December 19, 2015

Once I arrived at my hotel, The Phoenix, I dressed, grabbed a little bit of cash and my room key, and I walked into Tenderloin to explore in the rain.  I found a Vietnamese restaurant with only men, sitting at 2 tanked and conversing loudly with their many bottles of beer.  The food was delicious and plentiful.  Every so often, a young man would walk in and and was yelled at shrilly by the only waiter until he left. I enjoyed observing.

The show was to begin at 8, so around 7:45, I was there and immediately saw Whitey (who didn't see me), then Cherie and I went upstairs.  This time, the first time ever, I wore my glasses to the show and as silly as that sounds, it's scary.  Once the Hips started, i began dancing.  I tried so hard to set Sam in front of me as she was there, but within minutes I was in front again.  I lose it here.  So many incredible people where there-a veritable treasure chest of love.


When I awoke (early), I was saddened to have left my coffee maker (a mini I keep in the bus) at home, but it shouldn't be too long until breakfast.  I went downstairs to ask and saw a man who looked very familiar.  Last year while staying here, Joe helped me find candles for my Christmas tree.  He had asked I send him a picture which never proved successful.  Today, I told him I tried numerous times to send it without success and he was overcome with emotion.  He said in 25 year's if working there he had never had anyone remember him that way and it made his whole day.  As I sat talking with Clare, he presented me with a basket of Phoenix mugs, breakfast foods and the Phoenix book.  This time it was my turn to be touched.  It's amazing how far words can go.

I wandered....walked around the TL, went to Union Square to do some shopping, came back for a nap.

Now, I shall go explore the TL again, dine, and off the the show.


 Pictures:  The Boys; That F Train; The Tenderloin; Phoenix art