San Francisco - 2008

Most of you know that Jeff and I went to Chicago last December.  This decision was made after my cousin, Anna Marie was here visiting for the summer of 2007.  She lives and works in the city of Chicago. 

While we were in Chicago (and had met up with her on Friday night and all day Saturday) we made a declaration that we would take a trip together (the 3 of us) every Dec for an extended weekend.  In Chicago we talked about New Orleans.  Come summer of '08 Jeff had a business trip (less than 24 hrs) in San Francisco.  He suggested that we go there instead.  Anna had never been and was willing to go.  So off we went this past weekend.

The time spent there was full to say the least.  We had a blast!! We laughed, we were terrified, we were lost, we were stuffed, and we were sore (from the walking).  While we were there, we met up with another cousin for dinner both Friday and Saturday night who lives there.  We had some good laughs as we told him about the days adventures.

In a nutshell:

Day 1: After arriving at our hotel and seeing our spooky 2 bedroom condo, we headed out and found a local hangout that we went to all 3 days.  Kezar (yummy beer, nachos, and fries).  This was delightfully discovered after walking through Haight-Ashbury area at 9 PM...not a good idea.

Day 2: We took public transportation lines to Alcatraz and toured the island.  From there went to Fisherman's Warf (yum-o chowder bowls and fish and chips and crepes) and then up to Lombard Street.  We headed down Lombard Street all the way south to a very sketchy neighborhood (meeting place suggested by cousin).  We unanimously decided to take a cab back to our 'hang out' and awaited dinner plans with our cousin.  We eventually met up with him at a pizza parlor that was all fresh and organic ingredients...the best chic pizza I have ever had! 

Day 3: Headed out to Golden Gate Park...saw a lot of homeless and druggies (a lot were so young!)  From there decided to head to Chinatown.  We spent several hours here having tea tastings and shopping.  After our 'tea bar' experience they pointed us up the street to a place for lunch.  I am convinced we did eat cow testicle served on tripe.  Ugh.  As we were walking up and around the bustling Chinese markets, we came to an intersection.  As we were crossing in the street we literally had our sight, hearing, and smell change to North Beach (Little Italy).  From China to Italy.  Ahhhhhh.  We loved it here.  All 3 of us felt very comfortable and at-home in this area.  There were pasta shops, cafes, pastry shops, and restaurants that spilled out onto the side-walks that tickled our eyes and noses.  Our afternoon delight were cappuccinos.  From there we headed through Cow Hallow (upscale preppy town) back to our hangout to again await dinner plans.  Since we had some time to kill, across from Kezar was a very tiny burger joint.  It boasted of the best burger in California.  I suggested (even though we had NO room to budge) that we all split one just because we needed to.  So, we walked in and ordered their California Burger.  We decided to take it back to the hotel with us and split it up there.  When we did and took our first bites, we had wished we ordered 3 (one for each of us!).  I am not joking...it has to be one of the best burgers I have eaten--ever!  (I have eaten my fair share of burgers)  The textures and the flavors all danced in my mouth...it was amazing.

For dinner we went to an Italian place, again...SO GOOD!

Day 4: Travel home.  Both ours and Anna's flights were delayed several hours due to fog in SF area.  Long day.

 

{pictures and specific names posted later}