Jason was right, it was strange how quickly things changed from the LA commotion to farmland and desert. A couple hours outside of San Francisco, the GPS beeped “Low Battery.” I unplugged my phone charger from the car’s lighter and plugged the GPS cord back in, but the screen soon went black. Assuming it needed to charge for a while but would come back on eventually, I kept driving. I should’ve known the evil GPS woman would fail me when I needed her the most. No it’s fine GPS lady, I’d love to navigate downtown San Francisco from my scribbled notepad directions. That would be much easier.
These pictures were from my entrance over the Bay Bridge and to truly cement my stature as a hazard to any city’s roads, I also took a brief video of coming towards the city (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5V4r5iNOVs ).
After an evening of tagging along to Nick’s various social engagements and the best burrito of my life, the next day was spent touring the sights and micro-climates of the city by the bay. Nick and Julio took me from their apartment in SOMA (South of Market St.) to the Farmer’s Market where we perused the booths and got the ingredients for guacamole (because it’s like they always say - if you don’t come to San Francisco with flowers in your hair, expect to make guacamole for your hosts). After taking the train to Fisherman’s Wharf where Nick was unable to tell us anything about the sea lions( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NibNWsrpypA ), we decided to fill up on In-N-Out burger and waddle towards the Golden Gate bridge ( http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LqHZgstrs4 this video is from the Presidio and later, driving over the bridge).
When we tried to leave the area, we got shooed away by multiple unhelpful bus drivers. Confused tourists flanked us and we all stared quizzically at drivers who claimed to not be going anywhere. “Seriously, I’ll start a fight with a bus driver,” I said loudly enough that cheerful travelers inched away. At that point, I decided to turn the anger down a bit, embrace the San Francisco way (the Hamburger Helper glove never looked irritated – why should I?). We eventually made it back to the Castro / Mission area to a park filled with people enjoying the “extreme” temperatures. There was a heat wave hitting the area since I’d been there and everyone I met swore that what I thought was totally normal summer heat was actually very intense for the bay area.
We sat down on a hill next to their wonderful friend Thomas who introduced us to the man lying comfortably on the grass near him, Boris. Boris had recently moved from New York and we began to talk about the differences between the cities when the question, “Have you ever ridden on a Vespa” arose. “No. Around all these hills? I’d be terrified,” I said. After a confirmation from Thomas that yes, it was indeed terrifying, Boris extended his hand. Without my purse or my sanity, I followed him to his bike for an impromptu Vespa tour of the city. “Did they take you up there?” he asked, pointing to two huge hills overlooking the city. I shook my head and he told me to hold on. Atop Twin Peaks, Boris pointed out the different neighborhoods and we talked about the empowering freedom of travel.
I arrived back to the park in one piece and it was almost time for dinner. The cold temperatures had returned and the walk to House of Nanking was quite unpleasant in my summer apparel. I apologized for whining after the incredible meal, now knowing that the food was worth every minute of freezing. Still, a cab ride home was definitely in order.
Nick has an absolute talent for showing off the food of a city and in everything, they were both amazing hosts. (and Julio, I hope you can tell how thankful I am by my avoidance of a Me & Julio Down by the Schoolyard quip).
I love San Fran
and yes, it’s usually so much cooler there, even in summer. I hope you enjoyed In-N-Out Burger….I know we have Wegmans here, but damn I would sell my first born for an In-N-Out Burger joint here :p