Day 10...The Long and Winding Road....

The Long and Winding Road....

We rented a car this morning and we were heading North.

We crossed over the majestic Golden Gate Bridge. It is even more impressive driving across it.

Shortly there after, we veered off the main highway and took Highway 1, that hugs the coast. Who would have thought how winding it could be. More often than not, we were forever turning back and forth as we climbed and descended various hills and mountains. But the views were spectacular.

Each twist of the road opened another vista to enjoy. Several times we had to stop to really appreciate the rugged coastline.

At one point, we started to see places offering Bar-B-Q'ed oysters. We decided to stop at one, that was quite full, and ordered a plate, as well as their local vegetable clam chowder. The Bar-B-Q'ed oysters were delicious, covered in a tomato sauce and garlic, but I prefer them raw. While good, the sauce over powered the delicate flavor of the oyster.

I was very happy that I ordered the vegetable clam chowder. It was an unique chowder that was delicious. I am so used to the common Boston creamy clam chowder, whereas this was closer to a vegetable soup with the added flavors of clams.

We kepted driving north along highway 1, but we knew we had to turn back. A road, highway 128, cut east from the tiny 2 lane winding road called highway 1, to the main highway, the 101. I had assummed it would be much less winding, but I was wrong. It took had switchbacks galore. No sooner had we finished one set of sharp turns, that another set presented itself.

At least the views were different, as we wound our way through thick serene forests, to fields of vineyards and grazing livestock.

As we approached San Francisco, we had a race against time. We listened to the traffic reports, the traffic was light, but the bridge would close between 9 and 10 pm for the fireworks. We figured we would be on the bridge by 8:30, when we started to hit some traffic. The four lanes were slowly reduced down to one lane, only to be opened up to four lanes a bit further.

We made back across the bridge. The bay was full of boats, people lined along the marina. Had their been any parking, we would have loved to have stopped to watch the fireworks for the Golden Gate's 75th Anniversary. But that would not be.

We made it home. The steep climb felt so much easier this time. But then again, we were driving.
 
 

 
Cheers,
 
Hera & Anthony

Day 9...And the Beat goes on

And the Beat goes on ...


Our 7 day Muni Passport for transit expired yesterday. Even though we plan on renting a car, the price difference between a 3 day and 7 day Passport was minimal, so we bought another 7 day passport.

Hera also wanted to go and see the Art store that we had visited earlier in the week. Today they were having a pen sale, and the pens were magnificent. We did not buy any, but Hera did buy some printing paper.

After buying some deli food to load up our fridge, we hiked up our hill to unload our purchases.

When we headed out again, we decided to go light. Hera decided not to bring her camera, and would rely on her cell phone, while I decided not to bring the back pack. We contemplated wearing our polars with our jackets but decided against it. Pity... the cold wind often blew and we missed not bringing our polars.

We took our now very familiar F tram down Market Street, almost to the end. Getting out near the Financial district, we headed North. Walked through some streets of Chinatown, until we got to our destination of North Beach. The Italian district.

Walking along Columbus street, we strolled slowly, admiring the many cafes and bistros. So many seemed so tempting. One, called the Stinking Rose, had heavy garlic meals on its menu. We almost stopped in, but we had another destination in mind, one of Gail's suggestions.

We found Gail's Italian pastry shop. Stella's Pastry and Cafe shop on 446 Columbus Avenue, is a small authentic looking shop. Hera decided on an Apricot-Almond custard tart, while I had a delicious cannolo (cannoli is plural) along with perfect double espresso coffees. We sat at a table next to a window. The heat of the sun warmed us as we people watched.

After our break, we continued walking along Columbus Avenue filled with restaurants that all looked so good. When we reached Filbert street, we turned left, and headed to another of Gail's suggestions, Luigi's bakery, for some good Italian bread. But we should have gone here first, for they closed at 2pm, and so we missed sampling their goods. Maybe another day.

We walked back to Columbus Avenue, and this time walking on the other side of the street. The aromas of the various restaurants were so tempting.

Early on our walk along Columbus Avenue we had seen historical Vesuvio (255 Columbus Ave) which Hera took some photos of, and we thought it would be a good place to have a beer. We came upon it, and stepped in.

This was a favorite watering hole for a group of writers, one of which, Jack Kerouac, coined the term Beat, which latter turned into Beatnik.

If in the area, do stop by for a beer. It is a great looking pub, with funky tables. We sat on the second floor, which again was great to people watch.

It was time to be heading home, so we walked a bit, and took a bus towards Market Street. Unfortunately, it crossed in front of an Armani Exchange. Hera just had to go in. So we walked in, and she perused the items for what seemed an eternity.

Thrilled with her purchase, we took our F tram home, and then had our usual steep climb up. Tired, we were happy to be home for the night.
 
 

 
Cheers,
 
Hera & Anthony

Day 8...The Windy City... not Chicago

The Windy City... not Chicago


After our brunch, we headed down the now familiar 17th Street, to Castro Street, to take our street car North to Pacific Heights. We had been there a several days ago, but this time after walking through Cow Hollow and the Marina, we would be heading West towards the Golden Gate Bridge.

