Saturday 22 June 2013

Savouring San Francisco

We spent a good 7 days in SF and I felt it was a good amount of time to really get to know the city and not just tick off a list of tourist hotspots. Sure, we did some touristy things like bike ride over the golden gate bridge (on the windiest and foggiest of days) and checked out Lombard street (world's crookedest street) and the painted ladies at Alamo square which you might remember from Full House if you're from generation Y.

There's a massive bridge somewhere in that fog.
Joy as the fog cleared temporarily.

The bridge on a different day.
Lombard street, it sure is crooked.

Modelling my new H&M pants and North face jacket at the painted ladies.
But we spent a lot of time in the various funky neighbourhoods in Mission, Castro and Cow Hollow which were worlds apart from the central area of Union Square. These places had more of a Surry Hills feel to them and felt more genuine, as in you would actually see local people just going to their favourite hang out and it was always a gem when we would stumble upon one of these hidden treasures. Like finding Susie's Cakes in Cow Hollow which had the most amazing cupcakes but I just had to give my first key lime pie a go. And man, was it good! It was a struggle to share it with Kevin rather than just shove the whole lot in my gob at once. Yes, I must truly love him. But I digress. Then there was the time we were walking by Bar Crudo and found that seafood was their thing and they were having happy hour at the time where you can get $1 oysters. They were amazing and just what I needed after the vast dissapointment  at Fisherman's Wharf. Great find combined with perfect timing.

Mission district.
Susie sure makes good cakes.

My first key lime pie - great success.

So good we ordered another 6 after this.
Yes, my favourite memories of SF seem mostly food related but I will also remember the ever present smell of weed throughout the whole city and especially in our hostel. And my absolute bargain at finding a $90 North Face down jacket at Sports Basement (yes its a large boys size but it fits perfectly!) as well as a super practical pair of those zip off convertible pants (what? don't judge me). Also there are A LOT of bums on the street asking for money. One guy even grabbed Kevin which was frightening even though he ended up being harmless. But the awesome pad thai's and plentiful H&M stores made up for that.
This pad thai is definitely in the top 3 I've had.
Yes, SF had it all and if it wasn't for the calf clenching hills I'd be tempted to stay awhile longer. But the wilderness of Yosemite is calling.


1 comment:

  1. Wow guys, San Fran looks so pretty and the food looks great. Can't wait to see more photos guys. The photo (and idea) of Lombard street cracked me up :D

    - Phil S.

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