San Fran Update

Posted by Lauren in San Francisco on July 2, 2007 | « Back to main

Well, I’ve been here for one month as of today. Happy One Month Living in San Francisco Anniversary to me!

My idea is to post about some of the colorful characters I’ve seen around the city.*

There’s the Balance Guy. He stands perfectly still on a crate, box, or on his head on a bottle. He’s actually quite good. He only moves his hand to shake his tip cup so you know his goal.

The Ho Guy. He dresses up in a Zebra Suit- not like an actual zebra, that could be funny. No, a ‘business’ suit made of fake zebra skin. He shouts “Ho!” over and over all day, pointing to ladies walking by. He also has a tip cup. But I’m willing to guess his may contain spit or threat notes.

The Bush Guy. He dresses like a bush near the Wharf. On my FIRST day here, Josh and I noticed a crowd of people staring towards us. We also saw an older lady being helped to her feet. Assuming we were not the focus of the stares, but rather the fallen elderly, we jumped as a ‘bush’ reached out and grabbed Josh’s arm. The crowd erupted into laughter. Meanies.

There was the guy who rode his bike down the sidewalk yelling “Wheeeeeee” as he coasted down the hill. A grown man. Probably in his forties.

We also saw Bill Clinton. For real. With about 8 security men around him, earpieces and all. He was eating ice cream. We found out he was in town for Pride Day.

(Actually, to be honest, I saw the back of his head. I think I almost ran into him, but was talking to Jen Van Hill. Jeremy was the one who recognized what was going on and yelled to us “That’s Bill Clinton!” One of the security guys turned around to stare Jeremy down and make sure he was unarmed.)

But the Winner for all weird things I have seen in this city- including the ones I didn’t mention- is…. Walgreens Girl.
There was a girl paying at the Walgreens counter who was wearing a tank top, flip flops, and her underwear. Yes, that’s right, her underwear.
It was like being in someone’s nightmare where they dream they forgot to put on their pants before going out in public. Except that she appeared to be wide awake and unabashed. WEIRDO. and Winner.

And although we didn’t see the last event, it’s worth a mention. And does involve on of the five senses.
One thing I have learned this month: How to Identify the Smell of Marijuana.
I’m not trying to show off how sheltered I am, but- I am.
And I hadn’t really known for sure what it smells like before this city. Now, not only can I identify it, I’m actually very good at it. I could be an undercover cop and would have made tens of arrests by now.
Last night, it was so bad in our apartment- yes our apartment, my supposed sanctuary from all these weird, and illegal- we had to call the front desk. One of our neighbors was being irresponsible and the overwhelming smell was coming through the vents.
So I guess they win for Weirdest Neighbors.

As you can see, it’s been an entertaining month. Let’s see what July holds.

*My guilt issue is that I truly believe some of the most coloful characters I’ve seen are ill and need professional help. So I stuck to people that I think are just silly/crazy, not actually crazy/crazy. (But if you want to know the others, let me know. I’ll rock your world.)


 2 comments

  1. Annie said…

    “As an adult, I’m not suppose to go down slides. So if I’m up at the top of a slide, I have to act like I got there by accident. “How I get up here?!? Guess I’ll have to slide down ‘Weeeeee’” That is what you say when you are having fun, you refer to yourself and some people.”

    Mr. Bike Rider was obviously a Mitch Hedburg fan.

    “I’ll rock your world.” Oh La. You and the zingers. I almost cried I was laughing so hard. But that was very kind of you. Happy one month to you!

    July 2nd, 2007

  2. Anonymous said…

    I love all your little stories….I am seeing SF through your eyes and finding the humor and maybe even a little charm.
    We sure do miss you two!!!!
    Moni

    July 4th, 2007

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