San Francisco 2014: A Chocolate End to a Very Hilly Day

Saturday morning I was up early and ready to wander before the Russian Festival got underway again. I fell in love with the 'building topper' of the Market Street Old Navy store. I may not have seen it if I hadn't been waiting for Ross to open (stopping in just in case something took my fancy).

Near the elevator in my hotel is a sign with suggestions on restaurants and sites to see. One suggestion was to take Jones street up to California to visit Grace Cathedral on Nob Hill. 'No problem,' I thought, 'I will take the streetcar up and that will be that.' I saw the line of eager tourists waiting to be crammed onto the famous streetcar and decided to walk up. The street angle increased exponentially, but by the time I could see the top of the hill I had no where to go but up -  very, very slowly. At least the cathedral was beautiful, complete with massive stones and stained glass windows.

It was all down hill from there to Chinatown, home of the coolest lamp posts in all of San Francisco. From there I hopped back on to the Big Bus for a ride back up the hill to Alamo Square and a view of the Victorian and Edwardian style "Painted Ladies". I always end up getting a little bit lost when I explore a new city, this time was no different... map in hand, I made my way over to Sutter street and the Russian Center. Eventually, the quaint old homes were overtaken by housing projects, graffiti and mass transit.

The line for food at the Russian Festival began just past the men's bathroom in the basement (wouldn't be "real" Russian food if we didn't have a long line to wait in.) I went for the borscht and piroshki (cabbage first and a potato and a mushroom filled one for later.) The afternoon entertainment included more dancers and even a Russian play. 

Once I had my fill of Russia for the day and decided to walk back down to the wharf. I realize maps can be deceiving, especially when you cannot see the hills. Somehow I avoided most of them. I was in awe of the splendor and ornate buildings along Broadway, night and day from the neighborhoods I saw earlier in the day. My legs were starting to falter, so when I had to decide to either walk up to see Lombard Street for one last - the world's crookedest street, or head down to Ghiradelli's Square for some chocolate goodness. Chocolate wins every time. 

It was decadence at is best. Since the sun was setting and the temperature dropping it was quite a commitment to finish every last drop of ice cream. Mission accomplished.
















Not sure what I was thinking when I climbed back on the double-Decker bus for a night tour of the city. I cant remember the last time I was frozen to the bone like that. I was dressed for spring, not Russian winter! I even put on the shirt and nightgown I bought earlier in the morning to add some layers... ended up looking like a frozen homeless person. At least my hotel was comfy and warm.

48 hours in San Francisco. Done.