THE GREAT TUNDRA EXPEDITION

A late jaunt with a pipe in the cold of evening. Dinner had been fatty roast pork chunks with tau pok (火腩豆腐飯 'fo naam tau fu fan') with strong milk tea. Fortifying. But too brisk outside for real comfort. Two layers of undergarment, a plaid flannel shirt, sweater, scarf, and a heavy Canafdian overcoat. I felt thus garbed like a refugee fleeing the red army.
Also, two layers of woolen sock, each foot.

The cheerful natives on Nevsky Prospekt (Waverly Place) seemed nearly nude. That is to say, quite underdressed for the arctic chill. They will do well in Siberia. Teenagers!

I caught a bus going up the hill with a mother and her two lovely daughters, then finished my smoke on the steps of my building.


Further down the block between the parked cars opposite a gentleman was peeing into the street while talking to himself. Probably continuing a conversation that had started in a bar on Polk. The beer had cheered him up, the cold air outdoors when he left stimulated his bladder, and the alcohol coursing through his veins fuelled a discourse now sadly internal, though he may not have been aware of it changing.

Judging by the length of time it took, it had been a sixpack's worth. Coupled with the first stages of a prostate problem, so I'm guessing mid to late middle age.

Somewhat elderly drunks relieving themselves on frigid streets is in many ways an important signature feature of San Francisco. You should take pictures.
Something to show the folks back in Iowa.


Aunt Martha on the Golden Gate Bridge.
And here's aunt Martha at Coit Tower.
And also in front of a peeing man.
Aunt Martha on Folsom Street.
With jazz musicians.


Tell everyone how much you enjoyed your trip.



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