This past week, I’ve been on my annual work pilgrimage to San Francisco for the increasingly giant Dreamforce technology conference. I’ve made the trip for seven consecutive years, and it’s always mind-blowing how much bigger / better / crazier the event has become. The first year I came out, roughly 2,500 people attended — and this year, a staggering crowd of 90,000 swarmed the Bay Area for the week-long conference. (!)
Thanks to the insanity of that many people trying to cram into the Union Square / SoMa neighborhoods, hotels have been exploiting the situation by offering rack rates for simple rooms, and commanding $700/night! So, after scouring Airbnb for what seemed like a month, Zach and I stayed for the first time at a lovely condo in Mission Bay. I’ve gotta say it’s been so much more relaxing than crashing at a hotel. Plus, the fantastic Philz Coffee is right around the corner, and I’m scared of the imminent mocha tesora withdrawal. I’ve never spent any time in Mission Bay before, so it’s been nice to explore a new ‘hood and check out a new corner of San Francisco, especially all the funky modern architecture.
September always seems like the perfect time to visit San Francisco. Warm days, brisk nights, lots of that California sunshine. Does it get any better?! It certainly doesn’t do anything to assuage my bicoastal disorder. The light is so glorious out here. Nevertheless, this week of keynotes, seminars, and late-night parties has taken its toll, so we are headed up to wine country for a quick overnight before our redeye back to New York this weekend. I can’t wait. Neither can my Mamiya.
See you soon!