San Francisco

What did we want to do with one day in San Francisco?   We made a list and proceeded to see if we could tick all items off by the end of the day. We started off by going to Union Square enroute to Chinatown. During the day we walked up many of the 43 hills there are in the city, or at least it felt like we did.  Dale, you would be proud of the ground we covered today on foot. 

San Francisco's Chinatown is the oldest in North America and the biggest outside of Asa. I was amazed at it's size and the vibrant atmosphere. I have always loved the sights, sounds and smells of Chinatown, but Vancouver's Chinatown did not prepare me for this. 

From there we walked partway up Nob Hill and marveled at the stately buildings and beautiful flowers that adorned some of them. 

Fisherman's Wharf was next where we ate fish and chips, listened to buskers and took photos - pictures of Alcatraz being popular with the tourists. 

We discovered Pier 39 which was a tourists mecca, full of shops, restaurants and a beautiful carousel which played 60s music, like "riding along on a carousel" and "when you're going to San Francisco....."

Lombard Street was our next destination. It is known for being the crookedest street in the world because of the 8 hairpin curves on one block.  I was last at this spot in 1974.  Wow, 40 years ago!

Ron wanted to ride the cable car part of the way back so we hopped on to a full car where they expected us to stand on a 5 inch platform and hang on to the outside, rather perilously I thought.  Ron thought it was great but I did not, so they found room for me on the car.  

This evening we went back to Union Square to listen to a band performing and to walk around the bustling city.  A very good day.  We have an early start in the morning to catch the Coast Starlight again for our journey to Los Angeles. 

 

Good night from San Francisco, where I may leave a little of my heart. 

BLou