San Francisco Open Your Golden Gates!
It was Father's Day weekend so I gave Barry first choice at what we should do for our "romantic weekend". Within minutes I found myself walking through some sketchy neighborhoods to visit the BMW motorcycle store. After that "fun", we got to walk all the way back and go across the street from our hotel to the Ferry Building
I love this place! All the fruit, food and wine stands! We decided to enjoy our beautiful room at the Hyatt by purchasing some cheeses, french bread and opening the wine we brought with us. I had to laugh when I saw this sign... of course, we bought the cheese :-)
On the way back to our room, we passed so many homeless. Such a beautiful city with so much poverty. It makes you think hard about life... while we walk into the Hyatt, they are sleeping right outside the door, across the street, outside restaurants, under overpasses. Why isn't something being done when they are so visible. It's not a hidden problem...
The lobby of the Embarcadero is so nice, we didn't even make it back to our room. We decided to make a pitstop! We nestled in a cozy booth in the lobby bar. The architecture of the hotel is a unique half pyramid shape. As expected, the service was excellent.
We looked out our window when we got back to the room. To the left, the bay bridge. To the right, office buildings. We had perfect weather and a perfect view!
The wine, ZD Cabernet Savignon http://www.zdwines.com/wine/default.aspx. The french bread from Acme Bread Company, a cute booth in the ferry building. The cheeses, one was from Mt Tam Cowgirl Creamery and was similar to a creamy Gouda. The second was Brabander from Holland, that "Lisa" suggested.
We were a little surprised at how many lights were left on over the weekend. San Francisco seems to have many environmentally aware people but it is taken in stride that the lights are left on in almost every office!
Considering we were experiencing one of the best weather weekends of the year, we decided to take the Blue & Gold Fleet ferry to Sausalito via Tiburon. In walking to the pier, we got a great view of the San Francisco Bay Bridge. https://www.blueandgoldfleet.com/
We walked by the Boudin Bakery where we watched the bakers do their handiwork! I'm not sure I would like having so many people stare at me while I work... like a circus act.. The cute smile on his face shows he's okay with the attention OR they are mocking us taking pictures of them! :-)
When we got down to Pier 39 (getting closer to the ferry), we stopped to explore. A farmer's market was selling fresh fruits. I couldn't resist these cherries! So glad I bought a pound as they were juicy and sweet... irrestistable!
As we boarded the ferry, I got a clear view of the clock tower. It appears we got an earlier than expected start to our day! Yay us!
Coit Tower stands out on the skyline. This white concrete column was built in 1933 atop Telegraph Hill. One of these days I will pay the $6 to go up in the tower for the panoramic view of the city.
The Transamerica Pyramid is the centerpiece of the Financial District. The pyramid is relatively new, built in 1972. Only one of eighteen elevators goes all the way to the narrow top floor. One interesting fact I learned, is that most of the 3,678 windows pivot 360 degrees for cleaning. No window washers on this unique building!
As the ferry took us out, I looked back and saw the "City by the Bay". It made me think of Journey singing the song "Lights".
Click on the video below to watch and listen to San Francisco's own... Journey!
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As a constant cruiser, I was drawn to the Grand Princess. This ship does 10-day round trip itineraries to Alaska. We have done an Alaskan out of Seattle, but San Francisco would be a great pre/post cruise location!
Ever glorious... San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge! It is awe inspiring from every angle. Driving across it, you realize the massiveness of the structure. Sailing by it, you recognize the iconic suspension bridge.
Heading into Tiburon, our first stop, I am struck by the numerous homes dotting the mountainside. They create quite a view but not as stunning as their view of us, to be sure! The sailboat seemed to glide gracefully through the water... so free!
Pulling closer, we begin to see the bars and shops that make up the quaint town of Tiburon.
Many decades ago, Barry and I dated. We met through a mutual friend. This friend rented a cabin from my parents in Tahoe City and was friends with Barry's older brother. We found ourselves at the same bars/restaurants often and eventually worked together at Northstar at Tahoe. We began a relationship but never told the others. We kept it to ourselves. Though we aren't quite sure why we stopped dating, thirty years would pass before we got back together. This trip was our first time back to the scene of the crime... or one of them anyway. Many fun times were shared at Sam's and Tiburon Tommy's back in the day!
We made it to Sausalito and wandered around in shops. Up and down the streets, looking at art, jewelry and souveniers. We passed the Sausalito Harbor where some amazing boats were docked! I was a tad bit surprised so many boats were in their slips on a gorgeous Saturday afternoon!
On our last evening, we met my dear friend Lila and her then fiance, now husband, David. We had dinner at a fantastic Old World, Piedmont styled Italian Restaurant on California Street. Wine, deliciousness and especially laughter. Oh how I've missed my "Sunflower" :-)
