“Me” Dates: Refreshing Alone Time on the Cheap
27 Feb 2009 ~ Categories: blog • eco-living • wellness
I want to share some free (or really cheap) ways I’ve found to entertain myself out and about in San Francisco. A while back I blogged about the value of “artist’s dates” – an idea I got from the book The Artist’s Way that inspires me to take myself out regularly for some good quality alone time. Here’s more on that same important subject.
I live near IO in Pacific Heights, which is conveniently close to one of my favorite neighborhoods on the planet: Japantown. This little hidden gem of a ‘hood has some of the most exotic shops in the city. Where else can you find tiny little fish for sale in tiny little aquariums that fit in your pocket? Not that I would ever buy one, but still, it’s weirdly cool. And on the bridge in the Japantown mall, there is an entire shop devoted to incense. It’s the most amazing-smelling place I’ve ever been. I like to browse around the shops for a while, then settle in for some noodles and genmaicha tea. Just thinking about it makes me feel all cozy.
Another great way to pass time is at any one of the countless farmers’ markets in the city. Although the Ferry Building Farmers’ Market (on Tuesdays and Saturdays) is the most glamorous of the bunch, sometimes I like the smaller neighborhood markets, like the one that takes place every Saturday morning where Fillmore Street intersects O’Farrell. Here, you get the real local farmers who are just trying to make a living selling what they’ve just harvested. It’s not always organic so know that going in (ask them if you have questions), but it’s all home grown and local. You don’t have to spend a lot of money, and you’ll feel good about supporting local farmers. The fresh air is nice too. (Bay Area farmers’ markets).
Another cool and absolutely-free activity is hanging out at the library. So few people go to the library now that it’s actually a special experience. Isn’t that funny? There are branches in almost every neighborhood in the city (and in most cities, for that matter), and for the price of flashing your ID, you are welcome to spend as much time there as you want, curled up with a book, with the perfect excuse to turn off your cell phone and tune out your life. If you’re ever craving alone time, I guarantee that no one will ever find you at the library! (San Francisco library branch locations).
I’ll leave you with these me-date ideas for now although there’s more where that came from. If you have other free or inexpensive ways to pass time in San Francisco, or your home city, do tell.
Enjoy your free, me-time,
Amy
