4th of July in San Francisco
Yesterday Dave and I went to a Fourth of July party at the home of a very cool Australian/Kiwi couple.
We had a great time. We watched the San Francisco fireworks display over the Bay. We drank some fine wine. And I may or may not have eaten my weight in red velvet cookies.
This was not your average Fourth of July party.
The crowd was interesting. The setting was phenomenal. Let me explain …
The crowd. At one point during the night, there must have been 40 people on the rooftop terrace where the party took place. I would venture to say that about half of those people are involved in or are doing their own start-up company. True story.
Dave and I both talked to so many interesting people, who all had incredible stories to tell. One girl lives in a “co-living” home in a neighborhood across town where she shares space, time and meals with a bunch of different people. One gentlemen was involved in the Apple company so early he saw the prototype for the original iPod and now spends his time investing in other growing tech companies. Another guy had just left his job back in Australia and was planning to travel through Europe for a year just for the life experience.
I couldn’t help but feel a little boring compared to these great tales of purpose. It seemed like everyone there had some burning desire to showcase an idea they were passionate about to the world. I have passion too. But mostly just for fine wine and red velvet cookies.
The setting. The town-home was located in the hilly section of the North Beach neighborhood, and it was gorgeous. Every level had a different area for living, connected by narrow glass and wood stairways, lined with artwork and knick-knacks from the couple’s travels around the world. I have always loved going into other people’s homes to see how they decorate and live. I especially enjoy going into other people’s homes in San Francisco. This one did not disappoint.
From the rooftop terrace of the home you could see the Bay, Coit Tower and the tops of hundreds of homes, where other people were out celebrating. It was an incredible view, and the cool, breezy weather made it even more pleasant.
Since we were away for Christmas, New Year’s and Memorial Day, this was officially our first holiday in San Francisco. While we had heard that a lot of people head out of town for the long weekend, the fireworks and party seemed reason enough to stay local.
We had also heard that if it is a foggy night (which it usually is in the summer), it would be hard to see the fireworks. Wrong again.
Last night was clear, and we had the perfect vantage point. The City’s official fireworks take off from two spots on the Bay at the same time, with mirroring displays. It was so clear, we could also see the Sausalito fireworks show across the Bay. Three colorful blasts in the air for the price of one.
I brought two jackets and a scarf, and by the time the sun went down, was wrapped up tightly.
All in all, it was a great night. We met some new people, got a taste of the tech social scene and celebrated an American holiday wearing our red, white and blue.
