it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood

north park, san diego at sunset

I kinda have a weird and sneaky feeling that I might not be in San Diego for too much longer... but it's nights like this walking around my truly unique neighborhood that make me never want to leave. Recently named America's 13th hippest neighborhood by Forbes (I think all of us North Parkians are still  unsure how to feel about this), North Park really is a special place. It's eclectic and you never know what you're going to get. There's a mix of the craziest and nicest homeless people you'll ever meet. There are friendly faces at the newspaper shop and neighborhood bars, always willing to lend an ear (or in my case, a chest) to complain or even cry about your problems (again, personal experience). There's some of the best cups of coffee (Roast Coach and C&T) that I've ever had and some of the best beer selections of any bar I've ever been to. Outsiders might comment, "I can't believe you live in that sketchy neighborhood!" or "don't you get nervous walking around alone?" to which I can't help but giggle. I never feel unsafe and I never feel threatened because for every person off their rocker wandering the streets alongside me, there's a kind stranger on the other side of the road eager and ready to become my new best friend.

And that is exactly why I love this place so much.