Thursday, May 21, 2009

Close to nature in the city


I told my friends from church to go ahead and that I will catch up with them later. I stopped under the bamboo trees pretending to admire the carvings on their trunks. But in reality, I just wanted to rest where it is cooler. It was a weekend that was warmer than usual, one of the few days in the year of fog-free sunshine. I also wanted to linger in the area to enjoy the serene environment. I couldn’t help but think it is amazing how you can be very close to nature and yet still be in the city.
The view from the botanical’s entrance brought back a lot of good memories. I used to come here with a special someone. This used to be his favorite spot to walk his dog, it is a good stroll from his apartment on the other side of the Golden Gate park. This spot is also close to the shops and cafes on Irving St and we would stop here for a quick bite after biking around the park. I remember it was the scene of a boisterous public display of affection. Our lips would lock whenever tourist buses would pass by. I was so young back then. I wonder how many out of towners have taken our pictures? I wonder where he is now?
I can’t believe it has been over ten years since the last time I was here, on this same spot. A lot of things have changed, including me and the things that surround me. ~rl
(The photo above was taken under the bamboo trees at the San Francisco Botanical Garden at the Strybing Arboretum).