Getting naked with my boyfriend... and my best friend...

A lovely extended weekend was had by my little crew here in the Bay Area, a place I have to admit I'm loving way more than I thought I could. It started with tasty Lanesplitter pizza and dancing at The White Horse Inn, possibly the second-oldest gay bar in the U.S.

Then, automatons and penny peepshows at the Musee Mechanique, including my favorite, pictured here. Feed it a dime and look through the viewfinder, and a little plastic doll in a seersucker suit appears, with a painting of a harem pasted behind him. Apparently, married women (represented by that quintessential everywoman, Virginia Woolf??) cannot avoid that their husbands will want to keep concubines. Hmm. Probably true.

Then it was on to Harbin Hot Springs and some clothing- optional relaxation. Best friend, boyfriend, and I all lying naked in the sun, warming our skin and listening to the birds. Moving between the sauna, the hot pool, and the cold plunge. A really sensual and blissful experience, made even better by the fact that boyfriend and best friend were so cool and nonchalant about the whole thing. Also enjoyable: making fun of the other wacky naked folks on the drive home.

Later, green tea in the Hagiwara Japanese Tea Garden and a stroll throught the Haight. And more outdoor exploring at the Tilden Regional Park Botanic Garden and Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve.

Oh, I know I have to say it: I'm sorry for slighting you, Bay Area. You're closer to my heart than ever.