Pacific ocean Quote by Judy Juanita from her novel Virgin Soul
““God, San Francisco was such a thief. A lady of the night, a sorceress with her hands out. Every time, all my years as a child, that we crossed the bridge, we had to pay to get in, pay to get out, pay for every little thing. Oakland was free, San Francisco was not. Pay me, pay me. Pay for the Pacific Ocean and the beach. I am expensive, the city always said, so pay me for my wonderful dark treats like the Steinhart Aquarium, with its dark wide hall lit up by tank after tank of bright gold green blue sharks dolphins whales stinger fish, cold-eyed still-as-a-corpse fish that didn't blink or budge when we tapped the thick glass with our fingernails. Pay, the voice said, to whomever took us on Saturday to the Fleischacker Zoo ... the hand of San Francisco reaches out to grab your stupid little nickels and dimes. Pay. Even as I stood in front of the Fat Lady, whose cackling gap-toothed twelve-feet-high, three-feet-wide body made me laugh for a solid hour, even as I collapsed in tears driven out of my eyes by laughter, I understood that the other name for San Francisco wasn't Frisco; it was pay you dumb jerks from Oakland pay.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Virgin Soul by Judy Juanita
San Francisco is portrayed as a greedy, demanding city that extracts money for everything, contrasting with the perceived freedom of Oakland.
In simple terms: San Francisco feels like a costly thief demanding payment for experiences.
Key Takeaway
Recognize hidden costs and seek balance between indulgence and restraint.
Themes
city critique
economic disparity
urban experience
travel
consumerism
Mood
cynical
reflective
Type
city critique:1
San francisco:1
Francisco Thief:0
Oakland Free:1
Jerks Oakland:0
Thing Oakland:0
When to use this quote
- tourism
- budget planning
- city exploration
- personal finance
Key Concepts
urban economics
psychology of place
social commentary
Questions to Reflect On
- How does perception of cost influence your travel choices?
- What aspects of a city make it feel 'expensive' beyond money?
A Different Perspective
The metaphor may oversimplify complex city dynamics and ignore positive aspects.
