Back in December when it was dreary and dark seemingly all the time, I told my mom how much I wanted to see green trees again and have the sun feel warm on my skin. We planned a trip to San Francisco for spring break and I excitedly counted the days until I could see leaves on trees again. My brother and Dad heard about it and decided to tag along and my mom took the joy of planning the trip. So for spring break, I was not at home next to the Charles River but instead in an Airbnb in San Francisco. The town-house we rented had a backyard, which apparently is rare for San Fran. It was so different from being home because all the trees were green and alive! and the flowers were blooming! I have a tree identifying app on my phone and the species that it identified in the backyard were so different from anything that is able to grow in Massachusetts. There was an orange tree in one corner, next to a 7-foot wide aloe plant. There was a banana tree along one of the walls, next to a 6-foot tall cement Buddha. My favorite vegetation that could be found all around San Francisco was the variety of succulents that could be found naturally growing outside. This was so different from what I was used to because living in the Northeast I have only seen succulents growing inside due to the harsh weather conditions. San Francisco showed me a very different environment and ecosystem from Northern Vermont or Boston, MA and I am very grateful I got the opportunity to explore it… thanks, mom.
View of our adorable airbnb from back of garden featuring my mom walking down the back stairs