I returned yesterday from a wonderful experience. This time, it was within the borders of the United States. And as I have in the past, I chose to again, share with all of you some of the joys and pleasures of this great journey, so that if you ever chance upon the beautiful city of San Francisco, you may enjoy it more than I.
Prior to leaving, it looked like a rainy 4 days of California weather. Packed for rain or shine, a half-day trip to San Francisco with a lay-over in Houston was only eventful in the meeting of a Cuban-American flight attendant, by the name of Mercedes, who was quite attractive and kept me company for most of the flight, when other passengers were not demanding her services. Great conversation and free drinks, a fairly good Napa valley Chardonnay, kept me company during most of the flight (Thanks to my French-Cambodian friend, A.I., I have been improving my wine tasting skills recently. Thanks for the bottle of Beaujolais. It was delightful). The skyline of Houston from the airport was pretty amazing from the airport far from the inner city.
San Francisco...the whole reason for going was the American Medical Association meeting. Well, that was the reason for going, but I planned on doing some sight-seeing, and wine-tasting. The wine tasting didn't happen, but everything else and so much more did happen. In the airport I met a beautiful Vietnamese 3rd year medical student from Baylor. She tagged along for a cab ride. We were staying at the Marriott, what a great location, central, right across from FAO Schwartz and down the street from Union Square, and within walking distance to many of the city's sights. That night, after a warm reception and meeting with old college friends, Mercedes, and others, we wound up at a bar listening to an up-beat swing-meets-jazz live performance, if such a combination can exist?! It was about 15 minutes into the bar experience, when I realized something was missing... then I realized: NO SMOKE... California law prohibits smoking indoors. How wonderful!!! The name of the shack was "O'Farley's" on O'Ferrell Street, right next to the Hilton. The next day, after a few very interesting meetings at the conference, I met with my new Asian friend, who was just as excited about seeing the town as I was. Considering it turned out to be only overcast, and partly sunny, for only this day of our trip. So, off we went, the Coit Tower, on telegraph hill, overlooking the entire city and the bay... what a wonderful view. A walk through China Town, pictures in Washington square, and finally lunch at The House of Nanking, a special recommendation from a special friend was taken seriously (thanks CM)! It turned out to be the best chinese food I have yet had. Great food, cheap prices, rude waiters, and barely enough room to move your arms, what a great combination for a wonderful atmosphere and ambiance, where people of all walks of life were forced into proximity and conversation with one another (Columbus and Kearny, Chinatown, S.F.). Mmmm..reminds me of German bars. Speaking of German, the two lovely young ladies next to us were speaking German, so I started conversing with them, Mario and Odola, from Koln. That's my favorite part of traveling, meeting nice people from different parts of the world. My friend and I discovered San Francisco together and had a party of a time with it. The afternoon and evening were filled with walks down Pier 39, carousel rides by the bay, and watching the sea lions off the pier make some pretty loud noises as they lay bathing in the afternoon sun...
A last minute drive down Lombard Street in a cab, and a quick peek into the FAO Schwartz store were well worth it (those stuffed animals are so soft and cuddly!). The cable cars were pretty amazing once I learned that they were getting pulled by cables under the streets all the way across town. I am sorry that I got on one during afternoon-traffic, in rain... horrible! It took us one hour to go 4 miles! I can crawl faster than that!! A stop by the Ghirardelli Square, which has always been associated with chocolate and the chocolate factory, revealed a now beautifully restored plaza and shopping area with upscale stores, restaurants and stunning views. A quick tour of the square led to the discovery of the Ghiradelli ice cream shop, which served up some of the most incredible concoctions known to man... frozen orgasms in a glass. A final night of mingling with physician members of AMA was followed by meeting more students, and partying in the city after dinner at Michelangelo's Cafe, a little Fettuccine al pesto and a lot of vino blanco.
Now, back to the relatively less exciting reality of medical school. One exam about 36 hours away, and another two next week. Then, hopefully Fiji... if not, the Bahamas or Miami...with my free ticket from the European experience (ask me about it if you don't know). From me to all of you students out there... good luck on finals... Sorry if I didn't talk much about the AMA conference, I figured that was enough for a whole different email.
From me here back in the city of "disgusta" to all of you, where ever you may
be: May your journeys through life be more eventful, eye-opening, and
wonderful than mine have been. Please share!! Yours truly,
-Nojan