Walk: Hood
Distance: 4 miles
So older San Francisco architecture is primarily Victorian and most of our residences don't have stoops. Those little or big areas in front where people put chairs, tables, often swings, fan themselves in the summer heat, drink ice tea or stronger, wave to and socialize with neighbors passing by. Come to think of it, San Francisco just isn't a very neighborly city that way. Maybe because it began in earnest during/because of the Gold Rush where almost entirely men from every nation came one by one all at once seeking their own personal fortunes. The number who intended to stay around was likely exceeding small. Some - 95% men - did stay in San Francisco. Wide spread domestic settling - rooting - happened eventually, but San Francisco still retains very much of that boom or bust spirit.
But it is a beautiful city, and we all share our delight in that. Maybe not as welcoming or sociable as stoops are the tiny and big gardens along our sidewalks. Most of them, if even a few square feet, are filled with artfully placed seasonal flowers and shrubs and carefully tended. In their quiet way they say somebody cares and are a fresh "hello,"have a good day," "enjoy," in passing. They light up Ciwt's daily walks.
No comments:
Post a Comment