Welcome to San Francisco, land of the fog and the freshest seafood money can buy. It's some 400 miles away from home up the golden coast of California, and it's a lot more than the typical stereotype of homosexual city. In fact, is so far from that stereotype that it's ridiculous. The city is bustling with life, young and old, and it doesn't yield to the feint of heart. To be perfectly honest I love this city, more for the life and the joy it brings me. It's like home, but more lively and teenage/young adult friendly.

I've experienced the Fisherman's Wharf, Chinatown, the Red Light district, and San Francisco State University. I've met several young ladies and a few cool guys, and Giovanni Zuniga and Robert Rodgame have really showed me a good time out here.

The drive wasn't all that bad either, since Robert knew to stock up on cassettes, red bull, and beef jerky. We drove up the I-101 freeway all the way to San Francisco, and what a beautiful drive it was. I realized that one of the things I'd miss the most about California is the smell of the ocean and the cool breeze that blows over the mountains. There were a few sentimental moments for me, like when we were about to leave my house and head on our way. As I walked through the hallway of 1047 Maple St. one last time I felt my heart pounding, almost like it was attempting to leap from my chest. Tears welled up in my eyes and I lifted my chin up high, keeping in mind that I'd be back.

So barely twelve hours into the trip I had become home sick, so I took the advice given to me by some good friends of mine and got my mind off of it. I said, "I'm in San Francisco, the California Manhattan. I'm going to have some fun." And I truly did. Tomorrow will be a day out on the town with my family, and hopefully Gio, Robert, and I will go out again during the evening. After all, we're young adults trying to make it in this hostile world.

With a little luck, maybe we'll get somewhere.