That San Francisco Treat...

Upon arrival to San Francisco, we realized a few things. 1. It was still extremely cold and windy like Monterey, despite the fact that the sun was out and 2. We were hungry and still had not experience the west coast phenomenon that is In and Out Burger. So we got some fresh, prepared daily, and never frozen burgers (cheese for Lindsay) and fries and then started to explore the city. Our first stop was the Hyde Street Pier to explore three historical boats – kind of crazy conditions they used to have to live with. Our next stop was Ghirardelli square, home of the Ghirardelli Chocolate Manufactory and also home to Kara’s Cupcakes (I took a picture, and potentially have a new business idea…). Jackie and I then decided to get some ice cream. Unfortunately, Ghirardelli only makes ice cream in Chocolate, Vanilla, and Strawberry, so we each had Dreyer’s (for your east cost folks, that is the same as Edy’s…we still have not figured out why it is different on the west coast. Same with Hardees and Carl’s Jr. It is a mystery…). Lindsay was parched and wanted a Dr. Pepper, but unfortunately had to wait in the same line as the ice cream folks. 15 minutes later, her fountain soda was ready…but it was Coke, not Dr. Pepper.

Kara's Cupcakes

Our next stop was Fisherman’s Wharf, which is densely populated with tourists and random street performers…break dancers, men dressed entirely in a silver getup doing the robot, and a woman dressed in the 1920s attire. I was not impressed with the street performer’s skills, but rather thought: “this could be a great pick pocketing opportunity for them: people crowding around and bumping into each other trying to get a glimpse of the break dancers, while one of their friends goes around the crowd pick pocketing.” Jackie thinks that Fisherman’s Wharf was a tourist trap. I would have to agree, there is nothing really to do there, just crappy touristy shops and restaurants. And unfortunately, since we were full from our non-Ghirardelli ice cream, we did not get to taste the “world famous” clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl. Maybe next time.

After an astonishing five and half hours in the Fisherman’s Wharf region, we headed to our hotel, then headed out to hunt down a sushi place near union square. We got into Union Square, where according to our book was a mecca of sushi/Asian inspired restaurants. We of course could not find one. We asked the valet guys at the Marriot and he directed us a few block in the opposite direction. So we ate at apparently the best sushi restaurant in San Fran.

Although there are many things to do within the city and within a few miles of the city, we decided to stay in and watch a girly pay per view movie, Catch and Release. San Francisco was great. I definitely want to go back to visit again.