Day 11: San Francisco Part 1

I was very excited for today. We had planned to ride the cable cars, walk on the Golden Gate Bridge, and have an authentic Chinese feast in Chinatown. We did all of this and more.

We start the day off with a yummy breakfast at a local cafe. I had already forgotten about my vow to eat cioppino three times a day and went for the veggie breakfast burrito. Jen also went for the BB, Bop some french toast and the kids got smiley pancakes. This waiter was very helpful and provided us with some good tips or the day. With a full belly, we head off to tackle the first item on the agenda, the cable car ride and I could not wait. Well, I would have to wait about 30 minutes more because there is a line, a long line. But the good news is that we were the first ones on the trolley and we got to choose our seats. Bop, Jen and the kids sit on the outside and I stood on the platform and held onto the bar. Just like in the rice-a-roni commericals. It was very cool.

We walked a bit around Market St and Union Sq, go to the bathroom in the elegant St. Francis Hotel, and then try to hop a trolley back home. The cable cars were very crowded and we had to split up. We made a plan to meet in La Beuna Vista for our Irish Coffee. Jen and Pete get on the first cable car. Turns out an exhausted Peter falls asleep on the ride home and we met up with Jen in the Starbucks vs. the bar because there was no room in the bar.

But no honky, we chat with other travelers for a while and then we move on to the Golden Gate Bridge. I got the car, we loaded up and headed for the Fort at the base of the bridge. It is a beautiful day. The wildflowers were in bloom, the views of the bay were spectacular and it was not too windy. A.Honey who is always cold had to take her coat off. Unfortunately, Abby is having a bit of trouble with her ears and is not able to make it all the way to the bridge. Joe, Peter and I walk about 300 yards up onto the bridge, snap a few shots and we make our way down the hill. There is great bookstore and cafe called the Warming Hut where we enjoy some popsicles and cold beverages at a picnic bench. Over yonder we see they are setting up for a wedding, we see the wedding party arrive in what appears to be Indian (not native american) style garments but the people appear to all be Caucasian who are wearing them. We are confused by this.

We make a stop on the way home to get some medications for Abby and I impress Bop with parallel parking skills. We go back to the hotel to rest up for our last night on the town.