San Francisco

I played tour guide to my wife's cousin yesterday. We couldn't have chosen a better day to visit SF. The weather was picture perfect. Rarely have I gone to SF and not needed to wear a jacket and yesterday was one of those days.

I have taken friends to visit San Francisco so often that I now have a tried and tested route that I have optimized over the years. I start off at Golden Gate Bridge, then follow the 49 mile scenic route that is at the south end of the bridge heading west along the coast. I break for lunch at Cliff House after visiting the bath ruins. Then I head to Golden Gate Park which is my favorite stop. There's a lot to see here that can take an entire day or two. If you have time, you should visit the Rose Garden, the Botanical Garden and the Japanese Tea Garden. There is a nursery that has been renovated that is also worth visiting. And don't forget Stow lake where you can rent a rowboat. Then I head to Twin Peaks for a panoramic view of the city. After Twin Peaks I drive through the Pacific Height neighborhood where you'll find houses that form the distinctive landscape of San Francisco and are often printed on picture postcards. Then I head up Lombard Street toward Crooked Street before finally arriving at Fisherman's Wharf.

Yesterday, the area around Golden Gate bridge was a sight to behold. There wasn't a speck of cloud in the vicinity and the bridge itself was awash in brilliant sunlight. Something I like to do is to walk on the Coastal trail that is on the south west side of the bridge. There are great views of the coast and one particular spot where you can get great pictures of the bridge. The Coastal trail snakes along the edge of the coast. One day I hope to hike it all the way down to Cliff House.

Golden Gate park was brimming with people as usual. I love the lush open spaces and could spend an entire day there people watching. Along the way we stopped at Freddy's deli near Cliff House for lunch. It's behind the apartments that face Ocean Avenue and on the same street as the Burger King and the Safeway. Every time I play tour guide, I stop at this deli for lunch. Great food at great prices!

The view from Twin Peaks was breathtaking. I took some amazing shots of the entire city. My friend bought the Canon 20d recently and as I stood there I longed for one myself. Unfortunately, I'll have to break the bank to get me one.

I love the ride up Lombard to Crooked street. It is doubly fun when cars are backed up going up the hill. It is fun for the driver and nerve wracking for the passengers. My favorite is to drive halfway up the hill and then ask the folks in the back seat to turn around and take a look behind. It is usually a heart stopping moment for them. Yesterday the traffic was sparse and we made it up the hill in less than a minute.

Walking down the steps on Crooked Street, I wondered how those home owners cope with the constant stream of tourists everyday? I would go crazy if I lived on that street.

The seals on Pier 39 are still the draw at Fisherman's Wharf. They were a relatively disciplined group this time. The last time I went they were kicking up a racket. This time the sound was muted by comparison.

I find the stuff in the souvenir shops way too expensive. Wife's cousin bought a teddy bear. What's with women and furry toys?

I need to find a cheaper parking space near Fisherman's Wharf. We paid $12/- for an hour and a half. I thought that was steep.

Be forewarned though that packing all this sight-seeing into a single day can be exhausting. On the drive back home the folks in the back seat were fast asleep.