[vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bch1_Ep5M1s”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]It was the last day with the Camaro, so we made the most of it by driving across the Golden Gate bridge with the top down on our way to Sausalito for a late lunch. San Francisco by Scott McKenzie was playing in my head as we drove, unfortunately I didn’t have flowers in my hair, just plenty of knots courtesy of the briny breeze.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]We stayed in a gem of a place with Air BnB, a glorious penthouse room in a traditional Victorian building which was a beautiful example of the architecture San Francisco is known for.
I would have enjoyed huffing and puffing down the streets of San Fran more if it wasn’t for the rain that set in on the afternoon of our arrival, which didn’t let up until our departure. Cleverly, we bought water proof boots on our last day in San Fran in preparation for expected icy weather in Vancouver and New York. Hindsight is wonderful, it would have made far more sense to buy them on day one so I would have had warmer toes.
Highlights were:
- Alcatraz – visiting on a cold and rainy day actually suited the mood of the place perfectly. The audio tour was exceptional, I usually steer clear of them but this one was engaging and entertaining.
- Lombard St – it was great to see such a famous site, and also amusing to cringe at the tourists attempting to navigate the tight turns in their hire cars.
- Pier 39 – we had the best (and our only!) clam chouder in a crusty sour dough bread bowl, as well as the seasonal Dungeness crab at Fog Harbor Fish House. I think it tasted especially good because we were cold and wet. We had a great view of the water, and watched the seals frolicking in the harbour while we ate with our hands. It was delicious.
- Alamo Square – the painted ladies were lovely, as was the view of San Fran. Although, with so many hills in San Fran I’m sure there are equally good views elsewhere!
- Pie – Green Chile Kitchen was across the road from our accommodation and we may have gone more than once in the short time we were in San Fran. Our hosts raved about the pie shake, but I just couldn’t do it… I prefer my pie on a plate.
- Dinner at Foreign Cinema – this place was a standout. Amazing service, wine list, food and ambience. The black and white movies flickering against the wall added a lovely vibe to a very cool restaurant. Thankfully we were just cool enough to not feel out of place.
- Dinner at Dosa – we walked a long way for it, and when I explained what a dosa was I think Stu was skeptical at the concept, but was gladly proved wrong when the enormous plate of deliciousness was brought to our table. The spices made our taste buds jingle and our tummies very happy. The house gin and tonic with house made fig and cardammn tonic was also a winner.
The only disappointment with San Fran was the weather. I am sure we will be back to do what we missed this time around, and if we are there in summer maybe I will have flowers in my hair.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” interval=”0″ images=”5222,5220,5219,5218,5221,5217,5223″ onclick=”link_image” custom_links_target=”_self” img_size=”thumbnail”][/vc_column][/vc_row]
