Heya! It doesn't appear this forum gets a lot of traffic, but maybe I'll get lucky.

I'm a big 'ol transformers dork, having been a fan since I was old enough to wear my Glow-In-The-Dark Jazz footie pajamas, and I've just recently relocated from Memphis, TN to Burlingame, CA. It's a bit of a culture shock, having never been further west than Arizona in my whole 29 year lifespan, but I like it here and I'm adjusting. Although since I drove cross-country to get here, I wasn't able to bring anything except essential staples; I'm a little bit sad that all my toys and active custom projects are 2,500 miles away, and they won't be joining me until I earn enough money to have the rest of my possessions cargo-shipped out here.

In any case, I'm here now, And I'm itching to explore. Back in the south where I've spent the bulk of my life, you didn't have a Chinatown or any little import stores -- the closest you'd get to finding cool imports and knock-offs was Big Lots. There were plenty of big box retailers though, so it was never a problem to hop in the car and spend the afternoon trolling a dozen Wal-Marts, Targets, and the occasional TRU in search of goodies. I do enjoy a good chase now and again. I'm looking at you, Alt Mirage.

From an initial observation, it seems that the rules of engagement will have to change now. New city, new techniques. Which is why I'm posting here. I don't have the first clue where to go to look at or look for toys. I know of one Target and one TRU near where I am on El Camino, but that's not going to cut it. I want to get out on the train and foot, explore the SF Peninsula proper; see the little shops and toy stores that must be around in a city this large. But I don't have the first clue where to look, where to start, where to avoid...

I'm a fan of transformers no doubt, but I love all toys, especially robots and import oddities. And while I can be quite the rabid fan on occasion, I'm not obsessed or determined to buy every figure. I like to look and see as much as buy. (I've never been rich.) And I'm not a scalper or hoarder -- I'm one of those terrible people who tears open every toy I buy, first chance I get. So if you have secret gems or know hidden stores, tucked in a back alley with bright pink bootleg devastators, please talk to me -- I LOVE that stuff. And if any SF area transfans want to meet up and wander, or go on a toy-run circuit of the usual haunts, I'd be more than game to go with -- just drop me a line!

Thanks!

Ironically, one of the better little shops to find import Transformers was in the little downtown area of Burlingame on Broadway (I think). But I haven't been there in a while so I don't know how good there selection is these days.