I nearly forgot to say that the abstract photo shown a couple of posts ago …
is taken from this photo of one office block reflected in the windows of another – taken in Salt Lake City earlier this year …
The Salt Lake Temple reflection looks a bit wonky too!
Our hotel in San Francisco was on Fisherman’s Wharf and, on our first morning there, we ventured out into a distinctly chilly morning.
We visited Boudin’s Bakery at Fisherman’s Wharf which was great. They had a huge array of all kinds of baked goods, with bread-filled metal baskets being carried aloft along a conveyor high above our heads. There were so many things to buy! I particularly liked the tea towels, aprons and tote bags with the distinctive company logo but all were pretty pricey so I made do with just a paper bag (see above).
Later we visted the Bistro for their “Happy Hour” – can you spot us on the card above?
We also encountered “The Bushman” – no, not an Aborigine, not a tree surgeon and not George W but a man hiding behind bush branches on the sidewalk. From time to time he jumped out at unsuspecting pedestrians and frightened them out of their skins.
(Perhaps George W DID get a few tips from him?)
If you’re going to San Francisco
Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair
If you’re going to San Francisco
You’re gonna meet some gentle people thereIt doesn’t seem possible that this was sung by Scott Mackenzie 42 years ago! I didn’t wear any flowers in my hair, but I did find myself humming the tune.
After our morning at The Presidio where I spotted the beautiful white poppy, we headed down to the Amtrak station at Santa Barbara. From the platform there was a view of mountains, palm trees and an abundance of orange flowers. Before too long, the train came into sight and we were off to San Francisco via Oakland – a journey lasting about 9 hours. We settled into our seats to enjoy views of the coast and to spot dolphins and flying squadrons of pelicans.
The Sunday after the wedding we were off to a barbecue at Mr Dancing’s cousin’s house in Santa Barbara which was a lovely way to round off the wedding weekend. As we sat chatting and catching up on family news after all the other guests had gone, the mist started to roll in from the sea and so we sat on the deck draped in blankets!
The next morning we had a few hours before catching the train up to San Francisco. We took up the recommendation to go and see The Presidio and, even though we arrived about an hour before opening time, the lady in the shop kindly let us in.
The Santa Barbara Royal Presidio was founded in 1782 and was the last of four military fortresses built by the Spanish along the wilderness frontier. The top 3 photos show the colourful paintwork in the chapel.
The last photo, taken in the street somewhere is of steps going up to, from memory, a lawyer’s office.
