city today and spent it walking up and down haight looking for a dress for me that I can wear to all 5 of the weddings I will be attending this summer. Found one! It is from this awesome thrift store on the Haight and is a vintage euro 60s dress. Pretty fabulous, if I do say so myself.

My feet ache, and the couch is calling my name, so it is off to bed for me! Tomorrow we are heading to Ashland to stay with Adam's friend and then off to Corvallis to see my Elizabeth from New Zealand! It is so nice to have friends in all places.

Below are some of the crazy San Fran times.