27 March 2012

San Francisco, Part One



My first two days in the Bay area were comprised of a lot of eating (I basically ate my way through the place) and a lot of walking; two good things that happen to balance each other out. Following, a few highlights taken in Oakland (where Emily and her husband, Alex, reside on the cutest tree-lined street filled with little bungalows) and in the city of San Francisco itself (mostly the Mission District, the Ferry Building/Pier and later, the Golden Gate Bridge).


I would relocate to Northern California purely for the flowers. I'm not even kidding. All you people who live there better know how good you have it. I'm jealous of your lovely, aromatic fleurs. I particularly adored this corner shop on Piedmont Avenue in Oakland, just around the corner from Emily's place. Charming, huh? We remained in and around the Rockridge neighborhood on my first full day in California, taking the time to roam the quaint streets and catch up over manicures & pedicures.


Our first day in the actual city (second full day in Cali), we began our explorations in The Mission District. I think I drank something like four cups of coffee over the course of three hours, starting with two from the infamous Tartine Bakery. Definitely lived up to all of the hype: my croissant tasted better than any croissant I ever had in Paris. And you know I wouldn't make that statement without fully standing behind it.

From there, we strolled and window-shopped and drank more ridiculously good coffee.




We popped in and out of several small boutiques before re-fueling at Four Barrel Coffee on Valencia Street.




After a couple of hours, we left the mission with our sights (and bellies) set on lunch at the Ferry Building.

It was a beautiful day for a walk along the pier. I even made friends with a seagull.

I didn't snap too many photos inside the Ferry Building but highlights included visits to Sur La Table (where I bought emerald glass tumblers and a rainbow wooden spoon!), the Heath Ceramics booth and lunch at Cowgirl Creamery. Yum! We stuffed ourselves whilst sitting outside near the water watching the boats and drinking up the warm sunshine. Emily spotted somebody semi-famous, but I can't remember who for the life of me.

After lunch and shopping, we drove up to a gorgeous turnoff below the Golden Gate bridge. I was excited.


It was super windy and subsequently very chilly, but that didn't stop us from climbing out to the edge of the lookout and snapping a ton of pictures. I feel like the GGB is to San Francisco as the skyline is to New York City: iconic and breath-taking.

I could hardly believe it, but there were several surfers just to the left of these rocks. Crazy people! Regardless, I enjoyed watching them while they battled the waves. I felt as though the water was moody; almost like a petulant child. I appreciated it.


Whew. Thanks for sticking with me through this. Up next: A vineyard tour in Sonoma Valley!

(*Any images of me were taken by Emily. Emily is awesome).

6 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you got to see so much of San Fran while you were there! In the first photo, you can see Hawk Hill in the distance. Next time you go, drive up there. It's magic. Actually, it's where I officially fell in love with the Bay area.

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  2. Just the other day I was (SF, please forgive me) complaining about how there aren't any seasons and no one seems to know what this "recession" thing everyone else keeps talking about is. Your photos reminded me how damn lucky I am.

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  3. So freaking beautiful. SF is one place I've always wanted to visit. Though I may need to visit Paris, too & fully test your statement about the croissants. : )

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  4. Aw, so beautiful!! I'm dying to visit and it's fun to see photos from your trip!

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  5. such a grand adventure! i like.

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  6. so glad you and emily are such good friends!

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