A Quick Visit in San Francisco

It was time to say goodbye to the kids knowing next time we see little Lily, she will be a whole year older and a whole year wiser too. I had made reservations at another Embassy Suites near the airport and we were scheduled to meet up with our travel companions near Pier 39 at around dinner time.

We drove in over the Bay Bridge which was a lovely bridge although not quite as notable as the Golden Gate.

It was a beautiful afternoon however, and the ride across was quite scenic.

As we drove across I could see the Golden Gate in the distance.

Also we could see the Transamerica building as part of the skyline, which locals used to say were the people in the pyramid.

We returned our rental car and made it to the Embassy Suites by late afternoon. Our room had a lovely water view.

We met up with Keith and Terri ready for a seafood dinner which we had at Pier 39 restaurant. I had fried shrimp and Bruce had fried halibut. It was delicious. I forgot to take pictures of the food because I ran out to take pictures of the sea lions.

The fog was slowly coming in and some catamarans were going out.

Also the lighting was great on Alcatraz.

While I was photographing Alcatraz some pelicans were flying by.

What an interesting site. I almost forgot I had to go back to eat. Our food was delicious and rather reasonable for San Francisco.

I caught a little Michael Jackson impersonator who was actually very talented. He did an awesome moonwalk.

Of course we had to take a picture of the Fisherman’s Wharf sign.

Street artists are everywhere.

And of course the trolley car.

Today we woke early, had free breakfast at the hotel and then headed to Haight Ashbury.

I met a man named Scott Bogart, probably a homeless man but a nice fella. I bought him a cup of coffee and a pastry and he let me take his photograph.

Scott said he used to be a musics Ian who played a 12 string guitar. He was born a few miles from Haight Ashbury but has lived in many places including New York.

The place was pretty quiet when we arrived before 10 but as morning progressed, the storefronts opened and the streets started bustling. It was very colorful.

Afterwards we went to Chinatown to see what was happening there. I spent a lot of time in New York’s Chinatown so this was nothing new. Actually I like NYC Chinatown a little better because I know my favorite restaurants.

We rode a cable car – now this is where I get confused. What’s a cable car and what’s a trolley?

We made our way to Tartine’s Bakery which had a long, long line. But food was great.

Terri used the coed bathroom and while she waited watched them make the bread. Interesting to note they make bread right next to the toilet.

We all had this delicious fruit bread pudding and Bruce and I shared a pastrami sandwich.

Some pretty architecture on the street and Bruce liked this lovely colorful tree.

Now it’s going on midnight and Bruce, Keith, Terri and I are sitting in San Francisco International Airport waiting for our flight to Vietnam. A lot of anticipation but we know we will be exhausted. We arrive in Ho Chi Min City on Monday morning.