The expression of the day is “smoking trees” meaning smoking a joint. Finally, I understand the story of Jules Verne, around the world in 80 days! How often do you have the chance to do a day again but different. As if the time has been stopped for 24 hours. Arrive at the same time as when you leave. A tiring and long journey behind us. From a warm winter day in Fiji, 28 degrees to a summer day in San Francisco, 21 degrees. Sore throat, headache and tired.
America has received my data, fingerprints, photos of course everything I do with blogger, Gmail etc. etc. Also had nothing to declare, but the beep went when I went through the gate. I had to take my shoes of for a dirt sample. It turned out to be good!
I was in, Los Angeles that is. I had enough time to catch the connecting flight to San Francisco
Had A cappuccino and a veggie sandwich. I saw the soccer match between USA and Portugal. The flight to SF was quick and comfortable. Once on SF we were in no time at the taxistand with our luggage! And finally, at 19:30 on the couch with Julie and Roger!
That same day, at the same time, 8800 kilometers back, Andrea and I were all packed, and had a great lunch with our hosts. Melanie came by to say goodbye and see us off. We went to Bulaccino for coffee and a brownie. Back at our hosts we have had a last meal together and when the taxi came the big hugs. A few tears and sadness in my heart and the Singh family.
Later we heard from Mrs. Singh via text that Mr. Singh was pretty quiet. I am surely going to mis them! Buna came to see us off at the airport, and we were gone.
When I look at the map of SF, it does not look that big. It actually has something cozy. From the coast to SF Bay 13 km. A great walking distance but I have to overcome some hills.
When I look at the map of SF, it doesn’t look that big. It actually has a cozy feel to it. From the coast to SF Bay 13 km. That distance is doable but you will have to overcome some hills 🙂
After a slow start of the new day, we discovered the Golden Gate Park and walked to the beach at the pacific. The park is large, with lots of red woods, beautiful flower beds, water features and we even spotted a few remaining bison! As the attraction of the day, we passed a park named after the Dutch Queen Wilhelmina and a Dutch windmill!
After a short stay at the beach looking over the pacific, we went back, in the direction of Haight Ashbury. We found the remains of the hippie era. If I was asked to describe my impression it would be a place for the elderly, who, like me, forgot to go to the hairdresser. Only they have not been there for 30 years. It feels a bit like going to a concert.
I don’t see the brightly colored fun motif clothing. Long hair is still there, but a lot in dreadlocks hairstyles and beards. In addition to Janis Joplin and Jimmy Hendrix, Bob Marley also breathes here. This can be seen on the colorful walls. I saw what I wanted to see…, the remains of flower power 😉 The next day we got on the big bus tour.
Given the time we have, we chose the easy way to discover SF. An open bus that drives around SF along all the sights. Get off at different places to experience it further, and get on a bus or two later 🙂
The city looks pleasant. The many wooden houses are beautiful to see and it is great to see how it is built on the hills. SF are the trams, the golden gate bridge, china town, Alcatraz, fisherman’s wharf and the hippies. Except for Alcatraz, we were able to see and experience everything! The day is sunny, no fog so the view of the Golden Gate is great! Also on the San Francisco Bay, and Alcatraz is clearly visible and the skyline of SF center is something to behold! Chinatown.
The entrance to this part of the city you enter through a gate. Chinese streetlights, lanterns and as far as the eye can see you can see Chinese characters displayed on posters, signs, flags and neon lights. You will find many restaurants and antique shops here and of course we had lunch. I almost let myself be sold an outdated camera for $150. But my photos with my Google phone are still sufficient:-)
We also went to the harbor. Known as fisherman’s wharf. Formerly the place where the fishing boats found their home port. San Francisco also has its piers, and probably one of the busiest is pier 39. We also went on this one. Lots of hustle and bustle and various street artists trying to earn their money. The boulevard really has a cozy appearance. From the quay you can see Alcatraz. More than enough shops, and of course food.
We stuck to coffee and a cookie. San Francisco also has another side. It can’t be otherwise. It’s funny to see what the hippie district looks like. But there are also homeless people walking around there. For a number of years, the United Methodist Church has had a program running where food is given daily to those who cannot provide for themselves. A kind of salvation army. A nice initiative! However, it is somewhat sad to see that you have to queue for it. That in such a prosperous country as America. There are many young Americans who also do volunteer work here!