I asked Jacob for how long he is staying in San Francisco. He responds "10 minutes." I smile.
I enjoy the openness of the bar area of diners. People from all walks of life come together, closely seated. If you eat breakfast early in the morning, you will have a chance to catch people before they begin their day. You get the opportunity to be a small part of someone's day. When I am in a diner, I like to try and strike up conversation to learn about others. I feel appreciative being invited into a conversation with someone, excited at the fact that they have chosen to share a little bit of their day with me.
Jacob was in San Francisco only to catch a meal. He was travelling through, on his way past the Bay Bridge to start his day as a youth worker. I shared that I was a tourist. He recommended places throughout the city that I should go. Haight-Ashbury, nearby, was top of the list; "an epicentre" of hippie culture. These few words changed my day. I heeded his recommendation, later walking through the neighbourhood toward Golden Gate Park. I wandered, the words of Jacob echoing in the back of my mind. Little moments of joy, perpetuating throughout the day -- and indeed beyond -- thanks to one small diner conversation.
Tagged in San Francisco.