First pen show (probably)

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Ah, saw it via a link. As I recall that was for Saturday or Sunday, so it does not really apply to us because Friday is the only time available. It's a pity to travel all that way and not be able to go to the show, but I hear there are some good stationery shops around, so there is that. And then there are the foodie places! nom nom nom

[Farmboy]

How about a two-for-one on Friday?
You buy yours and I’ll buy your wife’s, she can sit with the other pen casualties or stroll around.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

It's a kind offer but we will be making the decision - to go/not go - on the day. My enthusiasm is not very high right now, my elderly Mom has just had another TIA and is in generally poor health, and the whole trip is starting to look like a "last chance to see" thing.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Finally!

Accommodation booked. Have decided to stay in Daly City. No doubt some may see this as a poor choice, but economics being what they are...

Anyway, just need to book a couple of nights in London and hire a car for a couple of weeks and we're all set to go.

Still have to nail down the must-see things to do (for us) in SF.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Been reading up a little about San Fran, and was quite surprised to find that it is quite a small city by population. Less than 1 million apparently. For some reason I had imagined it to be somewhat more populous. Mind you, that is still about a fifth of the population of the whole of New Zealand.

[ethernautrix]

That's the resident population. During business hours, the population swells to well over a million. Explains the daily (M-F) commute nightmare.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

It's probably because most of my "big city" time over the last 10 years has been in Shanghai. 22 million people is rather a lot!


edit: what is M-F?

[Chrissy]

edit: what is M-F?

Monday-Friday....

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Heh, and there was me thinking it was some exotic form of urban transport. Duh!

[AzJon]

That's the resident population. During business hours, the population swells to well over a million. Explains the daily (M-F) commute nightmare.

I just had a minor panic attack remembering days I had to get across the Bay Bridge. Who knew you could only go 10 miles in 3 hours?

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Walking would have been quicker! I like walking.

I've got a new item on my agenda now - to walk on a Californian beach (maybe dip a toe in the Pacific - I expect it's warmer there than here).


We very nearly got a place to stay smack in the middle of Chinatown. That would have been a blast. Alas they couldn't host us for all the days. Maybe next time.


I think the visit is going to be firmly centered on food.

[Chrissy]

Walking would have been quicker! I like walking.

I've got a new item on my agenda now - to walk on a Californian beach (maybe dip a toe in the Pacific - I expect it's warmer there than here).


We very nearly got a place to stay smack in the middle of Chinatown. That would have been a blast. Alas they couldn't host us for all the days. Maybe next time.


I think the visit is going to be firmly centered on food.

Monterey Bay and Carmel.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

Those are quite a long way from where we are staying; like over 100 miles! Might go Thornton or Mussel.

[Chrissy]

Those are quite a long way from where we are staying; like over 100 miles! Might go Thornton or Mussel.

We stayed in SF and drove down to Big Sur via Monterey and Carmel. On the other hand we didn't book to stay in SF all of the time. We wandered around and stayed in other places.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

On another trip, with a car, I may be tempted to do the same. No car in the US this trip for us. Public transport only... and Shank's pony of course.

[Chrissy]

On another trip, with a car, I may be tempted to do the same. No car in the US this trip for us. Public transport only... and Shank's pony of course.

We drove from SF to the Grand Canyon and back to Yosemite

[ethernautrix]

Surfers at Ocean Beach or near Ft. Point wear wetsuits cos very cold Pacific.

San Francisco Bay Area is fantastic for food tourism. Enjoy! And report back, please.

[AzJon]

The waters in San Francisco are very cold, but a toe dip is usually fine.

Fully agreed that you can make your whole trip about food. So much good food. The Z&Y Cafe and R&R Lounge are both in Chinatown and both have fantastic cuisine.

[Empty_of_Clouds]

The waters in San Francisco are very cold, but a toe dip is usually fine.

What about all those films showing people surfing in their togs? Duped by Hollywood again!

My wife has a hankering for a crab sarnie on the Wharf, and I've heard there is a great sourdough place where you can have chowder in a hollowed loaf. We have simple pleasures.

[AzJon]

The waters in San Francisco are very cold, but a toe dip is usually fine.

What about all those films showing people surfing in their togs? Duped by Hollywood again!

My wife has a hankering for a crab sarnie on the Wharf, and I've heard there is a great sourdough place where you can have chowder in a hollowed loaf. We have simple pleasures.

Both of those are good choices. The American Sourdough Breadbowl is certainly a unique thing.

You certainly could go out surfing without a wet suit, but it would be a bit chilly. Gotta head down to LA or San Diego to see the surfers just out in a pair of shorts. Even then, though, pretty cold. It's those Hawaiians that go out in very little.