Washington at Kearny
3 days ago
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Our New Home!
We're coming up on our first full week in SF, and as the days unfold before us, we are more and more certain we made the right decision in moving here. SF is a diverse, culturally rich, and gastronomically geared city full of hilly streets and friendly people. Simple tasks like running errands feel like incredible adventures, and every day in North Beach reveals another unprecedented surprise, whether it be the "everything" pizza at Golden Boy Pizza, or the $2 draft beers at 901 Columbus Cafe. Even better are the views; we have the distinct good fortune of being right off the bay, and no matter the time of day, it is impossible not to be aware of the gorgeous bayside views wrapping around the coast. And then there is our apartment... while not nearly finished, go ahead and see for yourself why we love it so much!
Friday, May 7, 2010
I could get used to this.
After an exhausting day we decided to have a break and take it easy. A picnic in the Presidio and the Sutro baths… loving San Francisco already!
California… Heeeeeere we coooooome!
I must say, passing the “Welcome to California” sign felt damn good. At this point, we’ve come over 3,000 miles and San Francisco seems closer than ever. However, before we can even start to think about the city by the bay, we must first pass through Death Valley. Scary, ominous, and desolate Death Valley. After almost getting our one banana confiscated at the produce checkpoint, there is pretty much nothing but desert and heat for hundreds of miles. Apparently, the Saab couldn’t take the 90 + temperatures, and our newly repaired air conditioning crapped out after only a couple of miles. Our goal is the coast. Once we see ocean, that’s where were stopping.
We ended up in San Simeon, California. Close to Cambria and about a hundred miles south of Monterrey, I found this place using a map on my iPhone and booked us a cheap motel knowing practically nothing more than that it was on the Pacific. The Sea Breeze Inn couldn’t have been more diametrically opposed to our previous nights stay in Vegas. We had a simple, quaint little room right on the ocean. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
San Simeon is beautiful. The population is around 400. There are a couple hotels, a handful of restaurants, and amazing views of the ocean every which way you look. If you ever wanted to disappear somewhere and not be bothered, this is the place to be. We ate some pretty great Mexican food and had margaritas made with agave wine. Then we went down to the ocean and got a little stoned. It was pitch black and we couldn’t see the cliffs we were climbing until the morning.
Shortly after getting on the road we saw a sign that read “Elephant Seal Viewing Area.” We decided to pull over to take a look in hopes that we’d catch a glimpse of at least one happy little seal frolicking on the beach. Instead, we came upon thousands of these gigantic beasts piled on top of each other for as far as the eye could see. This was seriously one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.
Finally on the home stretch, we had about 5 hours to go up the treacherous curves and cliffs of Highway 1. The drive was both frightening and awe inspiring. We stopped in Big Sur for lunch and will definitely be back to camp in the future. Through Oakland and across the Bay Bridge, we played that damn “California” song with tears in our eyes. No irony, just joy.
San Francisco we have arrived!!!
We ended up in San Simeon, California. Close to Cambria and about a hundred miles south of Monterrey, I found this place using a map on my iPhone and booked us a cheap motel knowing practically nothing more than that it was on the Pacific. The Sea Breeze Inn couldn’t have been more diametrically opposed to our previous nights stay in Vegas. We had a simple, quaint little room right on the ocean. It couldn’t have been more perfect.
San Simeon is beautiful. The population is around 400. There are a couple hotels, a handful of restaurants, and amazing views of the ocean every which way you look. If you ever wanted to disappear somewhere and not be bothered, this is the place to be. We ate some pretty great Mexican food and had margaritas made with agave wine. Then we went down to the ocean and got a little stoned. It was pitch black and we couldn’t see the cliffs we were climbing until the morning.
Shortly after getting on the road we saw a sign that read “Elephant Seal Viewing Area.” We decided to pull over to take a look in hopes that we’d catch a glimpse of at least one happy little seal frolicking on the beach. Instead, we came upon thousands of these gigantic beasts piled on top of each other for as far as the eye could see. This was seriously one of the most amazing things I have ever seen.
Finally on the home stretch, we had about 5 hours to go up the treacherous curves and cliffs of Highway 1. The drive was both frightening and awe inspiring. We stopped in Big Sur for lunch and will definitely be back to camp in the future. Through Oakland and across the Bay Bridge, we played that damn “California” song with tears in our eyes. No irony, just joy.