As we walked down Fillmore Street, the cold wind started to blow. We were sorry we did not bring our polars with us, and wondered how it would be closer to the water.

At the Marina, we were again met with impressive sights of the Bay, Alcatraz and of course the Golden Gate Bridge. When the wind did not blow, the strong sun felt so nice and warm. Just enough to make you wonder if you should take off your jacket, when another cold gust of wind would blow.

We walked towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Our immediate destination was the Palace of Fine Arts, and perhaps to continue until we got to Fort Point at the base of the Golden Gate Bridge.

The only remaining structure of San Francisco's Panama-Pacific Exhibition of 1915, the Palace of Fine Arts is a classical structure so different from the architecture of the city, yet surprisingly, it fits in so well.

We took a very slow leisurely walk through the complex, and then around the pond. Part of the magic, is the flora. The architecture and the various plants blend together so well, affording a different feel from each vantage point.

Leaving the shelter of Palace, we walked back towards the water. The cold wind again blew hard. We looked towards the bridge, a good walk into the wind, and decided to leave it for another day.

We headed back into town, and walked along Chestnut Street. Peeking into various shops and cafes, and decided to take a break at "The Grove." We ordered a pint of beer and shared a plate of hummus. It felt good to sit, and people watch for a bit.

But soon we were back out, and we hopped onto a street car towards Fisherman's Wharf and got off at Hyde Street. We could have tried our luck and wait for a cable car, but we had seen the hour long line at the beginning of the line to know full well that there would be no place for us. So we decided to hike up the steep hill. It was worth the climb, for each time we looked behind us, another higher view of the Bay, the Bridge and Alcatraz could be seen.

Finally we reached Lombard Street. For one block, Lombard Street is know as the crookedest street in the world. Eight turns were placed in the one block street in the 1920's so that cars could make it down the hill. It is a unique and very pretty street. But we were there too late in the day to fully appreciate it. Early morning, with the rising sun would be better.

We kept walking through the neighborhoods, and then tiring, we hopped on a bus. As long as it headed towards Markets Street, we knew our way home.

We had had brunch at Cafe Flore last Sunday, and Hera wanted to try a meal there. We could have sat outside, as there were out door heaters and the glass enclosures might have protected us from the wind. But we had enough of the cold wind and did not want to risk it. So we found a table inside, and settled down for supper.

I had a well made burger with steak fries, while Hera had a delicious plate of falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, Greek salad and feta, with some baked pita. We also shared a carafe of their lime Margarita.

After a wonderful supper, we were back out into the cold windy city, with our climb to get back home.
 
Cheers,
 
Hera & Anthony

Day 7...A Date with Gail

A Date with Gail


We had a great evening the night before with Warren and Gail, so when Gail offered to meet us today, we eagerly accepted.

It was warm and sunny. Hera decided to wear shorts for the first time on this trip and to let her hair down and commented how wonderful it felt to feel the breeze in her hair. But shortly after meeting up with Gail, we felt a cool breeze and Hera asked for her jacket.

Gail first took us to the Harvey Milk Photography Center, just a few blocks North of our apartment. Unfortunately it was closed, but we saw a notice for a photo-walk that would be occurring in a few days. Perhaps we will take the walk.

Our next stop was a lovely park called Alamo Square Park, which is upstaged by the picturesque set of Victorian houses all lined up in a row, with the sky line of San Francisco as the back drop. What a pretty place for a picnic or to lie on the grassy slope, which so many did.

Gail then drove us across the city to the coast. She parked at Fort Funston, and we made our way into the wind that blew hard against us. The coastline was spectacular, and apparently many hang gliders use this spot to take off from, but the winds were way too strong today. We walked and admired the view, as Hera clicked away.

Chilled by the winds, Gail took us to her lovely home for some rest and refreshments. We chatted away and got to know her much better. Gail showed us several photos that Warren had taken on their various trips as well as several very good shots that she took herself.

Soon we were back out, this time we headed to Land's End. The wind blew even fiercer. But the views of the beach and surf, and latter Golden Gate Bridge were spectacular. The sand bit into our face, and our glasses were encrusted by a fine layer of salt.

We were thankful for the shelter of the car. Hera untangled her hair for the second time. Of all days to let her hair down and to wear shorts.

For supper, Gail had suggested a dumpling place, which sounded delicious.  (San Tung Restaurant 1031 Irving Street) We made our way there. It was crowded and smelled wonderful. It would be a wait, but it seemed to be worth it. Warren soon met us, and the four of us chatted as we waited.

Once again, we were not disappointed by the fine meal we had. Each plate was perfectly seasoned. Spicy, but not too hot or over powering. Sweet dishes, were sweet, but not overly sweet as the dishes back home. Each dish was unique and scrumptious.

When we left the restaurant, we froze! The wind blew hard against us. We walked quickly, and we were thankful once inside the car.

Yesterday we carried our polars and jackets, and roasted in the sun. Today Hera decided on shorts and we froze. What should we wear and carry tomorrow...?
 
Cheers,
 
Hera  & Anthony