San Francisco — At Last

The Sea, the art, some mai tais, and then some dim sum.

I am told San Francisco is gorgeous and has many diverse neighborhoods. I read that it is flanked by the sea on the one side and is afforded mild climate. That was what I was told and read, and here is what I saw. I thought it was loud, big, sprawling, overrun by even louder tourists, windy (20 mi/hr gusts anyone?) and cold (53*F … brrr). Oh and don’t even get me started on those hills. I am not a triathlete, but I am not incapable of walking up a steep hill, though maybe not 7 hills which is 7 blocks while pushing a stroller and hauling a bag of goodies for little Sophia. Walking down another 7 hills is even worse than walking up the hills.

We arrived on Thursday afternoon right after Sophia’s nap and decided to promptly head to Fisherman’s Wharf. I advise avoiding the walk, and the wharf itself at all costs. Since we had made the error in going there, we thought we’d enjoy the picturesque views of the bay and Alcatraz.

 

CA_SanFran_1After having taken Sophia’s first cab ride (the best 18$ decision I ever made), we stuck close to our hotel and enjoyed tapas with a side of Sesame Street and Crayons for dinner. Having [for the first time in what seems like forever] doubted my planning skills, hubby insisted in planning our Friday’s activities himself. I gladly handed over the reigns.

After coffee and “cake” (muffin) at a laid-back, hippie-occupied coffee shop in the Haight/Ashbury neighborhood, we walked a few blocks to the Golden Gate park and strolled among the various gardens and ponds to the de Young Museum where, much to our surprise, Sophia loved, loved and did I mention loved?! the ancient Mayan pottery and all the works of Dale Chihuly at the Dorothy and George Saxe exhibit. We wished we had more time to browse the 2nd floor gallery that featured some of the works by American landscape artists, but alas, there is always next time. One of the best parts of the museum is the observation tower that affords glorious views over the city … foggy and all.

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CA_SanFran_4All that art will make one very hungry, tired and thirsty. San Francisco has an impressive Chinatown and dim-sum here did not disappoint … chicken feet and all. We headed back for a much needed nap followed by pre-dinner drinks at this amazing find courtesy of many a source including The Layover. It was dark and cavernous, the drinks delicious and we did it with a kid without a muss or fuss. Fear not, there was plenty for her to see (like the giant pool of water in the middle of the bar) and the occasional rain that pours down from the ceiling. Very cool.

The only thing that could stand up to a day like that is some crab and chicken soup from the R&G Lounge. And that, ladies and gentlemen is how we spent a day and a half in San Francisco. This rounds out our trip and all the details. There will be one minor post about the flights themselves and how we survived those.

This trip was different in its pace, but like we do for all the trips that came before, we prepared well and had a plan with things to do, places to eat and sights to see. I am happy to share the list/maps with anyone who inquires.

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