Friday, December 3, 2010

My first trip to San Francisco

I have seen the Full House episodes, so therefore I knew what to expect in San Francisco right?
WRONG!

San Francisco is an amazing city to visit and I highly recommend taking a trip soon. I am amazed by the stone architecture and efficient transportation, the historical landmarks, and also the diversity of people.

Once I arrive at the airport, I take the BART train north to the Powell Street exit. As I emerge from the claustrophobic tunnel my eyes shoot upwards toward the towering city above. I am grateful to be in an urban environment because this is where I feel most comfortable. I would much rather encounter blowing trash bags than witness wind-propelled tumbleweed.

Im in route to my potentially cockroach infested hotel, but what the hell, for $56.00/ night I can't really complain. My home-base for the next few days is the Super 8 Motel on O'Farrell Street right in the beating heart of Union Square.

Photobucket

The rooms are surprisingly tolerable. Small, but appropriate. I won't spend much time here because there are plenty of sights to see.

5:00 am. Snooze. 9:00 am, that's better. Coffee and a smoke will cure an empty stomach. I figure out the bus system in a matter of minutes. To see the Golden Gate Bridge, just take the 38 to the 28 and your there.

Sitting on the bus I notice that most males have a substantial amount of facial hair. I feel out of place. Every House on the way to the bridge has a similar theme. Long, and narrow homes with pastel facia like an Easter egg exploded. The buildings are probably made of local stone. Strong and earthquake-resistant.

Im arriving at the Golden Gate Bridge after only spending $4.00 on bus fare. Now I sneak off into a remote section of the hillside through a creepy tunnel, over a No Trespassing sign, to find a lonely piece of cement just wide enough to stand on. What a great place to skate. I am deciding if I should do a heelflip right now without falling down the hillside into the freezing and shark infested water.

Next on the list, the famous and curvy Lombard Street.



The clam chowder and fried seafood at Fisherman's Warf is so perfect on this cold winter evening. It gives me a burst of authentic ocean flavor but it needs hot sauce to be complete.

The way back to the hotel is scary because it's getting dark very fast. I realize that I'm in the middle of a bum-infested city with drug users on most corners asking for change. Strangely, I don't mind. I'm used to it from spending time in Hollywood.

I'm only visiting SF for about 36 hours, so there is a limited amount of site-seeing and people watching.

There is plenty I haven't seen, and my curiosity is growing just knowing that I am a 45 minute plane ride a way.

Thanks to the beautiful urban setting, efficient and affordable transportation, and delicious food. I will absolutely visit San Francisco again.

Cheers,

BG

1 comment:

  1. Great post BG!

    Fun to see the city through someone that is new to it :D

    ReplyDelete