Angelika We live in tumultuous times. Every morning when we wake up, we ask ourselves what Trump has blurted out today. Describing the man as erratic and impulsive is quite an understatement. A tweet here, an executive order there, which is then immediately struck down by a court, threats directed at his own Republicans and North Korea, deportations of illegal immigrants. We hardly get any rest. Have there ever been more turbulent times? And then I think of the Cold War, Pershing missiles, the Iraq wars, Chernobyl, Afghanistan, and all sorts of other crises.
TODO
In San Francisco, the 50th anniversary of the "Summer of Love" currently commemorates another phase of unrest and upheaval. The Vietnam War alarmed and frightened many, bringing a multitude of young people to San Francisco in the summer of 1967. Around 100,000 spent their summer in the now historic Haight-Ashbury district and the adjacent Golden Gate Park to protest against the establishment and the Vietnam War, or to promote a colorful, more peaceful world with fewer constraints. It was more about a way of life than a political stance. Music, art, colorful, eccentric clothing, drugs (LSD), and free love; all of this was part of the "Summer of Love." Everyone knows the song sung by Scott McKenzie, "If you're going to San Francisco, be sure to wear some flowers in your hair," which describes the spirit of that special summer like no other.
On the occasion of the 50th anniversary, San Francisco is hosting various events, including an exhibition at the De Young Museum. We visited it the weekend before last. As those familiar with San Francisco know, the museum is located in Golden Gate Park, the same place where the "Summer of Love" largely took place 50 years ago. The exhibition is very colorful and showcases hippie clothing, concert posters, batik art, photos, and protest buttons. Visitors can also experience a light room with hippie music and a colorful light show. I particularly liked the clothes. I would still love to wear one or two of those pieces today. It was also amusing to see many so-called old hippies at the exhibition, dressed in tie-dye T-shirts, reminiscing about the past.
Even today, young runaways are still drawn to the Haight-Ashbury district, but they prefer to hang out on the sidewalks of Haight Street. They usually have at least two dogs with them, and their clothing resembles that of homeless punks. There's no trace of colorful and cheerful vibes. However, the neighborhood still boasts some long-established, interesting shops. Amoeba is a huge independent record store that sells not only CDs but also good old vinyl records. A whopping 2,200 square meters of retail space await music lovers. Anyone who, like me, is into hats should check out... GoorinBros stop by on Haight Street. This is an old American hat company that began making hats in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1895. In 1949, the company moved its headquarters to San Francisco. The company is still family-owned. The first own hat shop was opened by the company in 2006 in North Beach, San Francisco, followed by the one on Haight Street. Before that, Goorin Bros sold its hats only through wholesale. Those who are into vintage clothing will find what they are looking for at Décadas de moda get one's money's worth" or "get one's due The full sentence translates to: "The store carries clothing from all possible eras.
And then there is Mendel's" Fabric Store ..where Michael buys his crazy fabrics to create dust covers for his electronic devices and to patch the holes in his pants. The store also carries all kinds of stationery and craft supplies. For example, our newly upholstered chairs (illustration 5) are adorned with a sushi fabric from "Mendel's." The store has been around since the 60s, so it actually experienced the "Summer of Love.