Here's the rest of my two day San Francisco trip. Yes, I did go whale watching, which was the highlight (and the center of attention to a previous post), but I also explored by foot, cable car, and trolley. I am already looking forward to my next trip out West.
I love this building: The Ferry Building. This giant clock tower that greets most individuals to the Bay is modeled after at 12th century bell tower in the Seville Cathedral in Spain. Pretty cool, huh?
I love even more that I was greeted by a Farmer's Market (with fruit!) right outside the Ferry Building. I stocked up on fresh grapes and nectarines for my visit. Popping grapes one by one I wandered further down the piers taking in the sights, sounds, and smells of San Francisco.
First stop: Walking Pier 1. Continuing to munch my grapes, I slowly walked the length of the Pier. I listened to the foreign language of the fishermen, offered to take a picture for a couple, and even saw my first sea lion in the bay area! I was in love with the city, relaxed as ever, and so thankful to be able to hop on a plane and discover this city again.
My whale watching adventure took place on this boat, the Kitty Kat. She was great. I have learned since being at the airlines, vessels are always 'she.' Thus, she was great. The bathroom, less than ideal. But then again who could even use the bathroom when your eyes are focused on the water looking for wildlife.
Pier 39. If I could take this enormous mural home with me I would. This gentle giant would go in my backyard just because. Although I did so much in just two days, there are still countless more places to see and discover which will keep me coming back. For those of you who have not been to San Francisco before, or Northern California in general, GO. As soon as you can. You will fall in love with this part of the States.
Folks who haven't seen many sea gulls in their lifetime. I was captivated by their surprise and excitement over a sea gull. Life is truly filled with little things. But then again, I'd watch birds all day too if I could.
The renowned sea lions.
This is the boardwalk which wraps all along the Bay toward the Golden Gate bridge as well as back toward Pier 1. I sat on the concrete steps to eat my grocery store lunch while writing postcards. I told one of my best friends that I love escaping like this. On little trips. Because I really did escape, my life did not seem 'real' at this moment and I had no cares in the world besides making sure the sea gull next to me wouldn't steal my food. And frankly, most days this holds true (not the sea gull stealing my food part). I have such a flexible schedule and great travel benefits that I am still baffled by all I am capable of experiencing, even a year after beginning this journey.
From a distance I was able to watch part of America's Cup. These boats are the fastest in the world and their sailors (or skippers as they are called) are the best in world. These boats literally fly across the water. The finals take place next year in San Francisco. Viewing areas were under construction while I was here. This only added to the great two days I had. Yes, only two days. Short and so sweet.
I already used the word 'renowned' to describe the sea lions, but the renowned cable cars deserve the word again. I did not take the cable car last time I was here (sophomore year in high school) so this time I was not leaving before catching a ride. Well worth the $8 one way ride.
San Francisco, this isn't the last time I'll be seeing you. I've got my eye on my San Francisco Groupon for this very reason.
