The journey from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean was quite a trip to wrap one's mind around — especially when the countdown back to uni crept closer than I had ever expected. The window of opportunity is showing a sliver of light as I prepare to jump into the unknown — and without a doubt, I was exhilarated at our first stop across the United States of America — San Francisco.I was particularly thrilled about the Victorian houses that are stacked side-by-side in comparison to the brooding streets of London — as well as the famous hill shot in Princess Diaries. Though, I only hoped that I would be spared enough time to visit all of the attractions that I wished to see on my American Old West Expedition before the wedding commences.
Other than that, I must admit... I have been to San Francisco a few times in my youth — though I suppose when I was younger I did not appreciate holidaying with my family in the States as I held a slight prejudice against the grand scale and the endless days it took to arrive at any destination by planes, trains and cars. It really was an inconvenience — though as I have gotten older, I came to realize and recognize the value of all the beautiful treasures that America has kept like an unpolished gem in the rough.
Upon my arrival in San Francisco — my limbs urged to be stretched after a long trip from halfway across the world. The SFO was quite impressive as I caught a glimpse of all the bridges... and the subtle morning fog that glazed over the city. The morning traffic seemed quite congested as we opted to take the BART to the heart of the Bay Area — which is a convenient mode of transportation to greet the day. I most definitely enjoyed the peaceful ride on the public transit as flickering gaps of light emerged through the tunnel. Though, sooner than I realized, the transition to downtown came to an abrupt stop as we made our way to the hotel near Pier 39 — I must admit walking for a while was not was I was expecting after an arduous journey from the Embarcadero Station, especially with the lack of directional guides along the way. This is an instant where I am thankful for the creation of communication and technology — if it wasn't for my iPhone, we would have surely been lost and another adventure would have been in the making.
Upon my arrival in San Francisco — my limbs urged to be stretched after a long trip from halfway across the world. The SFO was quite impressive as I caught a glimpse of all the bridges... and the subtle morning fog that glazed over the city. The morning traffic seemed quite congested as we opted to take the BART to the heart of the Bay Area — which is a convenient mode of transportation to greet the day. I most definitely enjoyed the peaceful ride on the public transit as flickering gaps of light emerged through the tunnel. Though, sooner than I realized, the transition to downtown came to an abrupt stop as we made our way to the hotel near Pier 39 — I must admit walking for a while was not was I was expecting after an arduous journey from the Embarcadero Station, especially with the lack of directional guides along the way. This is an instant where I am thankful for the creation of communication and technology — if it wasn't for my iPhone, we would have surely been lost and another adventure would have been in the making.
On our first official day in San Francisco, my family and I went out exploring along the different neighborhoods around the vicinity and it was an unusual experience on my part. It was a rather strange feeling to be holding a visitor map in a city I have once been in before — there was without a doubt a few stares here and there. I suppose, I am guilty of the same crime but I try to help out once in a while as a good civilian with spare time on their hands.As we ventured from one attraction to another, the streets were too inclined in my favor as I treaded along the path of seemingly normal stroll — luckily, I was wearing flats or else I would have regretted my decision... otherwise. Though, one factor about San Francisco that I was amused by after exerting energy on the miniature hike was the adorable cable cars or trolleys that enticed me to hopped on — if it were only that simple to flee away from one's hurdles.
Other than that, there were so many moments to be captured on film as we marveled at the architecture and the history that remained dormant with time. I was impressed by the housing as I nearly gaped at the prices — not that I was in the area to purchase a fine piece of real estate for that matter but curiosity seems to get the best of me. Personally, the price was ridiculous especially in the environment that California is subjected too... it will be only a matter of time before a natural disaster swallows up the place whole with the two plate tectonics shifting in opposite directions.
Moving along now from the issue that I have stirred... the air of San Francisco was silent as the calm of a hurricane in the morning as few locals passed by to work or opened up the shops — I never really expected the city to quite beautiful with all the bustling commotions during the day. Though, there was a sense of tranquility as we pondered through the streets with the damp and cool atmosphere — the temperature was perfect and reminded me of my beloved home.
As the day passed on, I suppose we only took our roles as tourists — snapping photo after photo and indulging in the quaint shops and boutiques along the way. We visited most of the boroughs that composed the city of San Francisco — though for the most part... my mood was sour by the vile creature that lurked near the marina — the stench of the sea lions was too much to handle as I nearly gagged at their existence. It was a foul attraction that left me regretting the malodorous creature and fleeing back for a hot bath. I suppose I am being rather harsh — it is only nature after all.
Moving along now from the issue that I have stirred... the air of San Francisco was silent as the calm of a hurricane in the morning as few locals passed by to work or opened up the shops — I never really expected the city to quite beautiful with all the bustling commotions during the day. Though, there was a sense of tranquility as we pondered through the streets with the damp and cool atmosphere — the temperature was perfect and reminded me of my beloved home.
As the day passed on, I suppose we only took our roles as tourists — snapping photo after photo and indulging in the quaint shops and boutiques along the way. We visited most of the boroughs that composed the city of San Francisco — though for the most part... my mood was sour by the vile creature that lurked near the marina — the stench of the sea lions was too much to handle as I nearly gagged at their existence. It was a foul attraction that left me regretting the malodorous creature and fleeing back for a hot bath. I suppose I am being rather harsh — it is only nature after all.
Regardless of our morning walk, we stopped for brisk lunch at the Fog Harbor Fish House — which to dismay held a collection of savory flavors from the sea and the only appealing meal that enticed my palate was their Salmon BLT. Though for the sake of my father, I treated him to a hefty meal of shrimp, clams, lobsters and crabs — which was by far the most expensive meal that I ever convinced myself into picking up the tab for... my word. I suppose, in the end it was worth it after all, money can always be earned but spending time with loved ones is priceless.Other than that, I found the Salmon BLT to be tender and succulent, with mild flavoring embedding between two thick, overly toasted pieces of whole wheat — it was a fair meal but the price was a bit inflated. After that little excerpt, I am thankful that I am not a food critic or else most restaurants will suffer at my harsh comments and picky palate. Though, I must admit I was a fan of the sourdough and sweet cream butter that seems to resonate with the vendors on the streets of San Francisco — I also forgot to mention the Ghirardelli Chocolate as well. I suppose that is enough about food.
The eventful visit to San Francisco, ended with a boat tour of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz — which seemed a befitting for any tourist, though it was a little too windy in my opinion for an outing in the Bay Area. I tried to capture clear and concise pictures of the bridges and I only managed to take a few — the excursion was rather bumpy and I didn't want to risk falling overboard into the frigid water.
The eventful visit to San Francisco, ended with a boat tour of the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz — which seemed a befitting for any tourist, though it was a little too windy in my opinion for an outing in the Bay Area. I tried to capture clear and concise pictures of the bridges and I only managed to take a few — the excursion was rather bumpy and I didn't want to risk falling overboard into the frigid water.Nevertheless, I managed to capture a few risky shots of the Golden Gate Bridge at the expense of my new camera and I apologize if the pictures ended up a bit inconsistent — since I am not adept to my new piece of equipment. The settings are a blur and I haven't quite perfected at taking photos of people for that matter. Though, I think I got the gist of taking landscape photos at the moment and a little more time and practice is all that I need to get acquainted with this new piece of technology.
Well, it seems I have written a novel on my short stay in San Francisco, there is much more to be said but for the time being and I suppose... this will have to suffice for now. I definitely enjoyed my visit to San Francisco and look forward to another trip in the near future — I certainly wished I had more time to visit Presidio, Lincoln Park, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and perhaps a nice bike ride over the Golden Gate Bridge. Until next time — I bid you farewell.
