Recently I traveled to San Francisco, and completely fell in love with the city, its weather, its people, its adorable cable cars and public transit, and most of all - Napa Valley - but that part is no surprise to anyone who knows a thing or two about me.
For those of you who know me, you know I love, live and breathe travel, and if I could have Anthony Bourdain's job, I would be in career heaven. Anthony, are you out there, and will you hire me? Did I mention that you're my not so secret crush???
Alas... I do not have Tony's job, but I do, however, create my own version of heaven, with my mini-vaca getaways - my latest being San Francisco, or as my dyslexic friend kept saying - Fran Sancisco.
San Francisco's view of the Golden Gate Bridge, unhindered by the fog, is unparalled. Being mostly surrounded by water, it would be a waste not to visit the pier. Pier 39, although toursity, is actually a must see, even if it's just to get a quick glimpse at the sea lions. Who knew sea lions had so much personality and could be so entertaining? I know what you must be thinking. "She liiiieeeess..." I lie not. For animal lovers, this is a must see. For those of you who are not animal lovers, which is beyond my comprehension, booooo ... your loss.
Of course, no Pier visit is complete without a bread bowl filled with delicious, creamy clam chowder, so eat some of that coastal, yummy-goodness. Go... right now... Aside from that, The Pier can become a bit touristy for my tastes, so head on out.
Moving along from the Pier to China Town ...
China Town has this magical power over it, making you feel as if you traveled across the world in one moment, and that you really are in the middle of a market in China. In fact, my friend made the comment that they must think we are "stupid" Americans, which unfortunately is such a common misconception, but I digress (however, I did not miss the irony...). I had to remind her that we were actually still in the states, and did not migrate to another country, even though no one was speaking English. We had a good laugh, and that was the ongoing joke of the trip.
If you're planning on visiting China Town, you must eat at House of Nunkong, which was small, quaint, and satisfyingly delicious restaurant. This is a must, so write.it.down. There are pictures of all sorts of famous celebrities on the wall, including Rachael Ray, but after my visit, I'm pretty sure they replaced her picture with another Rachael's picture - just saying. This is where the foodies go. Go eat there, and thank me later. We ordered an assortment of appetizers to sample, and split an entree, but go crazy. All the dishes looked de-lish and are lip smacking good.
San Fran's understated, must-see show of the decade is the "Beach Blanket Babylon" show, which comes highly recommended by the locals. If you enjoy current events, People Magazine, elaborate costumes, humor, and/or musicals, or have any sort of positive attribute to your personality and are not a complete bore,then you simply must fit this into your schedule. It was hysterical! I'm pretty sure I laughed throughout the entire show, and was working up a six-pack on my laughing abs - seriously. And it's complete with cocktails, so I guess there goes the six pack, possibly? Yes indeed!
I could go on and on, but I'm just hitting the highlights. We decided to take an antique train tour to Napa Valley, which was my FAVORITE part of all - as always, I save the best for last. Granted, I realize this might be the touristy thing to do, but by no means was it disappointing. It was quaint and elegant, complete with an impressive, gourmet meal served in the most beautiful antique train dining car. Following our meal, we were escorted to another dining car for desserts and drinks. How fancy are we? I felt like I stepped back in time and I was channeling Rosemary Clooney in "White Christmas", except for the drinking lots of wine part. Hence, I was ever-so-slightly less elegant, but only slightly. Ahem... Alas, I was born in the wrong decade. Too bad we didn't break into song, but if that's your thing, there is a singing train tour as well. Rock out!
We stopped at two wineries, Raymond being my favorite. This French-owned vineyard had the most fascinating, whimsical flare, and I couldn't help falling head-over-heels in love with it. The ambiance was intoxicatingly sexy, literally, with glitz and glam all around. My favorite part of the winery was that one wall was completely devoted to "ooh la la" phrases, all written in hot pink lipstick, sparkling under the gaze of a gorgeous chandelier that only has business existing in Sarah Jessica Parker's posh SATC closet. Still hypnotized by the lights, lipstick, pink and delicious wines. Aaaahhh.... Where were we? Oh yes...
I can't say enough about how much I enjoyed San Francisco, and its people. Everyone was so helpful and friendly, from the hotel staff at The Intercontinental, to its tour guides and residents. I couldn't get over what we, down South, call "Southern" Hospitality. Southerners, I have some news for you. San Fran is rocking it on that front. Watch out! In my book, they are honorary Southerners.
I left my heart in San Francisco, but hope to find it again one day in my next travels. Until then ... Cheers & Salut!
