I went to San Francisco for a week with an old friend of mine. We had known each other 10+ years, and at the time it was our first time traveling on a big trip together. I arrived the last day of Pride, him beating me by a day due to a travel delay that stranded me overnight in the Newark airport. When I finally arrived, we met in Mission Park, me exhausted, him introducing me to his college friends, and them introducing me to their friends. We spent the rest of the day exploring around the Mission District, experiencing the joys of Pride fest, and finally finishing the night late with a night cap and a Mission burrito. 

Besides, being our first time traveling together, this was also my first trip where I only brought film cameras with me. Thankfully, I knew traveling with my friend would be an easy going experience. We both like to explore the same way, little to no agenda, taking our time, getting lost, stopping often. With only film cameras, we spent even more time stopping, him having lots of patience as I stopped to change the film in my camera every few blocks. 

Though I knew we’d be well suited travel partners, I didn’t expect San Francisco to be so well suited for our travels. The city is gorgeous in ways I didn’t expect. Each corner filled with flowers and color and life. It was so easy to photograph, and even easier to over photograph. 

We spent the week exploring the city, mostly traveling on foot, and then driving down to Big Sur. It was glorious feeling the Califronia sun on our skin. We both got unexpected sun burns. It was the first city I left and really wondered if I should move there. I look back on these photos and still do. Maybe one day I will, or maybe I just need another big trip with an old friend.