Where to begin - I had a wonderful time and am very serious about moving there in a year to year and a half.
I flew out Wednesday night (November 10, 2004), it’s a 6 hour flight which is rather a long way! Just checked into my Hotel (The Westin at Union Square - great room with a huge balcony) and basically went to sleep as San Fran is 3 hours behind New York.
Thursday I woke early and worked out in the fitness centre then headed to Dotties Blue Cafe (Sandee and Bill this place was amazing!!!) for brunch. I was probably 30th in the quee but after 5 minutes got a seat due to being a single. I knew there were advantages traveling by myself. Wonderful breakfast that filled me up until dinner that night.
Brought a week transport pass and took the cable car (sat inside as it was raining) all the way to Fisherman's Wharf. Had a brief look around but it is so touristy it’s not really worth staying around. Walked down Lombard Street which is the Crookedest Street in the World (amazing views from the top) then into China Town. Similar to other China Town's but a lot bigger and SO many people around. Onto the Financial District which had some amazing buildings (actually the whole of San Fran had fantastic architecture) then back to the Hotel to get my camera. Straight back onto the cable car (this time, and every time going forward, hanging on the sides) and took a different route which allowed me to walk up Lombard Street (certainly great for something but my calves were feeling it for a couple of days)! Walked down the other side of Lombard Street (normal street but VERY steep) and along to Union Street which had great boutique and high road shops. Got my nails done then headed to a bar (that I was recommended) for a well deserved drink! Took the cable car back to the Hotel hanging on the side, the driver was very concerned about me and kept his eye on me (I actually ended up seeing him Friday and Saturday nights too which was fun) the whole time until some silly driver pulled out in front of us and the emergency break had to be pulled. This of course means everyone off (or wait around for maybe 30 minutes) and find a new way to your destination. They have to get a truck to come and pull them up - I don't really understand the whole process but basically the emergency break causes the cable to go under which is where the truck comes into it. Only had to walk downhill two blocks before getting on another route back to the Hotel.
Headed out to the Mission District (never again!) for a Mexican dinner that a guy at work at recommended....it took ages to get there due to the buses being redirected however I met a lady who was very helpful and went out of her way to make sure I got to the restaurant...which turned out to be a diner! Nothing to say about the food other than my whole meal (including a beer) cost less than brunch!!! Managed to fine my way back to the Hotel without any problems.
Friday I was up at the crack of dawn to go to Alcatraz. It was a beautiful day so much so I needed sun block and sunglasses, I had of course checked the weather before leaving and taken t-shirts which I wore the whole time. Took the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf where I had breakfast being taking the boat (10 minutes) to Alcatraz. Met a Canadian couple on board so spent a couple of hours out there with them taking the audio tour. I found it to be very interesting. You got fantastic views of SF and the bay (including the famous Golden Gate Bridge) from Alcatraz, I could have easily spent the reminder of the day sitting in the sun staring at SF but this cannot happen when one isn't there for long so back I went to the main land I head.
Another look around Fisherman's Wharf including the seals which are a huge hit! Then I headed up to Coit Tower, 388 steps up and 388 steps down (poor calves!) where you got amazing views of the Bay Bridge, Alcatraz, Golden Gate Bridge and the bay area. Headed back down and took an electric cable cab (street car) to the Ferry Building which has lots of little stalls (mushrooms, caviar, wine bar, seafood, fruit and vegetables, cheese, coffee and an oyster bar just to name a few.) Some you can eat at others you buy and take to the wine bar to eat there with a nice glass of wine - great selection and you could probably spend at least half a day there.
From here walked to California Street and Market Street where the California cable car starts and took it to the end. Ended up at a wine store that has a bar in the back (a local had told me to go) for a glass of great red wine.
Had to wait over 40 minutes for a cable car which wasn't so good. The driver from the night before drove by and recognized me, he had no breaks so wouldn't pick us up. Met up with the Canadian couple, Michael and Gayle, and we had a drink at the Carnelian Room (52nd floor). The views were just amazing - you got 360 degrees views of SF and I could have stayed there all night...a tad pricy for the food! So back onto a cable car to North Beach which is the Italian area for a yummy Italian meal.
I'm only half way through and I'm sure you are all bored - my fingers are certainly hurting!
Saturday morning I woke early and went to the gym then headed to my favourite place, Dotties Blue Cafe. This time I wasn't so lucky with a seat and had to wait about 40 minutes - wasn't too bad though as I was standing in the sun (another beautiful day) reading the paper. Another great brunch!
Took the cable car to Fisherman's Wharf area and wondered around parts I hadn't seen before, being a Saturday there were a lot more people around and some street stalls. Jumped on a couple of buses to the SF side of Golden Gate Bridge and walked basically to the other side and back. The views...........you can just imagine! :-) Buses and cable car back to the Hotel to change my shoes and get rid of my jersey then headed to North Beach area. So many great cafes / restaurants / bars to choice from - had coffee sitting outside in the sun thinking this is the life. Back to the gym at the Hotel before heading to Bubble Lounge (champagne bar) for a glass of bubbles then to Plouf (French restaurant), Beldon Lane, for a fantastic dinner. Sat outside and met a couple sitting next to me who had lived in SF before so had lots of things to tell me for my next trip.
Sunday (November 14, 2004) I managed to have a brief sleep in then headed to the gym. Got a muffin from Dotties Blue cafe then met up with Michael and Gayle and went out to the Haight and Ashbury area. Had lunch and a wonder around the streets. It’s certainly the hippy area of town. Back to Market Street and we took our last cable car ride :-( before splitting up. I headed up to Top of the Mark (bar inside a Hotel on the 19th floor) for a drink and ............. views of SF!!!! You could seriously see for ages! Cable car to Beldon Lane where I ate at B44 a Spanish Tapas bar - great food and wine!!!
My flight out was at 10.15pm arriving at 6.30am Monday morning in New York and went straight to work.
A couple of side notes - it really amazes me how hilly SF is especially when you look at a map which gives no indication. There is a huge amount of homeless people living in SF. The weather is amazing.
I will be returning!!!
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