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Returns and Resolutions

            I’ve failed to maintain this blog. I could make the argument that my class schedule coupled with the hours at work have led to my inability to contribute to this. But that would be my attempt at making excuses. The truth is, I’ve become comfortable in the city. When it comes to Muni, I’m an old pro.

            When I first arrived to this city, I hadn’t a single idea how to commute via public transportation. So my early adventures on Muni were just that, adventures. I would often clamber onto a bus by myself and allow myself to be carted off to some new location in the city. I could afford to amble about this city with no destination in mind. It was this reliable freedom that allowed me to experience some great moments on the Muni. Something new and exciting every weekend.

            Three years later, and I’ve settled into a routine. I take the 21 on an almost daily basis, either to school or to shop downtown. I take the 43 to work, and the 22 can serve either to take to work or deposit me in the Mission district. I rely on very few bus routes. I’ve ridden most routes at least once in the past year, and I must say that I’ve grown accustomed to the daily go-on of the locals.

            Yet I’ve made a new resolution, one that I hope I’ll maintain. I’ve decided to venture into the city more often. Although it’s true that I’ve ridden most of the lines, I’ve normally just rode them to the end of their destinations and just hopped onto a returning line. I’ve decided to venture into nooks on the city that I have otherwise neglected. I look forward to the Sunset District, which is a neighborhood that I often overlook when I think of the city. Perhaps this year will provide an interesting new outlook on “urban suburban” life.

March 29th

          Hi, everyone. This is my first post ever and, as with all starts, this deserves an introduction. 

          I moved to San Francisco to study at USF in the summer of 2009. The orientation weekend was three days of unpacking, meeting with floormates, familiarizing myself with the campus, and finding out all about the perks that come with the USF tuition package. One of my favorite and most used perks; the SF MUNI bus pass.

          The USF Muni bus pass gives all its students free access not only to the bus lines and underground trains, but also to the world famous cable cars and trolley lines of San Francisco. If you add all of these lines together, you come out with over fifty bus lines that travel throughout the entire city. It’s a highly effective way to travel.

          One of the things I love most about this pass is the opportunities that have opened up. I’m able to view not only the entire city, but also catch a glimpse of the diverse communities that lived within the city. I can travel easily through the Haight, up and around Twin Peaks, down through the Castro, and finish at the Mission, all without ever leaving my bus. It’s fantastic!

          Of course, all great experiences come with negative aspects. I love traveling on Muni  but every once in a while, I’m harassed. Either it’s some guy groping my “rear,” or watching a messy break up that leaves everyone within hearing range uncomfortable, or a violent fight that results in most of the bus disembarking and waiting for the nest bus, there is always something that tests my love of Muni.

          That’s where this blog comes in. I always tell my friends or siblings about the things I’ve seen and experienced on the bus. Some of the incidents have been hilarious, some of them frightening, but all of them have always been memorable. My sister, Adri, casually mentioned that I should share them, and I agreed. After all, I’m always on the bus, and I normally have some new experience to share. It’ll be fun.

          I’m really happy to share this with you, and I hope to hear back on some of your experiences too.