When the Lights go Down in the City.........

Whoo Hoo! I am back on home turf after my week in San Francisco. Just a quick overview if you haven't had the pleasure of a visit there.

I had a wonderful time and enjoyed as much as possible of what the city has to offer. Our government funded hotel was posh and very centrally located. We rode the cable cars to Fisherman's Wharf--however we did not do the cheeseball tourist thing and sing the Rice a Roni song. At Pier 39 we saw hundreds of sea lions sunning themselves on rafts in the water. Ate saltwater taffy till I got a stomach ache.

I always aspire to look like a local when visiting a new city, but the camera and ugly tennis shoes give it away. Me, who can run a 5k in heels, had to ditch 'em and resort to the dead giveaways to navigate those hills. Eww.w.w.w.w. It pains me.

Saw Alcatraz from shore cuz the waves were too much for me on the night of the cruise. I had a perfectly good view from my stool by the window visiting with some waiters and a bartender on a slow Thursday night. I loved Chinatown. Twice we trekked up that very steep hill to enjoy the smells and sights of area. Shopping there is a trip--a very cheap one! Actually purchased some real cool stuff.

Didn't have time to visit the Haight or Napa Valley, but that just means I've got to go back. I have also offered babysitting service if my friends ever want to get away. Hope they take me up on the offer!

And the food--ahhhhhh. Loved it. Just caught seafood and sushi. Fresh sourdough bread and local wine is a woman's dream dinner. And I totally enjoyed the indulgence.

I seem to be attracted to cities on the bay, like SFO and Boston, the Keys and even Michigan. The boats, views, and fresh seafood gets me every time. SFO really has that public transportation thing worked out. You would never need a car. Buses go everywhere for $1.50. BART transpo and air trains and cable cars, too.

I spent two afternoons visiting my friends and their darling daughters. Had a great time catching up and getting to know the children. Gary's sister, LeAnne was visiting also-- a very cool surprise. We had lunch and then Cosmos, as we toured the Castro. Pomegranate martinis are the whip, Babe. Thanks, Gary for your hospitality. It means so much to me. Your home is warm and lovely, and the children are so lucky to have found you and Dwayne. xo

The weather is very temperate--not too hot and not too cold. Sunglasses and sweaters are the norm. The flowers bloom most of the year. People seem very Eco-aware. The walking and maybe the fresh food choices made everyone (in general) look healthy.

Our hotel backed up into the notorious Tenderloin district. So, daily we were harassed by the local street people for food and money. We handed over our leftovers and many dollars too. I was told by a local that I had coffee with at an outside cafe two mornings, that I am an easy mark for the scammers. Sigh. Maybe I just like to share, I said.

So, if it interests you, and you can sit thru the long flight--by all means go. There is something for everyone, and I for one, can't wait to go back. And...of course I can't resist...... wait for it.....sing along with me now, "I Left my Heart, in San Francisco.......xoxo P.S. A heartfelt prayer of sympathy for my dear friend Jeannie, who lost her Dad after a brave struggle. Peace to you. xoxoxo OH! A special thank you to my sissy in law, Cheryl, for letting me tag along. As always, you are simply the BEST! Luv u. xoxo