What transforms a city from just another destination into the place you call home? In this intimate episode, we follow one person's journey from a college spring break cable car ride to finding deep community in San Francisco's Potrero Hill neighborhood. This isn't your typical San Francisco story—it's about discovering belonging through Buddhist practice, navigating the city's tech versus non-tech divide, and finding magic in places where time seems to slow down. Our guest shares their journey from undergraduate visitor to long-term resident, revealing the moments and communities that transformed their relationship with the city. From the initial fascination with cable cars as 'vintage classic technology' to finding purpose through the SGI Buddhist community, this conversation explores the unique magic of San Francisco—a place where cutting-edge innovation coexists with timeless beauty. Episode Chapters00:00 - Introduction: Stories of Finding PlaceWelcome and episode overview of personal San Francisco journey00:24 - First Cable Car MemoryCollege spring break discovery and fascination with vintage technology03:45 - Stanford Years and City VisitsComparing Stanford's farm-like atmosphere to San Francisco's urban energy05:30 - Choosing San Francisco for CommunityDecision to move based on Buddhist practice and finding the right neighborhood06:05 - Magical Places in the CityPalace of Fine Arts, Dolores Park, and spaces where time slows down08:45 - Bridging Social DividesTech vs non-tech communities and the role of Buddhist practice in connection11:30 - The Essence of San FranciscoWhat makes the city unique: blending innovation with timeless beauty12:55 - Closing ReflectionsFinal thoughts on how places become homeMemorable Quotes"It's kinda like have that charm of, you know, beautiful, but it's also, like, have, like, technology into it." — Tee (01:15)"It's kinda like you almost, like, feel like, you know, you're in, like it's kinda like times, like, slow down. Yeah. It's it's it's it's it's it's have some magic in it." — Tee (06:25)"It's kinda like it's it's almost like, you know, you live on the higher floor, and then you not you not have to go to the lower floor, see how other people live." — Tee (09:45)"It's a place where you can feel the the forefront of the future, like, you know, like technology... At the same time, it's the place where you you can still feel the like, a glimpse of, like, you know, like a vintage art, something that is, like even the contemporary is not even the right word. It's kinda like a timeless element." — Tee (11:45)Resources MentionedPalace of Fine Arts - Historic San Francisco landmark, remnant of World Expo, guest's favorite spotExploratorium - Interactive science museum where technology and art come togetherStanford University - Where the guest studied, described as farm-like compared to San FranciscoSGI Buddhist Organization - Buddhist community that influenced the guest's decision to move to San FranciscoPotrero Hill - San Francisco neighborhood where the guest lives, offers city views from the hillDolores Park - Popular San Francisco park with sunny weather, ice cream shop, and tennis courtsGolden Gate Bridge - Iconic bridge that symbolizes the blend of technology and timeless beautySubscribe to hear more intimate stories of how people find their place in the world
