Same Cork, Different Ocean

2 years ago, I took a break from my life and spent 2 months in Europe.

This summer, I'm spending 2 months living and working in San Francisco. It's my 2-year itch.

A month ago, I was sitting in Dolores Park with my friend and his friends, one of whom was leaving their place open for 3 months. Subletting was discussed, and over the course of a couple hours, I went from somewhat intrigued to practically convinced.

It's hard to say no to a city when you're drinking and being offered drugs in a beautiful park in the sunshine.

It's hard to say no to San Francisco.

The sublet was a room in a space that has been described as a "tech dorm", "tech hostel", and "squat." So SF. Not having seen it, I was blissfully ignorant of what to expect. Uncertainty excites me in general, and I was particularly ready for an adventure.

After committing to the sublet, there was scant further information. As my departure date loomed closer—that is, 2 days before leaving—I finally sent out some emails to try to get more information, hoping that everything was still set.

Got a quick response from the property manager, who told me how to find the place: "We are on the corner of 20th and Mission above the T-mobile store.The door is located about 30 yards up 20th st from the corner just past the eggplant dragon mural."

Eggplant dragon mural.

I ring the doorbell, after having lugged my 20 lb bike in a box along with a suitcase and carryon on 2 trains, through 2 airports, and through 2 cities, and waited. Eventually, Suzanne opened the door and seemed to know to expect me.

I walked up the stairs past a dozen bikes and got the tour.

The floors of the hallways have been stripped of any flooring down to the wood. Other bikes—some dusty, some broken—line the halls along with various construction equipment like sanders and saws. The one kitchen is nice but small. Considering the situation, it's surprisingly clean.

Currently, there's only one bathroom, which is shared by men and women and whomever else. 3 toilets, 2 showers. There's another toilet in a separate room down the hall—a modicum of privacy.

My bedroom is surprisingly nice. Carpet, queen-size bed, nice sheets, a hard-wood dresser, and a view over the neighbor's backyard. Small and no desk but nice.

My friend, the one who helped connect me to this opportunity, came by last night and was shocked at the... rusticness. I was a little... surprised... myself, but mostly pleasantly. I don't have to bring any chaos to this place; there's plenty enough as it is.