Sorry it's been a few months... the summer has kept us busy! We had a great idea to head out to the West Coast this past holiday and take some much needed R & R in the fun city of San Fran. We stayed in Union Square and were in the best shopping district. Along with the multitude of trolley car rides (buying the 3 day transportation pass was well worth the money!) and bus routes (getting lost as usual) we walked through the hilly streets of San Fran and had marvelous time. The highlights of the trip had to include the markets in China Town- "Ooohh.. that look very lovely" when trying on kimonos, seeing all the open tea leaf bins and wondering how on earth could anyone pay over $200 a pound? for tea? We ate lots of fresh seafood, hung out at Pier 39 and saw all the crazy sea lions, viewed Alcatrez (but were not able to get tickets as they were all sold out for the weekend) and shopped, shopped and shopped. We didn't come home with much, but had a great time looking and hanging out. We went to the best farmer's market at the Ferry Building at the end of Fisherman's Wharf...what fun was the free public bathroom that sanitized itself after each use? Wow.
We stayed at the Hotel Nikko which had a Starbuck's in the lobby. I was in heaven. We went to Ghirerdeli Square to see the Chocolate factory, and I must admit, I was quite bummed when I realized there was no factory. Here I was thinking it was like Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and you just got the best tour of all this delicious chocolate. Nope. Nada.
We rode the trolley cars as much as we could and had the BEST time on them! Someday I hope to ride one with no-one around and just let it go flying down the streets. That would be the best trip ever.
This was by far one of the best trips we've taken thus far. Lots to see and do, yet relaxing enough that we felt like we didn't need a vacation from our vacation! San Fran... we will be back.
