Vacation & Security

Well, my most recent flights to and from Thailand were no different than any other however Homeland Security at SFO has resumed, after a one year layoff, of giving me an extra screening upon return. My friends who travel through LAX say they have never had that experience even when traveling to and from Thailand. The screener at SFO this time implied that it had something to do with a person traveling alone to that country. Not sure what that meant but after a number of trips there they know, or should know that I do not bring back illegal substances, weapons, or contraband of any sort. It gets frustrating and somewhat discouraging. Maybe that is what they are trying to do...discourage me from traveling there. Well, Thailand is officially one of our Allies and since I can be stubborn, I am not going to let someone who thinks they are not a friendly country, stop me from vacationing there.

Sad end to this vacation however. My friend Richard who was very ill with cancer, took a sudden turn for the worse and I had to cut my time short by one week but still did not make it back to the USA in time. I returned to San Francisco the evening of January 19th but he died (in his sleep) that morning.

Now it is time to make some changes in my symphony and opera subscriptions. I need to reduce my expenses so I may terminate one subscription and cut back on the other. I just don't know yet as I need to examine all of my options. Also, I am very tired of the maniacs who populate Van Ness Avenue after dark especially on the weekends which makes travel home after a concert or the opera very unpleasant at times. Even if I manage to catch the #47 or 49 bus, passengers can be unruly. While I am physically able to walk home, that is becoming less and less of an option with all the crazies out there. Even the short walk from California and Van Ness home can be unpleasant. Because of this I am going to have to switch to matinee performances if I continue to attend the symphony or opera.

What I would like to do is live near Columbus Circle or Lincoln Center in New York City and be close to all the concerts and operas without the hassle of SF's temper tantrums. That ain't gonna happen unless I win the lottery as I could never afford NYC rents.