Atlantis of the Pacific

I once had a dream - a fantasy, if you will, that during a trip to San Francisco that I would run into Colby Taylor and that our eyes would lock for a moment and he would find me as attractive as I know he is. Nothing much would happen, I guess, with the exception of maybe a wink or an introduction of sorts. Well, about two or three hours ago I walked into Walgreen's to purchase a tube of toothpaste and a tube of body lotion. And, lo and behold, out of the store walked Colby Taylor. We looked at each other and he, in all of his beauty, seemed like just a regular guy. A regular guy who was showcasing a salt-and-pepper goatee. And in a couple of seconds of time, a portion of yet another dream/fantasy has come true and I floated through the next few hours in a spacey afterglow.

I'm in San Francisco. I arrived yesterday to spend sometime with my old roommate and friend who also wanted me to attend Folsom Street Fair with him. I'd attended Folsom three years ago with another friend and found the experience...well, truly amazing in a surreal sort of way. Anyone who even knows about Folsom will have their ideas about it, but unless you attend one of the festivals I feel that ideas and pre-conceived notions and judgments be kept to as conservative a minimum as possible.

San Francisco is not only a wonderful city, it is a sexual city - one that its gay history feels proud of inducting. One can feel the energy of this marvelous place when the plane is approaching San Francisco International Airport. Its an energy that guarantees one will leave with not only a smile on his face but with pre-arranged plans for his return. San Francisco is also a proud city. Proud of its vibe, its notoriety. Moving to Seattle five years ago I thought the city was sort of a calmer San Francisco. A diamond glimmer in the middle of sparkling emeralds, welcoming diversity, originality and determination without judgment. Alas, I've found a different city upon my residence. I'm not disappointed, but it just doesn't resonate the same sexual freedom - the same fuck all attitude - that San Franciscians carry with pride. Maybe that's why visiting the Bay Area is a favorite gay forethought.

Anyway, now that Leather Week is almost over (being capped off with folsom street fair) I'm seeing, right before my eyes, gay men pouring into this city to enjoy a weekend of decadence and unlimited wonders with San Francisco right there, opening its arms welcoming us with enthusiasm and acceptance: "welcome! let loose, act out and be proud of it! we have everything you need and desire, just let yourself run free!"

And I'm here to verify that, because the smile on my face is just the beginning...and I still have 2.5 days to look forward to!