With all the unseasonably good weather I’ve been having, it was only a matter of time before I got rained on. On my way to Civic Center, I had the good fortune to hit upon the Farmer’s Market — free samples galore from the friendly farmers under their white or blue tents! But I lingered too long, and as I tried to beat the darkening clouds overhead, they insisted on sending down sprinkles while I walked through the lush hidden gardens of Macondry. Then I got a reprieve to walk along Columbia, people-watching along the trolly route, enjoying the European feel of a street lined with classy restaurants and cafes with outdoor seating. I even stopped by XOX Truffles to spend some spare change on a tiny treasure of hazelnut chocolate. I was less impressed by City Lights Bookstore, though, whose entire poetry floor failed to turn up anything by Robert Service, Clark Ashton Smith, or any other Weird or even metred rhyme. Bah, I say, bah!

In China Town the deluge hit. Watching hipsters, fashionistas, and businessmen slurp down cheap food in run-down restaurants next to “oriental massage” parlors, I thrust my umbrella ahead of me to battle the wind-propelled rain-bullets. My feet and spirits soaked to the bone, I huddled in the library pondering my next move. The vegan folks at Maggie Mudd had recommended Rainbow Grocery, so as soon as the rain moved on, I started my trek anew. It was totally worth the walk, though, because the co-op sported a cosy warehouse feel, packed with people and lined with fresh and bulk food. I couldn’t resist a loaf of cranberry walnut bread baked that morning, and I picked up some bulk sauerkraut and some mixed frozen vegetables to cook up a late lunch.

Now, Iggy lives near the Projects, which strikes a twinge of fear into the heart of a girl who grew up in a sheltered, monocultural environment. Try as I might, and all my world-travels aside, it was hard to shake the discomfort I felt around young black men in baggy clothing — a racist sentiment, I know, bred by television and my limited real-life exposure to cities. Mugging came to mind as I stared determinedly ahead and tried act casual and confident. Two guys in hoodies… walking towards me… stopping… staring… smiling? “Hey, nice shoes,” they said. “They look comfortable!”

“Yeah, they are!” That’s right racist stereotypes, I kick you in the seat of your pants with my toe-shoes.

That evening Iggy and I went to his friends’ house to play Settlers of Catan. The power stayed on this time, thankfully enough, but Iggy and Jenny bickered the whole time… Andy swooped in at the end for a very unexpected win, and he assured me that their games are not normally this bitter. But I was happy to meet new friends, especially geeky vegetarian friends who make me delicious stir-fry and carry on intelligent, witty Reedie dinner conversation!