The City

That's it.

I'm forgoing all my domestic responsibilities and running away to San Francisco. I'll rent a flat high above the street at the corner of Hyde and Washington in a perfectly quirky apartment building. I'll spend my days observing street performers and eating.

Scratch that. I'd miss my joeys. And my checking account. But I did spend three thrilling days in the city with Jay. He was there on business, and I tagged along while Grandma & Grandpa babysat. We stayed at the Westin St. Francis which is located on Powell and faces Union Square.

This is the view from our window.

I've lived in California all my life. This was not my first San Francisco rodeo. But I saw things differently this trip. I was on my own during the day, only meeting up with Jeff for lunch. I think it was my solo status that gave me a new perspective on this place. No distractions, no agenda, no schedule. I just enjoyed what was around me.

The city is a study in contrasts. There's pretty things to be seen all along the asphalt-laden corridors. There's the haves and the have-nots. There's a cacophony of combustion engines and angry horns, yet just down the hill, there's the quiet lapping of the waves against the shore, and wind through the trees of Golden Gate Park. Technology-clad people ride on historical public transportation. There's so much energy. And energy usage. Yet, businesses are run with a predominately green approach.

San Francisco is full of beauty in unexpected places. Who knew a fire hydrant could be home to such lovely wafting fragrance?

I loved finding that beauty that was sometimes hidden behind all the noise and bustle a city of this size exudes. This, I thought, was the quintessential city photograph. Steam coming from a grated manhole cover. It amused me and I decided I had to show you.

The city is full of places to spend a fortune. So many storefronts caught my eye. If I ever get awnings for my home, this is the style I'm choosing. Why not get my preferences out there? Lay it all out for the neighbors to see.

The maze of public transportation systems never ceased to bewilder and amaze me.

The weather was perfection. The mornings were met with chilly, ethereal fog

which would later burn off to a breezy sunshine.

The skyline snagged me and I couldn't stop bending my head back to take it all in.

The architectural wonders deserve a city tour all their own.

I had Jay take a picture of me on top of this pole. I thought it was time to conquer my fear of heights. As you can see, I was even brave enough to do a little jig.

I'd be remiss not to include a photo of these boisterous characters. Another quintessential.

This is merely an introduction into my time in this enchanting, intimidating, chaotic city. I can't wait to show you where I went, what I did, and most importantly, what I ate!

Stay tuned!

PS I'm about to lose my mind with the spacing in my posts. When I publish a post, my paragraphs get all smooshed together. That's not the way I wrote it, and what's worse, that's not the way I talk. There should be pauses. I could put in a million hard returns and Blogger ignores all of them. It's really throwing a wrench in my need for perfection with words. Help me?