San Francisco: fifth and final week

I am happy that I was able to divide different sights in a way that kept me busy and allowed me to discover new things each week. So, in my last week, I explored many new areas and nothing was repeated except for our visit to Dolores Park.

On Tuesday, I didn't have school until 1:35 pm, so I could sleep in, take a relaxed shower, have breakfast, and talk to a friend on the phone. Then, I made my way to the Palace of Fine Arts.

Originally, I wanted to enjoy my lunch in the park with a view of the building, but it was quite windy and I felt too cold. However, the park is beautiful and definitely worth a visit.

In the afternoon, I had school until 4:25 pm. Right after that, I took the bus to "the Hub" because I wanted to put on something warm, as the baseball game at AT&T Park was starting at 7:00 pm. We bought tickets for only $4 plus tax and watched the San Francisco Giants vs. Washington game. I feel like for many Americans, baseball is a good alternative to going to the movies, as no one was really paying attention to the game and everyone was either chatting with their seat neighbors or looking for food.

Nevertheless, I found it impressive and didn't get bored for a single second during the 3-hour game.

On Wednesday, my school started at 8:45 am. After classes, I took the graduation test, and at 1:00 pm, I met up with my roommate to go shopping 😊.

While my friends participated in the wine tasting at school, I went to the Grace Cathedral since I wasn't allowed to participate in the wine tasting as I am under 21.

There was a Beyonce mass happening at the Grace Cathedral. At first, I was unsure if I really wanted to go, but after reading the description, I thought it might be quite interesting.

"This Beyonce mass is a womanist worship service created in collaboration with The Vine at Grace Cathedral that explores how Black women find their voice, represent the image of God, and create spaces for liberation."

When I arrived at the church, loud rock music was playing, and everyone was talking. At 6:30 pm, the music was turned off, and a live band with an orchestra started playing Beyonce's songs. Many people greeted each other with hugs and talked to each other, even during the church service.

It was a church service with the Lord's Prayer, Holy Communion, and a reading from the Gospel of Luke. Impressive and special about this church service was that a black woman stood at the front and spoke about the rights of black women, the rights of people, and equality. The audience loudly agreed from time to time. In between the speeches, the live band played carefully selected songs by Beyonce.

It was incredible, and even now, I get goosebumps just thinking about it. On Friday, I had to give a presentation on Martin Luther King, so I focused on the period from 1956 to 1968 in the USA this week.

I'm glad I went to the Grace Cathedral and watched the church service, even though I don't usually go to church often. The atmosphere in the church was very special, as it felt more like being at a party.

On Thursday, I had classes all day, so after school, I went to Baked Bear and ate a cookie sandwich with thousands of calories, and in the evening, I did my laundry.

On Friday, I had my graduation ceremony at 1:00 pm, which is internationally recognized 😊. The classic graduation gown, as you know it from the USA, was a bit exaggerated.

We spent the afternoon in Haight-Ashbury. Quite alternative, but an absolute MUST if you're in San Francisco. My absolute highlight was the incredibly large record store where I naturally bought a vinyl record of Bryan Adams' "Summer of 69".

In the evening, we went to Little Italy and had the best pizza I've eaten in years 😄. Then, unfortunately, I had to pack because I'm continuing my journey tonight 😊.

Today, we spent the day on Filmore Street and at Union Square. For me, one of the most beautiful places in all of San Francisco, even though there are many homeless people there.

Right now, I'm sitting at the airport, overly punctual, waiting for my flight to New York. There, I will meet my parents and my sister.

If I'm honest, my feelings are currently undefinable. On one hand, I am incredibly excited to see my parents and my sister, to have a hotel room with a bathroom, and to go on our two-week "road trip".

On the other hand, I never thought that within 5 weeks, I could grow so fond of people and consider them as friends. I liked San Francisco so incredibly much that I didn't have a single moment of homesickness or regret. I am so glad that I met many great people and had no trouble making friends, and I was never really alone, except when I wanted to be.

Only now, at the airport and after the first farewell, I realize what exciting things I still have ahead of me, and I want and will hopefully enjoy every second.

But first, I have to get through the night on the plane 😂.

Next time, I will write with a 6-hour time difference 😊.

See you then 👋🏻