Thinking of San Francisco in the early 2000s gives a feeling that it was a very different city from now. Back then, just walking the streets made me feel good, and simply wandering around downtown or Market Street with friends made the day feel well spent. There weren't tents lining the streets like now, and the homeless issue wasn't as serious. There was no need to feel tense at night, and the city felt welcoming.

The Starbucks coffee back then was really good. Each store had a different atmosphere, and sitting there made time seem to pass slowly. Watching people pass by outside was also enjoyable. People hurriedly walking with company badges around their necks, young artists, and those dressed freely like hippies all looked attractive. Living in San Francisco felt like a romance during that time.

The talk about high rent was always there, but back then, pride came first. Even though the rent was high, living in this city while managing it felt rewarding, and I unknowingly stood a bit taller. Even if money was tight, there were definitely gains. The weather, scenery, culture, and the identity this city provided... Back then, the internet was still in its early days, and I have many memories of AOL and messengers.

On weekends, it was natural to spend time at Ocean Beach feeling the sea breeze, reading books in Golden Gate Park, eating tacos in the Mission, and having a cup of coffee in North Beach, so I didn't realize how precious those moments were.

Now, San Francisco has streets lined with homeless tents, a lack of the vibrancy it once had, increasing vacant office buildings, and a heavy atmosphere in stores that are struggling to stay open. Even though it's the same city as before, the atmosphere feels entirely different.

So sometimes I miss those days. Starbucks coffee seems to taste even better, people were charming, and I could proudly talk about the high rent in that era of San Francisco.

That city was definitely much warmer, healthier, and more hopeful than it is now. They say reminiscing about the past is a trait of older people, but here I am, not even 50, longing for the past.