Someone’s trying to work
So, I’ve now been in San Francisco for exactly 24 hours and surprisingly not jet-lagged at all (however, this is after a hellish first few hours of feeling like death). First comments?
This city is mental (in the UK youth “awesome” sense).
On arriving at SFO airport, I spent a good 20 minutes trying to figure out the ticket machine for the Bay Area Rapid Transit system (BART for short) - after working out that I had to guess how much a trip to Union Square would cost before I paid, I was on my way. The BART presented a impressive range of characters; a strangely stylish hobo with a unlit cigar hanging out of his mouth, a young gay couple seriously needing to get a room and a woman telling me all about her upcoming 12-hour journey to New Zealand.
Once I actually got to the city, I was greeted by an accordion player in the subway, bright “Peace” flags lining the exit and a giant (and pretty upmarket) Westfield shopping center with a few aspiring hip-hop artists rapping outside. I’d say this is reflective of much of the city, the blend of cultures is incredible and, perhaps most importantly, there appears to be little tension between them.
I’m staying in Clift Hotel, just off the tourist hub of Union Square. The place is probably a little too cool for me (if you have been to London’s Sanderson, it’s run by the same people) but only here a few days before I move to the waterfront area known as The Embarcadero. Clift has this bizarre 12-foot tall French armchair in its lobby, which is flanked by seating areas (where I’m writing this post and trying to do my work right now). The interiors are designed by Phillipe Starck (see, I told you that it’s too cool) so it is expectedly minimalist, however it’s still remarkably comfortable (see below for a photo of what I mean).
Anyway I’m clocking off now and doing some work before the UK team wakes up.
Stay tuned for more from the Lazarides show.
