San Fran...Day 1

The Bay Area

I originally began this blog as a compilation of my vacations through the years, but it soon changed. With everything else in life occurring on a daily basis, I decided to include all of the great events happening this summer and beyond. Looking back over the past few months, which flew by way too quickly, I'm making an attempt at compiling everything (or almost everything) I have done. It’s been a busy time of year - I never even had the chance to blog in the month of August. My two recent trips to the shore were preceded with a journey to San Francisco, CA. For the longest time, I'm not sure whether it was because I loved television series such as Full House or Charmed, but I have always wanted to see the Golden Gate Bridge and experience San Francisco at its fullest. And, this trip helped me do just that!

On the quiet morning of Saturday, August 7th, my cousin and I met at Philadelphia International Airport to begin our adventure and head out west. I was a little nervous about flying since it had been a while (almost 18 months) since my last flight, but that soon faded and was overshadowed with excitement. We planned the vacation – although we talked about it for a few months – just two weeks prior to our actual departure. And, the airport was unexpectedly bustling with lines of people for the wee hours of the morning that day. After checking in and enjoying a fairly smooth flight, with a landing or two, we finally arrived at SFO. We hopped on a shuttle and drove alongside mountains and under fog before reaching our hotel – the Grand Hyatt. Centered amidst Union Square, the recommended spot was the perfect location. We checked in, dropped off our luggage and quickly headed out to enjoy some dinner. Because of the time difference and because we were awake since 5 a.m. eastern time and on a plane in the air for the majority of the day, our internal clocks were a little off. All this really means is that we were ready for dinner at about 3 p.m. (6 p.m. eastern time).

With a few recommendations from the concierge, Jenn and I walked up Grant Avenue and through the majority of Chinatown to a traditional and authentic restaurant named Hunan Homes. The area's main street originally called Calle de Fundacion was packed with brightly colored signs, restaurants and shops filled with a number of items such as embroidered slippers and bamboo umbrellas just to name a few. our short walk gaveme a quick glimpse into the feeling of its Chinese inhabitants, which estimate to nearly 10,000. 

ENTRANCE TO CHINATOWN    

While not what we expected, our food choices were prepared well and tasted delicious (even though Jenn suffered from allergic puffy eye the following day). 

My good fortune is below...maybe it's about my blogging (or lack there of)!

 

Underneath the Chinatown entrance before heading back to Union Square.

UNION SQUARE

Four main streets - Geary, Powell, Post and Stockton - surround the square known for its vibrant downtown scene and resembles a shopping haven. Built at the start of the Civil War to support Union troops, four unique hearts - "Hearts of San Francisco" - are positioned at each corner of the square with all proceeds donated to the San Francisco General Hospital Foundation. 

HEARTS OF UNION SQUARE

  

Notice my eyes are closed in the first picture and we did miss the fourth orange colored heart.

Visit San Francisco General Hospital Foundation website for more information and photos and to learn how to donate. The hearts can be found throughout the city - we even came across a blackboard type heart near Chestnut Street. Look for the picture in a later post.

On the plane earlier that day, one of our fellow passengers told us to head to Macy's in the center of Union Square because there's a great view from the windowed levels.

The 97-foot tall Dewey Monument erected in the center of Union Square.

Our Hotel - Off Of Union Square

Some extra shots below.

1.) Aston Martin - parked on the corner outside of Macy's.

2.) Macy's Kids Sign for my nieces and nephews - I was thinking of them. 

3.) Powell and Hyde Sts. Cable Car - one of the most important and historical aspects of San Francisco.

4.) Westin St. Francis Clock

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I will post more information (and a short video) about the cable cars in my next blog. The fourth picture is of an antique grandfather clock, which coined the phrase "Meet me at the St. Francis" - in the beautiful lobby of the historic Westin St. Francis Hotel. The saying is even in the city's cable cars - a ride is a must when traveling to San Fran. 

 "No city invites the heart to come to life as San Francisco does.

Arrival in San Francisco is an experience in living"

~William Saroyan