What’s Going On?

Following a day at the Fillmore Jazz Festival, I got to see a great display of fireworks at San Francisco’s northern waterfront. There were two fireworks display areas located at Pier 39 and at Aquatic Park. Thousands of people lined the streets and public spaces of the surrounding area. This year I decided to change up the location of where I saw the fireworks. I found parking on the western end of the area and so I ended up finding a great secluded spot between Aquatic Park and Fort Mason.

As I set up my camera, I met a couple of people who kept me company while I waited about an hour before the show started. Later on a friend of mine brought her entourage of friends and we all enjoyed the wonderful spectacular show. With red, white, and blue filling the night sky, the fireworks brought out the child in me. I love fireworks and I don’t know what it is about them, but they seem to keep me in this hypnotic state of being.

I enjoy fireworks almost every time there is a show, but the only times that I hate the shows are when the fog rolls into the bay and just hides them. It makes going down to the wharf a nightmare and definitely not worth the trip. Traffic jams are not my thing and having to walk miles back to your car or other destination is just not what I have in mind for a good time. Catching the bus or a cab is practically impossible. If you do happen to catch a cab or a bus, don’t forget to bring a lot of patience with you. Sitting in a cab in traffic could easily run up the tab. Hopping on a bus could easily be like sitting in a humid oven. In fact, the fastest mode of transportation would be to either walk or ride a bike.

Nevertheless, as the 4th of July has come and gone I have a great respect for what this country has done for my liberties. Yes, there are times when I take things for granted, but when I look back at things I always am thankful and grateful for what people do to give us the freedoms that we can enjoy everyday. As for next year’s celebration, get to the area early if you want to get a good spot. Bring some food and drink, games, and friends for a great celebration. And if the fog rolls in be sure to bring something warm to wrap yourselves in. God Bless America.