We left our last full day to explore the un-toured aspects of San Francisco we weren't able to experience during our trip. Jenn wanted to head to the Ferry Building, which was definitely a great pick. We walked along the Embarcadero also known as Market Street and stopped in See's Candies along the way. I picked up some gourmet lollipops for some of the best people in my life - my niece, nephew and Joe. I have to insert here how much Liv LOVED her chocolate flavored pop when I gave it to her the following weekend.
Even though vendors scattered the outside of the building, the main marketplace filled with dozens of shops lined the interior walls. Before browsing what they offered, we stepped out back to take in the view of the water and Oakland Bay Bridge.
While inside, I loved seeing what California products were offered at the number of stores. As an Italian, I thought Stonehouse Olive Oil offered in a variety of flavors including blood orange and lisbon lemon was definitely a highlight of the Farmer's Market. I would have even bought a bottle if I could be sure it wouldn't open or break in my suitcase on the flight home.
Topped with wasabi mayo and asian slaw, the Ahi Burger I enjoyed at Gott's Roadside - "Tray Gourmet" was interesting and different yet very tasty and not what I expected. Once I finished and put my trash in a compostable (love it) bin, which was just one of many dispersed throughout the city, we walked along the water down to the more heavily populated tourist piers. But, not without taking some boat shots along the way.
At Pier 39, I decided to take a picture with a big noodle. We couldn't figure out why or what it was there for and we never found out, but "you know you love it!"
A second trip to Ghirardelli Square led us into one of the many shops - elizabethW - for a perfume purchase. Testing the lotion displayed outside the front door lured the two of us inside to see what else this cute store offered. After spraying a number of bottles, I decided to purchase the signature scent, Magnolia, while Jenn left with Sweet Tea. All of the original fragrances offer a simple, yet fresh smell each uniquely different from the next.
A stop at the Buena Vista Cafe followed Ghirardelli Square. According to the plaque on the wall outside, the First Irish Coffee was made here in 1952 originally brought to America from Dublin. So, of course, drinking it was something we HAD to do, especially since it was a recommendation from the woman who sat between us on the plane ride out west. I wasn't sure what to expect - for the second time that day - but was pleasantly surprised by the outcome. Directions can be found on the cafe's website, but the renowned beverage was made with hot water, coffee, a sugar cube, Irish whiskey and topped off with whipped cream. Jenn took some great shots of the bartender performing his magic. And, I have a distinct feeling he makes a ton of these each day since everyone in the packed corner hot spot were enjoying the same drink. 
The final product!
Finished with our drinks and waiting back at the cable car line, I decided to take some video of the cable car turnaround. It was neat to see the conductors physically move the line so they could start again. And, we had time to take some photos of us riding the cable car (well, before it started to move) - I loved hanging off the side although this car was so packed, I couldn't do that this time around. Plus, we had way too many bags filled with souvenirs and no bags - not even backpacks - were allowed to hang outside of the cars for safety.
Saying goodbye to our final cable car ride before our flight home the next day!
"San Francisco has only one drawback. ''Tis hard to leave"
- Rudyard Kipling
