By Donna Sachet–
Sheltering in place has limited the ability of us all to travel, one of the most rewarding aspects of life. Visiting friends, exploring new places, returning to locations with special meaning … these are just a few of the reasons we cherish the opportunity to travel. After this long period of restriction, we recently booked a flight to visit our ailing mother in South Carolina and we decided that it would be foolish to go all that distance without checking in on some nearby friends. So, in this issue’s column, we thought we would share some of those experiences.
Before proceeding any further, let us assure our readers that we took every precaution while traveling to minimize the risk to ourselves and others, given the new concerns about the spread of the coronavirus and its Delta variant. Facemasks, social distancing, and frequent handwashing and use of anti-bacterial lotions are a must in this tentative time of transition. In addition, we will be self-isolating and taking a new COVID-19 test before returning to social events.
Our first destination was Mobile, Alabama, where good friend Bob Brunson relocated after years in San Francisco. Many of you will remember Bob as a bar manager, Leather leader, Imperial Court participant, and our de facto manager. Our last visit there to Mobile was at his invitation to participate in Mobile’s first major Pride Parade and celebration in their historic town square. Remind us to tell you stories of that visit at another time; suffice it to say, Mobile is not San Francisco. The town reeks with history, including its claim to the first celebration of Mardi Gras as we know it today, famously, in New Orleans with parades, krewes, costumes, and related revelry. This visit was much more sedate as Bob was recovering from recent surgery and we did our best to help set him up at home for a full and speedy recovery. The weather was typically Southern, boiling hot and humid with afternoon showers nearly every day, accompanied by dramatic thunder and lightning. It was no surprise that in a state with around 30% vaccination rate, we saw very few masks, little social distancing, and limited conversation about the virus. Sometimes the absence of an active schedule of events can open the door to candid conversation and deepened friendship; such was the case here. A friend of over 20 years can give one a healthy perspective through a loving lens and we had much to share after such an unusual pandemic year.
Our second stop was Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to visit with Skye Paterson and Patrick Gallineaux, both of whom recently relocated there from San Francisco. These are two die-hard fans of San Francisco, but work and other circumstances led them to sunny Florida and what a lifestyle they have found! Wilton Manors is essentially an island in the middle of Fort Lauderdale known for its diverse and creative population … yes, the Castro of Fort Lauderdale! Skye found a beautiful home there, designed for entertainment with lots of welcoming outdoor space surrounding his pool. Perhaps you’ve heard of Michael Kruzich, the very talented local mosaic artist, but did you know a portrait of his inspired by a certain San Franciscan overlooks Skye’s Florida pool? And Patrick has made his home in a nearby high-rise with sweeping views and luxurious shared spaces, including a pool, health club, dance studio, etc. Every night of this leg of the trip was spent exploring the many clubs of Wilton Manors, like Drynk, Lê Boy, Johnson’s, Boardwalk, The Pub, Rosies, Shooters, and Alibi. Trust us, the Castro has nothing on Wilton Manors when it comes to nightlife venues. Remarkably, we ran into friends from San Francisco like Matt Fadness, David Parkinson, and Shawn Lehouillier, while making new friends like Wyatt Locke, Jeffrey Sommer, Tyler Merriman, Greg Wick, and even Patrik’s visiting father Tim Gallineau, full of fascinating stories and humorous anecdotes. A private club above it all, The Tower Club Fort Lauderdale, offered incredible 360-degree views and a lively mix of locals and visitors. If we had any doubt about our friends mixing in successfully with the Florida locals, our doubts were completely put to rest.
Finally, we landed in Charleston, South Carolina, for a visit with our brother, whom some of you have met, and my mother … no, not drag mother, but biological mother. Ron & Adam Robinson live in a palatial home, beautifully decorated and furnished, in a posh, but comfortable enclave outside of Charleston. Their home and lifestyle contradict everything we remember about our humble upbringing in the American South. The only remnants of our rather cloudy memories were the humid, sultry weather and annoying mosquitoes. A cocktail party at their home introduced us to several neighbors and resolved any concerns we had for their social life. The food at this stop was incredible! Dinner at the Post House was the perfect blend of old-world Southern charm and deliciously prepared fish and crafted cocktails, brunch at 82 Queens (alas, the name is nothing more than the street address) fulfilled all our remembered tastes of Southern foods, and Bistro Toulouse offered an extensive wine list, excellent fresh seafood, and duck as only the French know how to prepare. We completed our visit with home-prepared waffles, scrambled eggs, and bacon.
So, you may ask, when are you moving, Donna? In a nutshell, not now. Even when confronted with several other satisfying venues and comfortable lifestyles, we returned to San Francisco assured of its suitability for us. We often remark that the person we have become could only happen in San Francisco and no wanderlust is sufficient to uproot this 30-year resident from the City by the Bay. At least for the time being, our heart remains here and our readers can be assured that “Donna’s Chronicles” will continue to amuse, inform, and stimulate them for the foreseeable future. Thank you, San Francisco, for welcoming us home.
Donna Sachet is a celebrated performer, fundraiser, activist and philanthropist who has dedicated over two decades to the LGBTQ Community in San Francisco. Contact her at empsachet@gmail.com
Friday, August 13
An Evening with the Matthew Shepard Foundation
Exclusive appearance by Dennis & Judy Shepard
The Academy, 2166 Market Street
5:30–10 pm
Members & guests only
https://tinyurl.com/2ujszpad
Friday, August 27
Divas & Drinks: 45th Anniversary of Dykes on Bikes®
San Francisco Bay Times & The Academy partner again!
Follow the roar of motorcycles to The Academy for this fun party
Donna Sachet hosts, special guests galore
The Academy, 2166 Market Street
6–10 pm
$10
https://tinyurl.com/p2mfpwcs
Tuesday, August 31 & Wednesday, September 1
SF Gay Men’s Chorus Auditions
Your chance to audition to be a part of this group
Register online
www.sfgmc.org
Published on August 12, 2021
Recent Comments