Where did you go and when?

A group of nine of us went to San Francisco for the Folsom Street Fair in September, which is a huge gay and fetish-oriented street festival. We then took a road trip to LA along the famous Big Sur highway.

Where did you stay?

We rented a huge apartment in the Haight district from a local. It was very central, walking distance to the Castro or a quick taxi ride to all the action.

What did you eat and drink?

What didn’t we drink! I have never experienced such free pouring of spirits than I did whilst partying on the Castro. I don’t remember the first night of the trip, thanks to [Sydney DJ] Johan Khoury! The food was very affordable, generous servings and lots of fresh seafood. Clam chowder and mussels, yum! We mostly ate in small local cafes and restaurants away from the main tourist strips.

What did you do?

Went to concerts, Folsom Street events, partied at night and even ventured out to Alcatraz to enact our prison fantasies. I was photographing the Magnitude party and Folsom Street events, so we had lots of fun.

Where did you party?

At the big lead-up parties for Folsom Street, which included the mammoth Magnitude party, Aftershock and Bearracuda. Our itinerary usually started on the Castro at the 440 bar, then to the more adventurous venues in the South of Market ‘SOMA’ district. The Powerhouse became a regular.

What was the best part of your trip?

Seeing the Pet Shop Boys and Kylie play in small intimate venues was unforgettable. Also, Christeene Vale is the best performance artist I have ever seen. After partying 10 days straight with my partner and friends, it was great to chill and take the coastal road south through Santa Barbara and the redwood forests. San Francisco is relaxed, affordable and accepting. Hearing a tram driver in his 60s tell a tourist, “We don’t discriminate against anybody in this city”, put a smile on my face. A government-sponsored billboard on the tram was encouraging gay couples to adopt! The city knows how to have a good time and the locals are so friendly.

What was the worst part of your trip?

Leaving San Fran – I really did fall in love with the place.

What advice would you give your fellow traveller?

There are so many great apartments you can rent, cheaply, which allows you to be right in the middle of it and experience the city. Use public transport – it’s cheap. Hire a bicycle for crossing the Golden Gate Bridge. And chat up the locals.

Sum up your trip, in a nutshell.

Free-pouring alcohol, parties, Pet Shop Boys, Kylie, Christeene, sexy men, laughing non-stop with the people I love most, a big drive, and the rooftop of The Standard in downtown LA, drinking cocktails.

Paul is a freelance photographer based in Sydney, working for a variety of marketing clients as well as providing niche photographic services to the gay and lesbian community.