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Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blendings and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is stingless indeed, and as beautiful as life. - John Muir

Even though I have travelled very little, I can say with distinct confidence that San Francisco is one of the greatest cities in the world. Not only is it a fantastic place to visit, it is an awe-inspiring place to live and be.

I appreciate and admire the character and culture of each neighborhood in the city, the diversity of its population, and the urban flavor of the city-at-large; but I can’t help but be hopeless over the intimate natural beauty of San Francisco. It is a place like no other; a topographic marvel, there is a view on every other corner in every neighborhood.

The earth, sea, sky and vegetation cling to the city, encircled by an aura of peace and contentedness. It is a beauty that has naturally and inevitably come together to create a place that could be no other way. It is as if it all was fashioned by God to be His own special place of solace and comfort.

I have lately neglected to continue exploring my natural connection to San Francisco, and so I spent this weekend walking. On Saturday, I walked around Golden Gate Park with my camera and captured the moments I felt were most beautiful. On Sunday, I walked to the Golden Gate Bridge to witness the arrival of the great Queen Mary 2.

My experience on Sunday was filled with nostalgia. As I made the 2 mile hike to the bridge, it became evident that I was not the only person interested in the Queen Mary. From Land’s End all the way through the bridge and onto the moutain cliffs of Marin, people swarmed the Bay to welcome the grandiose ship and its inhabitants. While on western side of the Golden Gate Bridge, the ship passed under my feet. Hundreds of sail boats surrounded the cruise liner while thousands of passengers waved to the countless thousands of onlookers on the bridge and encompassing cliffs. I felt like I had been transported to the early 20th Century as passengers waved their handkerchiefs. It was breathtaking to see that and to be a part of such a wonderful city that offered an overwhelming gesture of welcome and invitation.

The experience I had on the day prior was, as mentioned above, captured on film. I decided to turn the gathered footage into a short film, entitled Urban Oasis; and so I am offering the film here. With it, I hope to showcase what I feel is so gorgeous about San Francisco. Please check it out and enjoy!

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