The five more sleeps were slept and how fast they went. The days were full of lasts. Last hugs, last dinners and breakfasts with pals, last coffees, last sitting with Max amongst the catnip, last walk around my hood and last teary good-byes at the airport.
So from lasts to firsts. First time in San Francisco. First shuttle ride from the airport where I met Amanda whose father was a real gangster in Chicago. He was a bank robber who was shot dead by his mate for betrayal. Amanda was 8 and ironically, she is in banking & finance! And then I managed to get Mario the hotel porter’s life story out from the lobby to the 10th floor. He’s working hard to save to spend his retiring years back in Puerto Rico, hates San Fran & only has a few years to go. I refrained from giving him a career planning session but if I’d been staying on the 12th floor I may have had time.
San Francisco is an amazing city of contrasts. The people are so friendly & respectful yet there is a sadness with the homeless & many disturbed people. Perhaps Vietnam Vets? Hippies gone bad? But generally lots of peace and love. This is a good transition place to be. Feeling quite sad and alone, but also allowing myself to feel what I need to feel. (At this point, I’d like to thank the sexy, young barman who pretended not to see my tears).
Change isn’t easy. It’s hard. But not doing this is not an option. Bring on Day 2 in San Francisco.
Jules From New Zealand 
Dear Julie, you brave woman you!! Following your dreams, taking this step on your life’s journey and enrichening the world with the real you. Feel all those feelings, live.
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Thanks Sabrina. Hope to catch up with you this year.
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Amazing wahine toa, there will be challenges as you let go of what is familiar and safe, making change is brave and each day will be a river of new feelings. It’s all new every day and that is exciting and scary but I know you can do this amazing lady, kia kaha….meanwhile back at the office😀
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Stay strong. You’re an a amazing person. Miss you x looking forward to following your journey! X
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It’s in the journey not the destination…..enjoy, b proud of ur courage
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Thanks John.
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San Francisco does sound like a good transition place… be kind to yourself… can’t wait for the next chapter! X
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Loving it! look forward to next one! xxx
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Following👓
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Thanks Robyn. Good to have you with me.
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You can take the girl out of Onerahi but not the career practitioner out of the girl! Mario would have had one of the best!!! Have you had some of that chowder and sour dough bread on Fisherman’s Wharf yet?
And remember you are never, ever alone xx
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You’ve got this! Thank you for writing and sharing your adventures. I can’t wait to read more!
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Thanks Anne
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Exciting what an amazing adventure. Very brace.
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Loving this Julie! If you had gone to the 12th floor it may have been the best advice he had ever got. 😊 X
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