San Francisco Metblogs » sf_libby

Have Laptop, Will Travel

sf_libby — Fri, 13 Aug 2004 17:16:39 +0000

Most writers place “environment” near the top of their essential needs lists. Some require absolute silence in order to work; others a stiff schedule with timers to measure their productivity. Not me. I am a junkie for stimulus, needing the whir of cappuccino makers and lyrical voices of others to lull me into a writing mood. In my quest to find the right balance of comfy chair, openess to long hours of patronage, and availability of laptop plugs, I have explored a great many of San Francisco’s cafes. Here is a list of my favorite laptop-friendly venues:

1. Dolores Park Cafe

Great lattes, excellent sandwiches, and hassle-free staff await you at this Mission cafe. Not only is there ample room to type away for hours, those suffering from writer’s block will be adequately stimulated by the rotating art gallery, the New York Times available for purchase, and views of tan tennis players at the park across the street. (For those with weak computer batteries who aren’t crazy about sitting on bar stools, try hard to get the table next to the ATM: an extention cord is available to plug your baby in.)

2. Samovar Tea Lounge

This yoga lovers paradise is equally suitable for those with a bent for writing. With seemingly unlimited amounts of hot water available to keep your green tea flowing, the words will pour out in this serene cafe located in the Castro. Music is varied and inoffensive (and the waiters are open to suggestions), and there are assortments of small and large snacks to keep your energy up. Best of all, floor sitters will be well accommodated by the large table with floor cushions in the back.

3. Grove Fillmore

With all due respect to the two listed above, you can’t get much better for writing than this Pacific Heights cafe. This funky place has sockets at almost every table, comfy cushions on half the seats, great food, and a constant buzz of enthusiastic gabbers. You may have a wee bit of trouble finding a seat but, once you get one, you are set for the day.
Feel free to jot down your favorites. Am always keen on a new cafe to explore!

SF in Film

sf_libby — Fri, 30 Jul 2004 12:24:00 +0000

I found Jonathan Kiefer’s article on how San Francisco has been depicted really clever.

Even though I have been in SF for almost a year, I am only beginning to know it. I heard once that cities are like people: they have distinct personalities that require time to uncover. Some you think you know right away, maybe because the connection is strong or you have things in common, but others remain mysteries for a while.

I didn’t connect to the city instantly. I liked it enough — especially the funky cafes and constant chatter about politics, music and more — but I didn’t fall madly in love as I had with Manhattan (where I lived just before). There was the weather problem, which I can moan non-stop about, but also a chilliness in the people I met. Not that people aren’t nice, they just seemed uninviting. In New York you could start chatting with someone on the subway and, ten minutes later, have their business card and a lunch date. Not so in SF.

As time goes on, and as I find my community, I am developing a strong affection for this city. I am learning that things don’t come easily here; there is a harshness and cynicism that is glossed over by pretty houses and great restaurants. But it has a characteristic I really love: even though the city doesn’t hand you anything, once you find what you want whole different neighborhoods, activities and people start to reveal themselves. It may be too soon to tell, but it strikes me that SF could be the kind of friend that you can never grow bored with as there is always something else to know.

When Kiefer talks about the city’s fog being a deeper metaphor, he is really on to something.

First Post

sf_libby — Fri, 18 Jun 2004 13:26:58 +0000

I am usually mocked for what I am about to say, but I trust you guys to be sweet about it.
San Francisco is very, very chilly in the summer, so much so that I have been known to call it “the coldest city in the world.”
I can sort of understand why this leads to guffaws and shakes of the head. For one thing, I grew up in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, in a town far above the treeline with snow that didn’t melt until mid-June. For another, San Francisco isn’t particularly gray, so the shining sun has definitely added a freckle or two to my grumpy face.
But for someone used to the annual “air conditioner insertion” ritual and desperate sips of cold lemonade, the June and July coldness comes as a shock. The most startling adjustment is to the wind, which can start up without notice, making skirt-wearing into a Marilyn Monroe moment.
I am trying to cope. Words of wisdom would be very much appreciated.