Tuesday, October 6, 2009

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?

21 comments:

Muthering Heights said...

It looks like such a beautiful city!

Stacey said...

Thanks for the tour. I have never been to California, and have really only ever seen San Fran pics of the skyline. Beautiful.

-I have the same problem with spacing. I find it's a lot easier to type in the Edit HTML mode, then when I'm done I switch over to COMPOSE to format it.

Dandy said...

Do you know that we missed each other by a day... A DAY! We could've galavanted around together! Someday.

I love your take on the city and I can't wait to read more. you know how I love it.

Don't even get me started on the spacing, I fight with it all the time.

More Than Words said...

Awesome photos!!! You are kind of in my neck of the woods!!

teamkyte said...

I LOVE SF!!!!! I haven't been there alone in a while! Bryan and I went for the day on our anniversary but we just went to the Ferry Building and sat by the water - loads of fun, don't get me wrong but more time would have been better!!!!

cherie said...

awesome! awesome, elle! what'd you bring back with you?

Willie a.k.a Reptoz said...

Hi,

They have nice buildings there. Next time, if you fell like travelling, come and visit us in Malaysia.

Lois Christensen said...

What great pictures!!! How wonderful you were able to get away from the craziness of everyday life for a few days! I'm sure your little ones missed you terribly, but enjoyed their time with the grandparents!

Thanks for the tour!

Buckeroomama said...

You and Dawn just did posts about SF and I'm sooo wishing I can get a few days there myself! :)

Time to get Windows Live Writer...

southerninspiration said...

We were there two years ago, so I look forward to hearing what you did!
Glad you were able to get away for a few days!!

Suzanne

Unknown said...

I can't believe you and Dawn missed each other by a day. How cool would THAT have been?!!

Thanks for the tour, I have always wanted to go there. My grandparents used to visit my great-great aunt there and always loved it. I hope you'll show us more?

Be well! ~Andrea~

Flat Creek Farm said...

Oh, the City! I loved your quick tour. The photos are amazing. I must go there someday.

Ok, I have to suggest Windows Live Writer. It will solve many a blogger issue. Trust me :) -Tammy

Martinis or Diaper Genies? said...

B is from San Fran yet we moved to Philadelphia. WHY WHY WHY?!?!

Heart2Heart said...

Elle,

What a beautiful way to spend your time, walking through a timeless city filled with all kinds of wonder on each city block.

Thank you for sharing these pictures with us. I love the buildings and the architecture!

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

COUNTRY MOM said...

Elle, I have never been to California. I really loved this post. The pics and how you explained everything, was perfect. I hope you will do this again soon. Have a great day. Blessings,

Jackie said...

Thanks for tour of the city from your viewpoint...I really enjoyed it. I can't wait to see more of SF! I have the same issues with Blogger...very frustrating.

Jackie

Lisa said...

GREAT GREAT GREAT pics!!!!

Salitype said...

looks like a lovely city. i love picture of bucket loads of flowers hiding the hydrant...

it seems like a lot to offer from shopping to nature wonders. glad you enjoyed the stay...

have a lovely day!

Lemonade Makin' Mama said...

Okay, I'm staying tuned!!! What fun!

CottageGirl said...

Hi Elle!!
First ...
To end the weird formatting problems ... In the comment mode with all of the symbols at the top, try hitting the "T" with the "x" which is second from the end at the top. That could be what you need to solve your formatting problems! Good luck!

Second...
We're going to make a California trip next year, visiting Yosemite, San Francisco and Napa, so I am truly into your lovely trip! I was there a few years ago for a teaching conference, and absolutely loved it!
Can't wait to see and hear more!

2Wired2Tired said...

Wonderful photos! I love the different perspectives - the awnings and the shot of the stores.I felt like I was there and can't wait to visit sometime in the future. Glad you had a wonderful time!