I Love San Francisco

posted in: Travel, U.S.A. 2
Where to begin? Mistaya, my darling, you say you want to live in San Fran when you graduate high school, well, I am there! I love it here. It is like Disney World–only the thrills and fun are real, not fake.

We just returned from an evening trolley ride up from Fisher Man’s Wharf. It was so fun and beautiful in the dark–sandwiched in beside strangers who were all so thrilled to be riding up to Nob Hill together. On the way down to the Wharf, Peter and I were riding on the outside, standing up, holding on for dear life–one foot on and sometimes one foot off. The corners were exhilarating, especially when we passed the trolleys coming up. We met an interesting German family visiting from Aachen. They had to boys aged 11 and 14. They are staying at the Fairmont too. We had a very nice chat waiting for the trolley and riding up.
Peter and I split a peanut-butter chocolate sundae tonight at the Ghirardelli chocolate factory-yum.
The morning was spent walking down the hill to the Ferry Building on the ocean. Then we toured China town, and went to the Museum of Modern Art. The paintings that enticed me the most were (no surprise) a Georgia O’Keeffe (Black Hills) and Frida Kahlo ( a portrait of her and Diego Riviera). I am drawn to their art–perhaps because I know it so well?
We went to Grace Cathedral late after noon. I LOVE that cathedral. It is a beautiful zen place. Although it is of Anglican affiliation, it purposely advertises that it is open to all religions, anyone wanting to be in a sacred place of peace. They even mention all the horrible times in Christianity–witch hunts etc. I love that this church has the intelligence to acknowledge the horrible side of Christianity and embrace anyone, regardless of their religion.
We then took the trolley down to Fisherman’s wharf for a short evening stroll and supper. I loved riding past all the Victorian apartments and houses that lined the narrow streets–looking inside to see who lives there and imagining their lives.
So peaceful to be back in our suite. I often forget the luxury we have waiting for us back at this hotel. We are truly spoiled.

Peter and I in our suite, dressed in our complimentary gym attire (including shoes). Ready for the gym, which turned out to be a trip to the Twilight Zone. My fellow athletes this morning at the Fairmont gym, seemed a little unusual. Like the woman beside me, whose face was set in an open mouthed grimace (with hands, up near her face, in a rigid pose) who cleared her throat every 3o seconds and kept the pose throughout the entire time she peddled the bike–and no, she was not partially paralyzed, as she eventually got off the bike and resumed a normal posture. And the woman behind me, trying to “stair climb” at a level way too difficult for her. So she took inch-deep steps and rocked her entire body and head, wildly, from side to side with each step. An interesting day at the gym to be sure! However, I am looking forward to yoga and spin classes each early morning while I’m here.
View up to Nob Hill
 At the Ferry Building Market
The French Patisserie–I came all the way from Canada to find this place! Much smaller than I’d imagined.
Peter at Acme Bread–he was in Heaven.
My new Buddie–the San Francisco cop.
A typical street vender warming up in the early morning sun before work begins.
A view up California Street. We walked down this hill to get to the market.
China Town. The old woman on my right was begging earlier in the day.
China Town–part of the dragon crew, reaching for some lettuce hanging in the door way? A strange practice I am unfamiliar with.
Lining up the dragon heads after the dance.
The Museum of Modern Art. I wasn’t that big on William’s art–too self obsessed. The energy was inward and a little gross. For me, art is all about instinctual reactions. Physical. I react to the energy the art was created in. I either love it, can relate to it, it leaves me bland or it disgusts me. William’s art was heading toward the disgusting, but not quite there.

2 Responses

  1. Miranda
    | Reply

    you stinker! I just bought those exact same shoes!!!!

    What a trip. Im dying out here in the deep freeze.

  2. John's pic of the day
    | Reply

    One of the greatest cities to visit!
    Don’t forget to drive down Lombard Street.
    and also clam chowder on sourdough bread bowls… yum…

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