What Sunshine Brings to SF

this layout lets me post larger photos.

Not wanting to lose any time, the first day became sort of action packed.

Only sort of, though, because both the BumHead and I had a sleep debt to cover.

The first day started off in Haight-Ashbury (according to WikiTravel, it's read "hate"). This area is known for its bohemian roots and attachment to its 60s movement. It's definitely different from anything I've seen before, but I might be able to use that word to describe a lot of San Francisco.

a lot of quirky, a lot of weird, a lot of charm.

Perhaps still overwhelmed by the novelty of a city I haven't revisited since I was 6, the recurring thoughts did not vary much from the words "cool", "weird", "strange", and "interesting". That made me sound so sophisticated.

the neighbourhood was very colourful indeed.

After lunch (I think a separate post will need to be dedicated to our food adventures), we got lost trying to commute to Twin Peaks. After 3 transfers and a side trip to UCSF, we made it to Twin Peaks. If anyone wants a map of how exactly to get there, feel free to ask.

The hills and steep roads in San Francisco disappear at this height, swallowed whole by the birds eye view. 

San Francisco from 120 feet above sea-level.

Photos never do these views justice, do they? The wind is extremely strong, so travellers beware! Bring a sweater, wind breaker, anything. The sun is deceiving! The tour buses arrive periodically to unload large numbers of visitors, but the peak that faces away from the city seems to be less populated in general (there are two mini hills). The best view of the Golden Gate Bridge should be from the parking lot, though. That's where the tour bus visitors congregate.

Bi-Rite the market.

After fighting the wind for balance, the BumHead and I took the bus into Castro. We fought on to Mission to locate food. At this point, we came across the Bi-Rite grocery store. This market is by far one of the most interesting grocery stores I have ever visited. They offer organic and fair trade products, everything had their own flare, and was extremely crowded! The staff were super friendly (they will stop and chat, crack jokes as they walk by, explain everything in detail despite how busy the store front is). What I would do to have a store like this at home (if you know of one please let me know).

there was a line outside. that's how busy it is.

And if you aren't convinced by Bi-Rite's popularity, look across the street at the Bi-Rite Creamery and you'll understand. They serve some of the most interesting ice cream flavours. That will be reserved for my food posts. In the meantime, observe.

Like the grocery store, the creamery had amazing staff.

Before we had dinner, we leisurely strolled through the Mission neighbourhood just to see what it has to offer. We chanced upon a large park filled with racing children, suntanning couples, residents of all types. For us, it was a new sight to behold. I blame it on the stunning weather that can't be resisted.

Bed time looms near, but the trip continues. The Portal 2 reference will be saved for next time. In the meantime, enjoy the sunshine these photos offer! (The usual applies, proofreading is minimal, photo editing is done after these are posted... I'll change these habits some time. Still working out some things with the new layout, bear with me)

By fishii with 1 comment