I've been trying to see more of the U.S., as it seems that I've spent a lot of my traveling outside the country when there are so many amazing places to see right here in the U.S.! What started as an idea with some of my Urban Studies friends to head down to SF for our spring break, transformed into just a couple of those friends going along with me and my best friend Janelle. We found an incredible deal on airfare, and the rest sort of just worked itself out.
Four of us ventured down from Seattle for an extended weekend in this international city. I didn't expect to love SF as much as I did! I knew that I would like it, but SF is one of those cities that is not only beautiful - it also has the right "vibe" that I could really get down with. First off, the public transportation is incredibly comprehensive and easy to navigate. A very important piece for any traveler (as well as the folks who actually live in the city). We effortlessly navigated the BART to Union Square and found ourselves in the middle of the city with our hotel just a couple blocks up.
Our first night, my dear friend Kendra, who graduated from the Urban Studies program last year and also went to Europe with me last summer met up with us to show us around. She lives about an hour away, and grew up in the bay area. She took us to a wonderful restaurant in the Mission district called, "Cha Cha Cha's". They had the best sangria I've ever had, and everyone in the place was drinking pitchers of it. We had a fun meal full of delicious flavors and tons of drinks. Next, she took us to a bar called "Bruno's" up the street where they had a small dance floor, and where the DJ was playing awesome 90's hip hop mixed in with some Prince and Michael Jackson... there's nothing more that I could have asked for! We danced the night away, and I have to thank Kendra again and again for showing us such a great night in the city.
The next day, we walked through Chinatown down towards Fisherman's Wharf. Chinatown was no joke, it felt like we had left the city and entered a real Chinese city. The people, storefronts and smells were of a foreign place, and we were amazed by how quickly the scenery had changed. And then, just as quickly the city changed again! We were then walking through little Italy, where all the shops were Italian and people were sitting outside cafes drinking coffee and eating pastries. Again, I felt like I was strolling through any Italian city within blocks! We then made it down the Fisherman's Wharf, which was like any area near the water. Tons of tourists, street performers and restaurants.
That night, Janelle stayed in and the rest of us went out to a nice dinner. I treated myself to a filet mignon, and we proceeded to have one of those nights where the conversation never stops. We discussed of course our love for Urban Studies, but then everything from family to politics to food to childhood stories. It was a moment that I realized how much I enjoy people in intimate settings. At this point in my life, quiet times with a small group of people is so much more appealing than large bars or parties with tons of strangers. Thanks to Kennith and Gerry for an honest conversation filled with heartfelt intentions.
Our last day was by far my favorite. We headed to Golden Gate Park, where we spent half the day at the California Academy of Science. It was so incredible, filled with innovative technology, an aquarium, planetarium, living rooftop, and a bio-dome. It was a modern building with solar panels and clean design. Everything we saw was really interesting and cool! Even the cafeteria had amazing food with many different options. We got to catch up with another friend from school there, who then took us to the Haight & Ashbury district (think Jerry Garcia). It was exactly the type of neighborhood that I love, quirky, original, and filled with many interesting characters.
We ended our last night at the Pour House where I had found a Groupon for. This bar was a little off the beaten path, but close enough to where we were staying. As we walked into the dark bar, it felt so comfortable and welcoming. Our bartender was one of the best, he was nice, informative, and gave the largest wine pours I have ever seen. To top it off, he kept pouring our glasses after we had drank half of them! Trouble! Anyhow, we ended up relaxing, having great conversation, and even got to order Thai food right to the bar! It was a great way to end an amazing trip.
