Well... I have been here a week now and not yet run out of things to do... in fact it is likely I will run out of time before I have to fly off the San Diego (which I am looking forward to). San Fran is a strange place with very mixed set of people... some general observations: - There is a *huge* homeless problem - Associated with this problem is issues with mental health - Areas within the centre are very deprived - There is a small gay community... but by no means to the level that one expects of San Fran which is supposed to be the gay capital of the world. So the trip so far - I have met a good few people. John D organised so I could meet up with his friend Daniel Crispo who is a lovely guy and I wish I would have made more time to see him but I just want some time to relax as well. I have also had some issues with doing things for work which I did not really plan but hey! Met a nice guy Aaron earlier in the week who I met in a gay bar... after getting the courage to go to "Powerhouse" on my own! :) I did look like an idiot but hey sometimes you have to look like a twat in order to meet people! The bars here are very small they all resemble the size of Village in London and a very similar style! I also did Eagle on the opening night after 3 years of being shut - this was an experience! Although maybe I was not in the correct frame of mind as I did not stay very long. Was a little intimidating - although a nice chap called Chris did come and talk to me - he seemed nice and in hindsight maybe I should have tried a little harder with him. The main gay strip is called Castro - which is supposed to be the gay village - I found it very small and a bit crap to be fair. I expected a little more but it did not meet expectations. I went out there during the week and it was dead. In fact had I not met up with Lawrence (a cute 19 year old who evidently was born with a spoon in his mouth but he's a lovely guy and I kinda just want to cuddle him better and look after him... I know a strange old feeling... I kinda want to be his big "bro" (I think that is the correct US term) and make sure he is ok - otherwise he will end up very fucked up! I am trying to meet other folk as well but not managing it very well... in fact not managing it well at all. I did pluck up the courage to email Chris (Dan) and tell him I was dissapointed in that he has ignored me when I have been in Manchester - I shouldnt be bothered but I am... I dont believe in enemies and whilst we may not be friends any longer I do not want to be enemies or someone who he refuses to acknowledge as relationships with people are complex but the important thing is once you have a relationship with someone even if its a fucked up one - it cannot be destroyed. A few other people I met while here: Juan - From Yahoo Argentina - really nice guy works as the news editor! Trey - Canadian Doctor - Psych - again really nice chap! Anyway - Im going to go do something more interesting :)