Carnival: Mission Style

The South American celebration of Carnival (Carnivahhhhl, if you will) has been transplanted to my neighborhood here in San Francisco. I often refer to my hood as Little Guatemala as when walking, biking or taking any type of public transport, you feel like you are in another country. My neighbors, the hombres that hang out on the corners and the women at the produce markets don't really speak English. I can't count my choppy Spanish as conversational so really, I often feel like I am abroad. It is the most amazing place I have ever lived. Here are some pictures of the celebration...

The parade started right on my corner. Apparently every year they festivities kick off following this Aztec blessing. Their feathers were pretty radical.

Next years halloween costume? You can't really see them but her anklets are loud and awesome.

Although it feels like Latin America...the reality remains San Francisco through and through.

Omnipresent.

My newest goal...including socks and hat.

This mans belly kept rubbing my arm and my back, and my hand (now that I think about it), as I leaned over the rail. He looks like Santa but when he smiles his missing teeth just look scary. He said I was the nicest person he has ever met.

I really can't say enough great things about where I live. I see the sense of community in every thread and thumping beat. In the loud music that often expels from each corner dive bar. From the bumping of low riding cars adorned with bright orange flames. To the magnificent murals that paint the sides of the building and alleyways. The smell of tortilla and frijoles linger from the early mornings late into the nights, and is often replaced by the smell of urine in our front stoop planters. The sound of clanking bottles and cans stroll by as random passersby wheel them away in their stolen grocery carts. My roommate and I just heard a gunshot and after I called 911, I had a real sense of belonging; like I really am becoming apart of something. Such a wonderful and charming neighborhood. It is.

Goodnight to the life of leisure. Tomorrow I start my job in the ER where I am sure to see some of my smiling neighbors as patients....for a number of reasons. Bienvenido!