After a brief 24 hours in San Luis Obispo to meet with a client, I landed in Santa Barbara for a long weekend. I’d been here once before and remembered how much I enjoyed it then, so wanted a repeat. I’m not sure why it feels much different here than the Bay Area. The city is nestled between the ocean on one side and majestic mountains on the other. It’s a great walking city with sidewalk restaurants, shops, theaters and more. I enjoy the casual ambiance and the historical Spanish architecture. However, amidst all the charm is an abundance of homelessness. I can’t help but ask myself why I have my life and they have theirs. Did we sign up at birth for the life we lead or is it a matter of the decisions we make along the way? Sometimes, I really want to ask some of them why they are homeless, what is their story? It’s so hard for me to turn a blind eye to it. Am I supposed to be getting some kind of message from this experience since the issue seems to bother me so much?

I have managed to enjoy other cultural experiences while being here. How refreshing it is to be “living” again after two years of COVID. Yesterday, I had several hours of pampering — a much needed manicure, pedicure, hair color and cut. Then, I put on a new outfit and took myself on a date to a French/Californian restaurant followed by going to the theater to watch a sensational performance by the Ballet Hispanico. I highly recommend seeing them if they make it to your town: https://www.ballethispanico.org.

Today, I went to the Santa Barbara Botanic Garden and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art where there was a special Van Gogh exhibit. I discovered some time back that I really like impressionist painting. I was mesmerized by seeing Van Gogh’s original works up close — incredibly beautiful and poignant. There were also pieces of Monet and other famous artists of their time. It was a real treat! Then, I walked up and down the Main Street of Santa Barbara taking in the diversity of the shops and restaurants. On one end it feels CA beach chic and, on the other end, it’s hippy beach. I’m like a kid in a whole new world. I feel so naive sometimes when it comes to the rest of the world.

I had a an interesting realization the other day as I left San Francisco. I realized that as I left the Bay Area, I have nothing to go back to. Usually when one travels, one goes back home at some point. I realized I don’t have a home to go back to. I am only going forward, not back. It’s a very strange feeling, mixed emotions of sadness yet excitement and some confusion. I’m not quite sure how to feel about it. I guess, it is what it is and I simply keep moving forward and see what happens.