Even though I slept late last night, I woke up before nine due to jet lag. Besides the jet lag, the hotel bed was so soft that my back hurt, making it impossible to stay in bed for long. 🛌 After a quick shower, I sat on the bed, planning my day. The most urgent task was setting up my phone. Without internet access outside, finding my way, hunting for a place to live, and even grabbing a meal and returning to the hotel was tough. I couldn’t believe how unprepared I was! 😅
One of my friends lived nearby (well, in San Jose), and they suggested I get a SIM from Cricket. A quick search revealed that Cricket uses AT&T’s network, offering good quality at a reasonable price. I’m the type to make decisions quickly when recommended, so I didn’t look further and started searching for a nearby Cricket store. Luckily, there was one on Lombard Street, and I could catch the Muni bus from near the hotel to get there. 🚍
After throwing on some clothes, I left the hotel with a light heart and walked towards the bus stop. It was a bit chilly since it was autumn, but many people were confidently wearing short-sleeved shirts. To me, it didn’t seem that warm, but folks here just strutted around, showing off their arms. Guess that’s the California spirit! 🌞 Thankfully, the bus stop was closer than I thought. 🚏
Upon boarding the bus and handing over the fare, the driver, who looked like George Foreman, gave me a paper ticket with the boarding time and a thumbs-up. 👍 I returned the gesture with a smile for the first time in my life. Who knows, ignoring it might have earned me a straight punch! (Usually, the time is generous, allowing for a half-day ride, though originally, re-boarding was only allowed within two hours after the first ride. However, in late 2016, the tickets switched to digital printing, losing that old charm.)
Soon, the bus left the skyscrapers behind, cruising through a street lined with picturesque old houses. It felt like the perfect setting for U2’s ‘Where the Streets Have No Name.’ 🎶 After getting off the bus and walking a bit, I spotted a Cricket store with a worn-out sign. Pushing the door open, a super-friendly clerk greeted me warmly.
‘Hello! How can I help you today?’
– I’d like to buy a SIM…
‘Ah! You’re a traveler. Welcome to San Francisco!’
– No, I’m not a tourist.
‘If you head to Market Street, there are lots of shopping spots like Bloomingdale’s!’
– I’m here for work, not a vacation… Just show me the SIM cards, please.
‘Take a cable car from Union Square to Fisherman’s Wharf. It’s amazing!’
– I’m not a tourist. Please, the SIM…
‘Don’t miss the clam chowder there!’
– …..
With the overly friendly clerk’s help, I bought a SIM, and as soon as I popped it into my smartphone, the signal bars filled up, enabling calls and internet. 📶 As I leisurely walked back to the bus stop, I glanced at my watch and realized there was still plenty of time left in the day. ⏰
‘I can ride the return bus for free, can’t I?’ 😄
I found myself smiling brightly without even realizing it. 😊
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