bus advice

on the crowded express bus heading west from the financial district people peer over my shoulder.

on at least three separate occasions they say, "now that's a good restaurant." then we get into those nice personal yet not personal conversations about life and it's surprisingly how easily people yield tidbits of their life to you, especially when you expect something different considering this lot is dressed in suits, ties and business patent leather heels. i like the somber san francisco style, how pinstripes and black go so well in this city. and people read--they read big thick weighty books, so that at dinner parties there's something to actually talk about.

two people help me get off at just the right spot. a man says, "that whole street is amazing for asian food. from here to here." another woman says, "you're there just in time, but keep in mind that there's usually an hour's wait to eat there, no matter what day of the week it is." more voices join in, assenting, helping me out. "i just moved here too, and that's one of the best places in town."

then they're gone and out the bus door.

my friend C who had lived in india recommended it to me, and it lived up to its reputation. i cannot review food properly; the famous thirty billion ingredients salad was delightful! extravagant! each bite was an explosion of taste. i guess the difference between good food and excellent food is in the subtleties.

next to me a college student babbled to his parents about his plans, and about his day job at a restaurant, and it was such a reverse of a relationship i expected from a rebellious young art student. his parents were loving, heavy people from the suburbs of d.c. and they discussed his options for his life and the summer. they patiently sat through his slightly condescending explanations of the neighborhoods of the city and what kind of food they were eating. there's this patience that the middle-aged have for the very young.

the man on the bus was correct; it's an impressive street. you're struck by how Asian San Francisco is. At night the air is very cold, very clear and pure, air coming in from the ocean and cleansed by the saltwater.