mick,
good old Jimmy!
I was already old, when I first went to Haight/Ashbury. Not much to write home about, though I love San Francisco and hate LA ( except for Santa Anita and Venice).
A while ago, but a guy was stood on the sidewalk shouting "hugs for 50 cents!" ( begging, really).
When he saw the daughter who was with me, he goes "hugs for free; hugs for free!".
Coming back and just starting to get out of Haight, a big black fella came up and shouts " hey man, you can't do that in this country".
Dunno what he was on about, but the daughter, sensibly, dragged me away and quickly flagged down a taxi.
Peace and love, man!
As there's no racing to pore over tonight, I'll tell you another strange thing:
We were across the bridge in Sausalito, waiting for a bus back ( only a few dollars). There were two old gals waiting at the stop with us. Got chatting, and one was from New York.
As we conversed, she said " I love that "Eastenders" and always watch it (.fs!). I asked could she understand it. She said " no , but we have sub-titles".
It takes all sorts, and just as well, I suppose, or we'd never get a decent price.