San Francisco

We excitedly drove north to San Francisco, passing through the changing landscape of California. We went from a big city with beautiful beaches to lush green fields, orange groves, farms, pecan trees, high mountains, and deep valleys. Along the way we stopped at Pea Soup Andersen's off of I-5 to try the split pea soup. When we finally arrived in San Francisco, we were shocked and disgusted to find that our hotel wanted to charge us $39.00 per day for parking. We knew parking was expensive in San Francisco, but this rate was five dollars more than the rate the hotel quoted online. We decided to instead park at the airport and take the BART train back into the city to the hotel to save money and make a point.


Driving through the mountains and valleys in Northern California.


Split pea soup at Pea Soup Andersen's.


The Bay Bridge coming into San Francisco

On our first morning in San Francisco, we walked the hilly streets to Union Square, passing by Lombard Street to take photos along the way. We were surprised at the size and fast pace of downtown San Francisco. It was an unexpectedly big city, with a lot of pedestrians and tall buildings. After shopping, we wandered around and eventually stumbled upon Chinatown where we visted a tea shop and a Chinese medicine store. In the evening, we explored the Fisherman's Wharf and Pier 39, two of the major tourist areas in San Francisco. These areas are right along the water and are filled with seafood restaurants, musicians playing and selling music, shops, and views of the San Francisco Bay and Alcatraz Prison. We had dinner at Franciscan, where we ate local mussels and shrimp and watched the sunset over the bay.


Kim smiling as she walks the hilly streets. She won't be smiling for long.


Winding Lombard Street


Entrance to Chinatown


The Fisherman's Wharf


Dungeness crabs, a staple at the Fisherman's Wharf. Yum!


Dinner at Franciscan on the bay.

On our last full day, we decided to visit the number one tourist attraction in San Francisco - Alcatraz Prison. The only way to reach Alcatraz is by ferry and we enjoyed the smooth 15 minute ferry ride. When we got to Alcatraz, we took the audio tour of the prison, which guided us through the cell blocks, cafeteria, the yard, and the Warden's home. There was even a former inmate in the gift shop who was signing copies of his new book about being inprisioned at Alcatraz for armed burgulary. Our favorite part about Alcatraz, however, was the view of San Francisco from the prison. Later that evening while waiting for a restaraunt to open for dinner, we stumbled upon a beach and a pier that overlooked the bay. Based on the recommendation of our hotel concierge, we ate at Firenze By Night, a fantastic and authentic Italian restaurant. We ended the night by sharing a brownie sundae from Ghiradelli.


Alcatraz Prison from the ferry


Inside Alcatraz Prison


San Francisco street car


Golden Gate Bridge


The pier overlooking the bay.


Ghiradelli Square


Delicious brownie sundae at Ghiradelli.

Before leaving San Francisco, we stopped at the Golden Gate Bridge and walked across it. Despite the heavy fog and the fact that you can feel the bridge sway when trucks pass, it was an incredible experience. Kim even met some new friends as they exchanged picture taking efforts.


Walking across the Golden Gate Bridge.


The Golden Gate Bridge in the fog.


Kim showing her Tarheel spirit at the Golden Gate Bridge.