That's the definition of the word "zeitgeist." Good word. Trusty wikipedia says, "it describes the intellectual and cultural climate of an era." That's a big load for a word. Even a fancy German word.
Here in San Francisco, Zeitgeist is probably better known as a bar than The Spirit of the Age. And a great and mighty bar it is. Let me set the scene for you:
Think German beer garden (I guess a tip of the hat to the word's etymology), but instead of hale and hearty Bavarians, it's full of bikers (cyclists and motorcyclists), hipsters, stoners, and just about every other brand of San Franciscan. The inside is nothing to write home about. Small. Smelly. You're average dive bar. And the bartenders aren't winning any teddy bear of the year awards. But step outside onto the massive back patio and you're in al fresco drinking heaven. Picnic tables abound. If it's sunny (and there's no point going there if it isn't), it's packed. And your neighbors are bound to be in good moods. There's good burgers a fryin' on the outdoor grill and the sound of the grill man screaming 'order up!' to be heard over the music (punk, speed metal) from inside, mixed with the haze of all kinds of smoke (barbecue, cigarette, you name it), the tang of the salt from a margarita, and the sun beating down on your head is one great way to while away an afternoon.
We took Declan there for the first time today. I wonder if he'll like it as much as his folks do?
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