The taxicab

"San Francisco is seven miles by seven miles as the crow flies." I am fascinated.

Imogen brought history to the forefront of my mind. As she drove me through the streets of San Francisco, my mind was enlightened many times. Ships buried under San Francisco. Rubble from the 1906 earthquake remains under the city. Imogen comments on the ingenuity of humans. I join in her pondering and note my regular feelings of awe when I think about the structures that humans have built. Earlier that day, I had privately considered how amazing it was that a city as beautiful as San Francisco exists. Our conversation reminded me of my trip to Italy. That feeling of awe can happen anywhere. It is special. Imogen, too, has been to Rome; twice.

Our conversation reminded me of a publication once run by a friend. He collated historical documents and shared his work with a short preamble. Although no longer written, I remember being fascinated by his work. A week ago, I inquired as to his interest in restarting the publication. The taxiride brings back memories of reading works on the earthquake, and, as I write, debriefs with my friend on the topics that he discussed. One car ride; a treasure trove of memories.

She looks back with her rear view mirror as we stop waiting for traffic to move. Our conversation runs deep. I appreciate the serendipity in the opportunity to learn new facts about history. I reflect on the amazing structures that humans are able to build. "I love the colours of the buildings here" I remark. Imogen agrees. Thoughts about the architecture go back-and-forth. I admire the buildings outside the car window. A beautiful city indeed, masterfully architected.

Tagged in San Francisco.