Whenever I would post anything about San Francisco, friends who know better always suspect it’s always because of someone–and not simply because I’m just so in love with this beautiful place (I mean, seriously, what’s not to love?). But, I want to set the record straight once and for all: I have San Francisco all to myself, and I love it because of that.

I went on a trip to San Francisco with my parents in April this year, and while that was such a wonderful experience that I will treasure for as long as I live, the most truly meaningful day I spent in the city was the day I walked its streets ALONE.

And which streets, you ask? Okay, open Google Maps on a different tab so you can picture this: I got off the Powell Station of BART, walked to the Cable Car queue, got on the Powell-Mason cable car, and got off at Bay Street and hung out at Starbucks before setting off on foot down Fisherman’s Wharf, past Ghirardelli Square, through Fort Mason, down the Marina District and past Presidio Blvd., through Crissy Field, and all the way up to the Golden Gate Bridge.

Then, I crossed the Golden Gate Bridge. And walked all the way back…to the Powell-Mason cable car queue.

When I told my uncle that’s how I spent my day in the city (aside from shopping up a storm in Ross, T.J. Maxx, and Marshalls), all he could say was, “Sira!”

It was indeed crazy, the distance that I walked. But you know what? I never felt tired until I sat in the cable car back to Powell. I enjoyed my company so much (you should see all the selfies I took; the one below is just one of them, haha!). And looking back, I realized I am so proud of what I did that day–that I was able to do something great and wonderful on my own, that I have one of my favorite bridges in the world all to myself. (Trixie Trivia: I love bridges.) I was able to cross and experience one of the most recognizable tourist attractions in the world on my own. I have always wanted to cross the Golden Gate Bridge, but no one seemed interested to make the effort. Now, when I look back on that experience, it will be untainted by anyone or any other memory; I have it all to myself.

And now I can’t wait to make more memories alone like this one. What was once so daunting and scary to me is suddenly my major source of happiness and contentment: I can travel alone. And I love my own company. I did it in San Francisco, did it New York; I can do it anywhere else.

As I grow older, a lot of people (my family, most especially) seem to worry about my glaring single status, but I am actually very happy with my life and where I am right now. I know one day I’ll find a suitable travel companion (yes, whoever I end up with MUST love to travel, otherwise it will never work) whom I can spend the rest of my life with, but until then, I shall enjoy and relish times like this one when I can proudly say: I will always have San Francisco.

Soon, I hope I can say…I will always have Europe.

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