Dreamy Fog

San Francisco seems having more tourists these days than usual, just like the fog. Normally there are only a few regulars on a #76 Bus on Sundays. But yesterday, there were mobs at almost every stop along the Lombard Street, with maps in hands. Luckily, they don’t know the secret that the bus actually goes all the way to the Marin Headlands. Most of them got off the bus at the Golden Gate Bridge, leaving us regulars alone to enjoy the peace and beauty in the mountains surrounded by fog. The fog travels betweens the mountains. I blended myself into the dreamy scenery. However, before I reached to the top of the mountains, I was hiking on a trail on the opposite of the ocean. Therefore, not only there was no fog or breeze on the trail, the sun also was baking everything beneath it with full power, including me. I was sweating like in a gym. Once I was on the ocean side of the mountains, everything became different. Fog floated underneath my feet and the vast familiar ocean completely went missing. Actually the ocean was hiding under the fog. I feel it has been forever after I was away from this fantastic place just for a week. I am so happy to be back. I am inseparable from the nature, the ocean, the fog, and the city. When I was waiting for the bus to Marin Headlands at a bus stop on Van Ness Ave., a #49 bus stopped. After the door opened, only one person, a very large old man, got off the bus. But the bus driver didn’t close the door, and the bus just sat there idling. I heard a voice from the back of the bus: "Early bird!" It implies that the bus driver was ahead of his schedule and he was killing a few minutes at the bus stop to be back on time. The bus suddenly shouted back with an angry voice: "NO! I am getting some fresh air! That guy (the old fat man just got off the bus) was a shitload, he smells like shit! Next time, I will let #47 to pick him up, I am not gonna pick take him!" Then he closed the door and drove off. I was left giggling and shocked for what I just heard. I took another look at the old man walking down the sidewalk: does he really smell that bad? I love this city! Like an addict suddenly finds his fix, I still feel thrilled to be home from my trip and to be able to cook myself a healthy meal. On Saturday, I made beef short ribs soup, with potato, carrots, celery, purple onion, and frozen tofu. The soup has a hint of sweetness from the veggies (I didn’t put any sugar). It’s flavorful and delicious, yet very light and clear. It seems the perfect companion to serve the soup is scallion pancakes (葱油饼). That night, I also made some garlic eggplant (蒜茄子). They should be ready to eat in couple days. I can’t wait. Life is good. I can’t complain like the bus driver did.