as i enter the last 24 hours of my three and a half week trip in San Fran, i look back with a fat grin at what has been a springtime of discovery, creativity and blossoming friendship. Not just new friendships in the lovely SF belly community but with my 15 yo sister Rana who is now growing into a cool young woman.

Dance-wise, i did a bunch of classes with Jill Parker and Rose Harden from Ultra Gypsy. I loved their emphasis on both muscle conditioning and original technique. Their style is versatile but still distinct, i'd say sassy, strong and atmospheric. Also had the opportunity to do some fun and challenging classes with Elizabeth Strong (Turkish Roman), Fat Chance Bellydance (ATS) and Jessica Lute (Modern dance).

I loved travelling around SF, being a free agent on their public transport system, soaking up the cosmopolitan atmosphere and getting to know a range of individuals with whom my path crossed, even if for a few minutes. I found the people in SF (and in Portland when we headed up there) to be very friendly, open and caring - much in contrast to the view i had cultivated from watching American TV, politics and foreign policy! yes, i cant help getting political! just imagine, if more of them took the time to vote...

it's a special place this country, full of contrast, the best and worst of many things, more donuts per capita and mega organic food stores. SF in particular has a real strong Mexican and hispanic culture and population (it was only taken after a war with Mexico about 100 years ago), so many signs are in both english and spanish, and you're never too far from empanadas and tamales, particularly in the Mission District (where Ultra GYpsy and FatChance both teach). i wanted to practise the spanish i learnt from my backpacking days in sth america but never had the need to ask for a room for one with hot water.

The SF dance community is wonderful and quite exciting, the effect of so much talent, diversity and mutual admiration. Of course there is the politics that even us aussies hear about without visiting SF, but it doesnt seem to penetrate down to the ordinary dancer. So many warm individuals, willing to offer me advice and share the social scene. Allison, who had recently made a life decision to change careers and pursue dance (and who took us for guinness). Raven, a dancer fresh off the car from Arizona - thanks to her serendipitous encounters i met the cast of Unmata before seeing them perform at the Ansuya show. Also then met the lovely Colette, formerly from Fat Chance who gave me a lift and who incidentally lives on a sailboat and plans to sail to cooktown qld. Raven also recommended a big engulfing book for the plane, which i read in snippets before getting too scared (it's psych horror). Raven left an inscription somewhere in its pages that im not allowed to read until i get to it, which so far i have obeyed.

Then there was Wendy and Rachel, the flamboyant flappers of the Mission District. Wendy is a member and costumer of Ultra Gypsy - i met her in class. I went to Burlesque show with her, her bf A-Dawg and her housemate / best ami Rachel, who was a supreme delight! i had a hamburger with blue cheese and fries for a midnight snack while they partook in other tasty faux-meat treats (apart from Rachel who got a chocolate ERUPTION cheesecake). They are both talented designers/ costume makers for tribal fusion, i got some beautiful pieces from them... will post up some web contacts soon so you too can check out their unique designs.

On a personal note, the family time i got here was priceless, given i dont get much of an opportunity to hangout with my sister and brother (who are growing up so fast!). I think the length of time really gave us a chance to get a bit closer. im a bit sad to leave really, will have to come back for more.... :)

Such a wonderful way to begin 2007!
xoxox