San Francisco

I just got back yesterday from, what they call, "The Triple A's" (American Anthropology Association's Annual Meeting). This year it was held in San Francisco. WOW. Is all I can say. I can't believe how many (6,500 to be exact), Anthropologists were in one area. It was an amazing and inspiring experience to say the least. I found myself totally engulfed in each presentation, each of different research, in a different country, at a different University, on different topics. From educational systems, to HIV/AIDS, to transgender people, to the history of Mescal, to Mexican Migrant Farm workers, to different views on what suffering and healing are, to poetry readings, to anything you can think of! I mean look at this program. 

The city was beautiful. From the water all the way to the tall buildings. Here is a picture from a Meet and Greet I went to on the 40th floor!! 

The trolleys were great too! Such a distinctive part of San Francisco, so different, yet such a beautiful thing.

After wandering around the city, through the Mission District, I hopped a cab, and got my own little tour of the city, Little Italy, which now is inhabited with a large Chinese population, the richer sections of town, Lombard Street, and down to the Fisherman's Warf. I hopped out- as the ocean is my place to go when I need to be at peace, and think. So I found a great place to grab some food, and a glass of wine. It overlooked the bay, and I felt completely at peace as I journaled and processed. I even had a cute little lunch date!

I met up with an old band friend from high school, and we went around the Haight Street area. Here's an old, functioning cash register from the 50's!! 

As we talked about band, and music, I recalled how music is the universal language- where two people who understand it can communicate. I reflect on how, even if the verbal languages are different, music can connect us. Even though I have strayed from m own Blues/Jazz playing, I can relate to anyone who appreciates music. A few nights earlier I had wandered into a Jazz restaurant, and truly felt the music again, running through my bones, as if I was the Saxophone player, jamming out in the basement of my high school friend's house, like we would do for hours on end. 

But the most beautiful was seeing all of these adults who had followed there passions. It was overwhelming and intimidating, being surrounded by so many well-traveled, and intelligent people. But, it definitely set a bar, gave me some guidelines as to what I want to do with my life. I got to meet so many great people, Professors, MA and PhD Students, Retired Anthropologists, etc. I have found some schools where I would fit in, and be able to use my Spanish in my studies. I am writing this blog as a break from some of those applications. I have heard they are intense, and long, but so worth it once you're accepted to a program. So let's cross our fingers!!

This trip to San Francisco has opened my eyes to the possibilities. I am even more excited for my trip to Uganda, that begins two weeks from today. Though excited, I do have some fears regarding the reflection aspect of the trip. Every other time I have traveled to another country I have had a group of Americans to fall back on. I sit and contemplate who I may connect with there, who I can talk about home with. I debate the venture without a companion. I will definitely have to stay in contact with friends and family from home. I assume there will be other volunteers, and people to talk to. The native language is English, so maybe I will just have to communicate and share with others. I suppose each time we enter a new culture, we do need to reflect, but maybe it will give me a new sense of power reflecting on my own, in my journal. A new sense of independence, a new strength. I suppose as a future-Anthropologist, I will need to learn this technique and a a way to cope on my own, since that's what I'll be doing in the field.

In my travels, I have also been reflecting a lot about love, and service,  the following are some quotes I have found particularly warming, and encouraging...

"The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others." -- Mahatma Gandhi

"You are what you do, not what you say you'll do." --C.G. Jung

"Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go." --Mother Teresa

"Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world." --Harriet Tubman

"My Wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to, your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small, you never need to carry more than you can hold, and while you're out there getting where you're getting to, I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too." --Rascal Flatts (Often repeated to me by my Mom. Love you, Mom)

"If you love something let it go. If it comes back to you, its yours forever. If it doesn't, then it was never meant to be." --Unknown