After a delightful trip across the Bay Bridge (where we made friends with a handsome man in a pick-up truck) we arrived at our destination - Hotel Intercontinental of San Francisco. Swanky lobby, flat screen TV in the room, and robes. Yeah - I love a hotel with robes. After settling in our 21st floor room with amazing views, we headed out for a wonderful dinner at the eclectic oola restaurant & bar (within walking distance) and then drifted off to dreamland.
Saturday, April 18th 2009 - Our day began with a trip to the crookedest street in the world - Lombard Street. It was a good call on our part - no waiting whatsoever! Beth made the trip twice while I shot photos from the bottom the second time. She sure gave that clutch of hers a workout. One time during the day I told her to take a right, but when we got to the intersection and took a look at the CLIFF that would take us off, we decided against it. Next we giddily boarded one of those famous cable cars after waiting in line on a beautiful day sipping coffee and listening to authentic Chinese music being played by a street musician. It was our original intention to go to Chinatown, but we ended up at Fisherman's Wharf - so we went with it. I had been to Alcatraz in the mid-90's, and Beth had no interest (I thought it TOTALLY rocked - get it? ROCKed?), so we were content to check out the view and have some fresher than fresh seafood for lunch.
Next came our ascent from the wharf back to Union Square - what an amazing sight as we lifted high above the Bay and watched as we pulled away from the Golden Gate Bridge and Alcatraz. I would definitely recommend standing on the back of the car for this experience. Next we headed off by car to surprise our Facebook friend Suzy West who owns a cute little scrapbook store in Fremont, CA (and BOY was she surprised). We took a little side trip to Santana Row - a cool outdoor shopping center, and then headed back north for some more sights. First stop - the Painted Ladies from the Full House opener. Beth drove around the block a few times while I snapped a couple hundred pictures. Then we headed for the corner of Haight and Ashbury just to say we had been there. Our last stop was at AT&T Park (Home of the Giants - we had scoped out the 49ers stadium on the way to Fremont). While idling at an intersection, we met up with these two hilarious guys who had just come from the game (which was a loss for the Giants). After a full, full day, we stopped at Bar 888 in the hotel lobby and enjoyed some great drinks and conversation before heading to the 21st floor.
Yep, quite a day in San Francisco - and there's a whole other 24 hour period to talk about. See you,Thursday!
Susan
Love the photojournalism of your trip! You all looked like you had a blast! Gotta live life to the fullest! TFS!
Posted by: Ashley Newell | April 28, 2009 at 07:51 AM
Good grief! You to do more in 1 day than I do in a week!
What is the significance of Haight & Ashbury?
Posted by: Joli | April 28, 2009 at 08:31 AM
Haight Ashbury was the focal point of the hippie movement in the 60's/70's.
http://www.sfgate.com/neighborhoods/sf/haight/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haight-Ashbury
Great post, ladies.
Posted by: Paul Opel | April 28, 2009 at 08:53 AM
I live 3 hours from SF and I LOVE going there....There's something about it....the people?the sites? the shopping? I don't know...I just know I LOVE IT!!! Great pictures!!!
Posted by: Char | April 28, 2009 at 04:12 PM