We spent a few days over Thanksgiving in San Francisco, visiting my brother’s new digs. This is my 4th trip to the city, and I love it!
My sister-in-law set us up with an early morning tour of Alcatraz. We ditched the crowds and found a great path off to the side: the Agave Trail. Here’s the top of an agave, well, tree really, with the Bay Bridge in the background.
The buildings of Alcatraz had way more history and ambiance than I expected. Here, Bruce is contemplating the sparse exercise yard. How odd it must have been to see the city in the distance, yet so close.
The crowds were getting thicker as noon approached, so we headed back to the Embarcadero, to find some lunch, then dessert at Ghiardelli’s, of course!
According to the map, Lombard street wasn’t far off — worth a walk. Straight up hill, though! We walked down the crooked street, and then started hunting for a way home. I’m thankful for helpful GPS-enabled smartphones!
Here’s how we did it: streetcar! Straight up Mason then down to Powell and Market, near our hotel. What a ride! I had never realized the streetcars don’t stop — for anybody or anything! My brother got this great shot of Dave having a blast, hanging on for dear life.
We finished the evening with a lovely meal at Fleur de Lys, Hubert Keller’s signature restaurant. We just needed to get through the crowds in Union Square waiting for the giant Macy’s tree to be lit. Wow — could not even budge through there! After our 4-course meal with wine, we even got to meet the chef! What a way to end a perfect San Francisco day.