[Worldwide] travel is not compulsory. Great minds have been fostered entirely by staying close to home.
James Morris, “It’s OK to Stay Home” NY Times 30 Aug 85Given the current economic climate, travel moves up the list of luxuries and gets excised from many budgets entirely. But for those lucky enough to live in a vacation destination, such circumstance offer an opportunity to experience your city in a new way. I’ve been taking some time away from work and have had the chance to “vacation” in San Francisco. Window shopping around Union Square on a Tuesday afternoon or relaxing at a café or wine bar before the happy hour rush are enjoyable ways to while away my time and don’t require getting through security. Especially if you are new to a city, taking some time to get better acquainted with your new home is not only inexpensive but also a good way to make new friends.
Clock Bar off the lobby of the Westin St. Francis at Union Square is one of my favorite late afternoon haunts. Another is a wine bar, Press Club, which has free wireless. Roaming around the Ferry Building and along the Embarcadero during a lazy weekday afternoon is another of life’s simple pleasures that I will miss when I return to work.