San Francisco

Our first day on the west coast, we found ourselves touching down in San Francisco at about 10:30am. After a sleepless night and long flight, Daniel and I were a bit grouchy but we tried to make the best of it. The weather in San Fran could not have been better! Sunny clear skys and a very nice breeze. It was about 75 degrees and gorgeous. Our first stop was Ghirdelli Square for lunch and a bit of shopping.



Next we walked down to the water, it was so blue and clear compared to the murky water at the beaches in va. The water was quite cold. I couldnt believe people were swimming laps in the bay, I think people here have a higher tolerence for cold water.
Our feet in the Pacific Ocean...(mine are so white they are glowing)





After taking in the sites at the bay, we drove around downtown for awhile and ended up at this beautiful park. It is hard to tell from the picture but we felt like we were in paradise. I was amazed by all the exotic flowers and plants that I have never seen growing back home. I dont understand why the cities at home (Norfolk, VB, Portsmouth) dont invest in public spaces like this. Hampton Roads could learn a thing or two about creating free public spaces that make both residents and tourists happy and actually make residents want to stay.
The photo below is one of the many extravagent homes throughout San Francisco. It seems like every house in this city, large or small have neat little architectural details like arches, unique roof lines or carved detailing on the exteriors.

And of course it wasnt a trip to San Francisco without a stop at the Golden Gate Bridge...