  The clouds were spread thin across the sky. Going towards the horizon, the clouds seemed to have been blended together, then dispersing to create a sight that never fails to make one sentimental - that sight being a beautiful sunset. I couldn't ask for a better "welcome home" than that sight. This happened on the train, going to Emeryville where I then take a bus to San Francisco.
I went into the city for pride weekend, but really don't want to talk about it. Not because I didn't enjoy myself - because I did. Maybe I'll come back to it, maybe I won't - but quite frankly, I'm a hell of a lot more interested recalling the relief I had felt in San Francisco. Quite honestly, San Francisco is my Tiffany's. While I'm not naive enough to think that nothing bad will happen to me there, I do feel a comfort there.
It isn't the comatose comfort of familiarity, its a feeling that creates sensations in the body's nerves that lets one know that this isn't a case of "Araby" in that I am placing something on a pedistal that I know nothing of. This is a feeling of - well to put the seal on the Hallmark card - home. Feelings like this can be attributed to the amazing times I've had in this city. It could be the friends and chosen family that reside there. It could be the fact that I am perfectly at ease in this city, and I don't mean that because I know I can be myself there - its more, and yet its hard for me to put my finger on.
I do generally know my way around - I've noticed patterns as far as tourism, locals, and all surrounding occurences and attitudes. But these experiences would have had a much different impact if set in another environment. This isn't mere conjecture, there is - and I hate to sound so spiritual about it, but for lack of a better word - an aura to the city.
The city is a living entity - its a place where I would know I'm there if I was blindfolded. Not because of the noises, even those exclusive to San Francisco - there is a feeling that trickles over me. It could be excitement for activities that I am about to engage in, except that I get this way even if I'm just going to a General Meeting (which are hardly heart thumping adventures. ) I'm back in Sacramento now. The feeling is of relaxation that I don't have to worry about catching busses or trains.
I have my own bed in my own room, and its nice. I appreciate the nuns that have given me shelter, and the nuns that will give me shelter. I thank them greatly, but its nice to know that even in a place like Sacramento - I can come to a base to decompress and be alone. This isn't "home" but it does make for a nice re-charging station. 
