Blue, lavender, orange

The phases of the sunset in San Francisco are breathtaking; captivating. Last night, I found myself near the Bay. A thought popped into my mind: "I could see the sunset this evening." The first sunset I saw in San Francisco made me fall in love with the city. The sky was painted in a lavender colour, reminding me of the song "Lavender Haze" by Taylor Swift. The masterfully written lyrics, "I just want to stay in that lavender haze" ring in my mind as I write.

I wanted to replicate that beautiful night, watching the sun set over the Golden Gate Bridge. I yearned for a good view of the bridge, realising that some walking would be necessary to get there. I watched as Alcatraz Island was illuminated by the setting sun. I knew I had more time before the peak of sunset; before the lavender colour would once again emerge in the sky. I briskly walked. I found a spot from which I could see the bridge, but I set my heart on getting to Fort Mason, knowing there would be a good view from there.

A girl looked out from near the Maritime Museum on the Bay. I imagine she, too, wanted to bask in the sunset.

Ten minutes later, I had arrived at Fort Mason. I walked up a steep hill. Runners flew past me; people walked slowly, enjoying the golden colour that was emerging in the sky. At the top, I had arrived where I wanted to be. In the distance, I could see the bridge. The sun was in the distance, beginning to set. I found a set of stairs leading to higher ground. I walked up, step by step. The lavender colour was in the sky behind me. A beautiful scene.

Wind rushed in the air. People walked on the path where I had just been. A woman sat on a tree stump near the path. She was admiring the sunset, too. In this moment, I pondered the nature of new beginnings and ends. Without sunsets, there would be no sunrise in the morning. Without sunrise, there would be no sunsets.

The colours in the sky changed. From blue, to lavender, to orange. From my viewpoint, I could see the bridge through two trees; the sun to my left. There was a pink colour in the sky across the bridge. I stood, my feet sore from walking for hours through the day. I appreciated every colour change. The sunset felt like it would never end. Then, in what felt like the blink of an eye, the orange colours were disappearing. The sun was setting. A cool chill emerged in the air. The girl sitting on the tree stump stood up then went about her day. I turned around, walked through a few trees.

Today's show was over. I took a breath. Awe ensued. How lucky I was to be able to experience the beautiful sunset.

Tagged in San Francisco.