San Francisco Nights

If you're going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you're going to San Francisco
You're gonna meet some gentle people there

Truer words could not have been written by Scott McKenzie. When I realized that I would be attending the American College of Surgeons meeting last month in SF, I knew that I had to contact my TGForum friends with whom I had corresponded over the years to fully enjoy Baghdad by the Bay. First, to the Personals to find someone who wanted to go out "en femme" and then to find a transformation salon as I would be traveling "en drab" from the East Coast. E-mails to Krystal Black, Liz Walters and Robin Jean Peters, all yielded positive responses, but would you believe everybody recommended Carla's Studio in San Jose, which is an hour away. Does no one in SF need help with hair and makeup! Well, since I needed everything Robin Jean suggested Bibbo's Salon, that she uses regularly just a few blocks from my hotel. Robin quickly made appointments for me for my "Day of Beauty" with only "the best" as she says. Then a short online order to John at Glamour Boutique and my wig and accoutrements were on their way to SF. Now that left a bit of glorious shopping to do when I arrived. My choice of the Nikko Hotel was convenient as it gave me easy access to the Moscone Convention Center and every major store in town. Even though I checked in as Dr. & Mrs., the maid couldn't help but wonder how first a black lace outfit appeared in my closet, then next day, a pair of dress black open-toed heels, then nail polish remover and Pond's cold cream in the bathroom and finally black lace lingerie from Vicky's in the dresser. It was amazing to me to find my exact sizes on the first try at Saks, Macy's, DSW Shoes and Victoria's Secret. This town was waiting for me. The most difficult item to find was affordable costume jewelry, but it was right across the street in the Hilton at Terner Bijoux for $10 a piece, if you're interested.
 With everything packed into my new Black Polo Shoulder Bag, it was off to Bibbo's Salon on Stockton for my Day of Beauty. This Salon does it all and I had it all, facial, waxing, manicure, pedicure, hair styling and makeup. The results you may judge for yourself, so I will only describe the sheer pleasure of the experience. When I arrived I was cheerfully greeted by reception and Elietta, the nail stylist, who promptly had my feet soaking in a warm pool before I could change into my undies. Then into the changing room, slipping into panties, bra, a short black salon gown and slippers before returning for my pedicure. Care was taken with every nip. As I met the beautiful Natasha, Robin's GG, I realized that she was the aesthetician for my day and I was enthralled. She ushered me into her inner sanctum for a relaxing facial, where I was pampered with soft music in the air and warm steam on my face. With my eyes closed in the dark room, Elietta painted my toes with OPI's Rhine, Rhine Red under a small light. After the steam came a warm wet towel and a firming green citrus facial applied and removed ever so gently after 10 minutes. Then with aromatic oils Natasha massaged every facial muscle I know and some I didn't know for a half hour, so that I almost fell asleep. After a facial cleansing, it was back to reality in the waxing room where I had my eyebrows shaped  and got dressed for the evening. The salon had two women in the chairs having their hair done, who wanted to know everything about TGs. As I responded in kind, they helped me accessorize. At about 5 PM, Robin entered looking stunning in her black sheer pants suit, open-laced in the back, with 3 1/2 inch black heels. A more feminine presence you have never seen. Her hair had been done by Gabriel as mine was about to be done. Where was my date taking me? Liz had mentioned ASIA SF on Ninth, but Natasha was just there and was politely asked to leave after 1 1/2 hours. We needed more relaxing time together. Robin said that we needed to be in the straight world and if we looked and behaved like real women, we would be accepted. And so it was to be. Then into the makeup gown and chair for my transformation. I wanted well defined features, but Natasha wanted to make me look passable. This was her night and I was not to worry. I picked my lipstick shade with the help of everyone and then Gabriel did my hair in the chair like it was my own. Teasing, combing and spraying until it was perfect. Finally before my finishing manicure, I paid my bill and was a little shocked to find that it was exactly double what I pay in the Metropolitan East for the same services. But nowhere else could I have been so accepted and felt so confident after my makeover. It was definitely worth every dollar. Elietta finished my manicure with OPI's new Color My Heart Red and $3 to the American Heart Association. There I was, preening before the mirrors and delighted with my appearance. Everyone said "The men will be chasing you everywhere." and I said "That's not exactly what we desire."    More Education!
  So it was off to the Carnelian Room with the best view of SF at night from the 52nd floor of the Bank of America Building. Upon arriving we went to the bar while our window table was being prepared. This place spoke "Old Money", dark woods, burgundy drapes and dark tailored suits with their wives and daughters in tow. A Grasshopper and Cosmopolitan tided us over till we were escorted to our table. We were welcomed as ladies and thanked for coming by the maitre d'.  Robin and I became well acquainted as we revealed our pasts and present interests. We couldn't help but stare at the beautiful women in the room with their beaus as they subtly returned glances. This was a conservative crowd and we were welcome. After a wonderful dinner from the new chef, we had the waiter take a few pics and then we excused ourselves without dessert while watching our girlish figures! In the elevators we stood toe to open toe with the guests and everyone just smiled. Then it was off to the Hyatt Grandview Bar where the view was farther since the fog had lifted. An Irish Coffee and a trip to the Ladies Room to freshen our makeup completed our dinner.
  A short cab ride to the Nikko to check out the Lobby and the Anzu Bar, home of the Saké Martini. After a brief interlude, we went to the Nikko Lounge to shoot a few final poses for the evening. Hugs and more hugs culminated a glorious evening for both of us. We wished we could do it more often. Which just shows you that even Doctors aren't always serious, they can have a softer "en femme" side.

Luv Ya, Cerise Richards, M.D.