So it's been a pretty full couple of days so apologies to those that may not be able to complete their day without my daily (or so) update....
Following on, I left the last post heading out to the Marina district (& what a fantastic place that is....) great bars, great restaurants and not an American car in sight. As I hopped out of the taxi I was totally unaware to what was about to unfold. So here is the story recounted briefly.
After walking down the main street, I headed into (yet another) dimly lit bar and greeted the barmaid with my traditional G'day and smile. As I poured the beer into my mouth a young guy about my age ordered a beer - and we started chatting.
Matt was his name, and about to head out with his mates to a local nightclub for a full night of festivities (& bird watching) - kindly they offered for me to join them which after some convincing I agreed.
The club was in the dodgier end of town and is one you wouldn't traditionally expect me to go into but it provided me with enough to say I've seen the full cross section of San Fransicians.
It was around 11am by the time I rolled out of bed... Heading out to try some Mexican (yep for breakfast) - and to meet cousin Barbra's best mate Shannon & partner Pasqual who had agreed to show me around town.
After a quick 16oz coffee we headed to Buena Vista park for a quick stroll then off to the highest point in San Francisco and lookout Twin Peaks.
The lookout provides a great panoramic view of the city and surrounding districts and thankfully was not too crowded.
Having racked up quite a few miles in the car seeing landmarks such as Cliff House, Lincoln & Golden Gate Park it wasn't long before we all agreed it was time for lunch - Mexican & Margaritas!
After a full jug of Margaritas, I was ready to head back to the hotel for a quick siesta and then dinner.
I woke today bright and early around 7am had my daily Berocca (which is not sold in the US?) and headed out for a run around the cities buildings. After breakfast, I took a city car back out to Fisherman's Wharf to purchase my Alcatraz ticket for tomorrow & purchased some See's Candy.Rather than carry the valuable ticket (& even more valuable candy all day) I headed back to the hotel dropped off the booty and walked the block to the Cable Car terminus for my "Crooked Street" experience.
The cable car is very much like a roller coaster in parts and takes you through several districts including Union Square and Chinatown - two districts of which I had planned to see.
By this time it was approaching lunch so at the end of the line I found a nice deli/bakery and ordered as healthy as I could.
I flagged a taxi and thankfully (no doubt for the driver also) was happy to provide me with a detailed tour to my destination being the recently completed Californian Academy of Sciences (located in Golden Gate Park)Building .
The building is amazing and houses a world class marine park/collection, rainforest, African animals plus education on climate change and our affect on the environment with interactive displays.
After taking in the displays for about 90 minutes I decided to head back into town and visit the recently re-opened City Hall building and took full advantage of a FREE tour.
After the full day of sightseeing I was glad to see the Hot Dog vendor waiting patiently out the front...... I'm sure he was glad to see my greenback also....
Having seen the majority of tourist destinations, I am now once again sitting in my hotel room recharging my batteries for yet another full night. I will be catching up with friends made earlier in the week at a local bar then off to dinner.
With the Wednesday flight to Kentucky at 6am, tomorrow is my last full day in San Francisco so I will hopefully be able to do some sovenir shopping (Nordstroms is about 200m away) as well as visit any other sights I may've missed.... That is if the Hot Dog consumed earlier lets me....
James.
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