Jim Janisch Totally Arbitrary and Highly Subjective City to City Comparison

San Francisco/London Shootout

I recently returned from a trip to San Francisco for work and I couldn't help but notice a lot of differences - not only between SF and my new city but also between how I looked at it before moving to now. I've been thinking about how to write about it and have decided to try a point by point comparison of the two.

Before I begin, let me say that I LOVE San Francisco. So even when I am pointing out shortcomings, it's with tremendous respect and affection for SF. Caveat number two: I have only lived in London for a few months so much remains to be explored. I have a much broader perspective on San Francisco, warts and all. The point is that my views of London might be a bit on the rosy side of things. Also, this little exercise is only about San Francisco as a city, not the Bay Area in general.

Here goes...

Food: Winner - San Francisco

This one seems obvious, but I am not trashing London's food scene. There is a lot more here than bangers and mash. However, there is a lot of bangers and mash along with other sausage-based meals. Plenty of meat pies too. Since I eat a vegetarian/vegan diet, menus are limited for me here. What's missing from the London that I've seen that exists in abundance in SF is the good-to-great food that you can get in almost every neighborhood at a reasonable price. Consolation Prize: London kills in the sub-category of Indian food. Even the so-so places are pretty great.

Bars: Winner - San Francisco

Better beer, better cocktails, more diverse vibe - all wins for SF. On the London side, there is quantity. There are many more places to drink here than I've ever seen. Also, drinking occurs at more hours per day - lunchtime beers seem much more common here. If you like to imbibe, living here will make you feel better about your own levels of consumption since everyone else seems far more wasted than you are. (Look forward to an entire post on this topic.)

Weather: Winner - London

What? Are you insane? Well, this is a highly subjective appraisal as weather is a matter of taste. For me, I prefer four seasons to two. Also I've been spoiled by the incredible summer weather we've had in London this year so my opinion is surely skewed by that abnormality. If I was comparing Bay Area weather to London, the Bay Area would win, but it's just foggy SF.  This one was close. I may feel differently in a few months.

Shopping: Winner - London

This is a no-brainer. London has it all over San Francisco in this regard. I do miss some SF favorites (REI) but the scale of London and what it has to offer commercially is head and shoulders above. Special mention for London guitar stores. Greek Street is amazing if you like to look at awesome guitars.

Natural Beauty: Winner - Tie

This surprises me. But again, judging only on San Francisco proper, I have to say that I enjoy London's nature more. San Francisco has hills, which makes you think that there is nature, but more of San Francisco is paved over. I have been blown away at the amount of green space in London - especially where I live - it's not what you expect from such a big city. I'm calling it a draw for now.

People: Winner -San Francisco

I have yet to become accustomed to the British reserve. No one will look at you. No one smiles. No one says hello. Once you get to know people they are lovely but its hard to crack the ice. San Franciscans are much warmer right off the bat. I'm hoping to make a British friend sometime soon.

Public Services: Winner - London

I'm basing this solely on the criteria of homeless people and the pervasive smell of urine in San Francisco. I'm sure there are lots of reasons, but the number of batshit crazy homeless people is a lot fewer in London. I have yet to walk by someone in London and wonder if maybe they are dead. Also, they've got single payer National Health which I am a big fan of.

Tourist Attractions: Winner - London

SF has Alcatraz and cable cars. London has a plethora including stuff that is hundreds of years old and steeped in history. I love Alcatraz, but London is in another class altogether.

Public Transportation: Winner - London

Shut out.

Based on these categories, London wins the Jim Janisch Totally Arbitrary and Highly Subjective City to City Comparison. Have a lager, London! What's that? You're already plastered? Figures.