San Franscisco in four days.......

We arrived here in San Fran on Friday morning after leaving Auckland on the afternoon of the same day, so time travel is possible if you cross over the international date line.........

"Painted Ladies" with San Fran skyline

After a whirlwind transfer from the airport to the city centre in a mini-van driven by a Russian ex- rally driver, we were deposited  at the calm oasis of 679 Page Street aka Patrick's Place and our accommodation for the next four nights. Feeling slightly zoned out after the long flight and time differences, we did well to drop off our bags, get washed and find something to eat.

Compared to our experiences in New Zealand, our first impreesions of San Franscico were that it seemed  huge and was a trifle cold. But talking to people who live here, at the moment it is unusually cold (they were expecting their first snow in over 35 years....thankfully for us it didn't amount to much). However the blue skies and sunshine have more than compensated for the icy wind.

Jet lag here has not been as nasty as Singapore and with so much to see and do in the city, I'm glad we haven't suffered too badly.

San Franscisco is a city of very distinct neighbourhoods, all with their own flavour and feel. Like Auckland, once you get away from the downtown core, there is a strong independent flavour to the coffee shops, stores and restaurants. This surprised us a bit as we though being the US, things would be more mainstream. But we've read that this is one of the most European feeling cities in the States. The fact that it is build on some big hills with a good transit system means people walk and use public transport and the car isn't king here. Also, lots of Californians like to stay fit, so bikes are very popular, as is jogging and roller bladding.

Street scene

Much of our time has been spent walking around, checking out places recommended by Patrick and taking photos. It's extremely photogenic and Andrew's camera has been running hot.

One thing that has struck us both is the large number of homeless people.  Don't know if it's a sign of the times (budget cuts, recession, etc.) or just a fact of American life.  But we've never seen so many in one place.

On Saturday morning, we headed down to the farmer's market at the Ferry Building beside the water. To use an American phrase-it was awsome. The quality and variety of products on sale is staggering. It helps that they can grow just about everything within a small radius of the city and do. And of course they have a bit of a reputation here for baking good bread...so the baked goods are enough to set you salivating.....sorry to anyone who's reading this before they've eaten! I had to tie my hands behind my back as most of the stuff is not air travel compatable.

Saturday Market

Saturday Market

Sourdough Bread - Lots of it

On Sunday, we went to Golden Gate Park which is massive  On Sundays they close off some of the roads to traffic so loads of people were there walking, cycling, picnicing and even the local swing dance club were in action.  There are several museums and attractions, we spent a good few hours in a fantastic gallery called the de Young Art gallery. The building itself was pretty spectacular and has won all sorts of major architectural prizes. It sits beautifully in the park and inside, it's stunning. We saw lots of American art we had never seen before as well as furniture, ceramics and sculpture. You can also visit the observation tower which is a seven story building attached to the main gallery space and the top floor is wall to ceiling glass with 360 degree panoramic views of the whole city. We couldn't recommend it highly enough. Great cafe as well........

Sunday Morning Swing Dancing in Golden Gate Park

Inside the de Young Museaum

de Young Museum Viewing Gallery

We also spent an afternoon down along the water front which includes the famour Pier 39 and lots of places offering crab bisque in sourdough breadbowls.

Today Andrew and I did our own thing. I wondered round some of the bigger shops down town to pick up a few souvenirs and Andrew went on a bit of a mega walk including a stroll which included a walk part way across the Golden Gate bridge. We met up in a another neighbourhood called Japan Town for some Japanese food, before making our way back to write up this blog and pack up for the final time on a journey that will have taken us around the globe in 42 days.

San Fran has been absolutely terriffic, however we've really only scratched the surface here - there are so many things to do and see.  Guess we'll have to come back someday??!!

We have had a fascinating time visiting new places and seeing lots of differnt things. But it's time to head for home and we both feel that 6 weeks has been about the right duration, without feeling too travel weary or jaded.

Penultimely - The Golden Gate Bridge

Lastly - One of the Cable Cars

Thanks to everyone who's been following this blog and remember if the photos posted here haven't been enough for you- we have another 762 or there abouts which we can always share with you if you have a spare 5 hours.............

Joanne