And so it was that the Lone Wanderer ventured forth from Vault 101 intent on discovering the fate of a father who has once sacrificed the future of humanity for that of his own child. But it was not until the end of this long road that the Lone Wanderer learned the true meaning of that greatest of virtues – sacrifice. Stepping into the irradiated control chamber...


Oh wait, wrong thing; my bad.


Last night Gio and Robert allowed me to stay in their dorm with them, so naturally the only place I was able to sleep was on the floor. Not only was it dirty and uncomfortable, but it was increasingly cold. At one point it got so cold that I had to slip on my leather jacket and curl up in a ball just to stop shaking. I chalk up the temperature to the coastal location and the window my dumb-ass left open during the night. Aside from the random slogans about sex that sit above Robert's bed on the underside of his shelf, the dorm room is actually pretty welcoming.


It's too bad that Robert and I had to freeze our asses off during the whee-hours of the morning. You see, all Robert brought with him was a backpack filled with clothes for summer, DVD's, and cassette tapes. Gio on the other hand brought everything he'd need: Mini-fridge, computer, printer, hangers, bed sheets, pillows, kleenex, summer clothes, winter clothes, and enough food to last three weeks in a fallout shelter. What I see here is a perfect example about why it pays to be prepared beforehand, because not only did Robert have to sleep in the freezing cold air with no sheets, but he'll have to worry about getting a set, plus a few other nuances for around the room.


So while Robert has to find a Bed, Bath, & Beyond (or something like that), Gio is able to travel around the campus freely to meet others and enjoy the day. If that doesn't show you that it pays to be prepared, then nothing will.

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.