San Francisco we have arrived!!!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Vegas!
Are we horrible people that we decided to skip seeing the Grand Canyon in favor of taking a detour to Vegas? Of course not! When you’ve seen one hole in the ground, you’ve seen them all. We put in our nature time in the Painted Desert and Sedona, it was time to get back to civilization
Las Vegas was initially left off of our itenerary for several reasons. Neither Bruce or I gamble, we definitely got our fill of grit and grime in New York, and honestly Vegas always seemed just a bit obnoxious. But after several days in the mountains, when Renae suggested maybe we should go to Las Vegas, the idea couldn’t have sounded better. Since we’ve been on a pretty tight budget for the most part, we decided to splurge for a suite at the Venetian (thanks for the recommendation Chad!). This amazing hotel is a massive complex of hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, casinos, canals, and endless neverending hallways. Every inch of the place meticulously adhering to the Venetian theme, from the chandliers and frescoes on the ceilings, to the gondoliers and accordion player in the lobby.
Our suite was insane. The marble and gold bathroom was bigger than some of the rooms we’ve stayed in on this trip. This room had everything! Two flatscreens, jacuzzi-sized tub, dining table and separate sofa area… everything except wifi, hence the delay in updating this blog.
We went shopping. We did Irish car bombs on the strip. We watched the water show at the Bellagio. We took Vegas in and loved it! Then it was time to gamble... Renae played Rapid Roulette and won $20. Bruce won $6 on electronic blackjack. I lost about $30 on just about anything that would take my money. High rollers we are not. I wanted to get crazy, but my more sensible handlers did not. Overruled! After a sobering midnight meal at Denny’s on Las Vegas Blvd. we all called it quits. No tranny hookers, no $1 foot long hot dogs, and sadly, no jackpots. After 5 days on the road we are all a little tired and weary come nightfall. Perhaps not the best state of mind to visit Vegas in, but no regrets here… except perhaps the $40 I practically handed over to the slot machines right before we rolled out of town. We will be back though! Las Vegas, I’m sorry I thought ill of you for so many years. You’re actually pretty great.
Las Vegas was initially left off of our itenerary for several reasons. Neither Bruce or I gamble, we definitely got our fill of grit and grime in New York, and honestly Vegas always seemed just a bit obnoxious. But after several days in the mountains, when Renae suggested maybe we should go to Las Vegas, the idea couldn’t have sounded better. Since we’ve been on a pretty tight budget for the most part, we decided to splurge for a suite at the Venetian (thanks for the recommendation Chad!). This amazing hotel is a massive complex of hotel rooms, shops, restaurants, casinos, canals, and endless neverending hallways. Every inch of the place meticulously adhering to the Venetian theme, from the chandliers and frescoes on the ceilings, to the gondoliers and accordion player in the lobby.
Our suite was insane. The marble and gold bathroom was bigger than some of the rooms we’ve stayed in on this trip. This room had everything! Two flatscreens, jacuzzi-sized tub, dining table and separate sofa area… everything except wifi, hence the delay in updating this blog.
We went shopping. We did Irish car bombs on the strip. We watched the water show at the Bellagio. We took Vegas in and loved it! Then it was time to gamble... Renae played Rapid Roulette and won $20. Bruce won $6 on electronic blackjack. I lost about $30 on just about anything that would take my money. High rollers we are not. I wanted to get crazy, but my more sensible handlers did not. Overruled! After a sobering midnight meal at Denny’s on Las Vegas Blvd. we all called it quits. No tranny hookers, no $1 foot long hot dogs, and sadly, no jackpots. After 5 days on the road we are all a little tired and weary come nightfall. Perhaps not the best state of mind to visit Vegas in, but no regrets here… except perhaps the $40 I practically handed over to the slot machines right before we rolled out of town. We will be back though! Las Vegas, I’m sorry I thought ill of you for so many years. You’re actually pretty great.
Hoover Dizzz-am.
When driving to Vegas, you have no choice but to see the Hoover Dam... whether you want to or not.
Goodbye Sedona!
Well miss you Sedona, you're beautiful! We didn't get to experience any energy vortexes, but we did have breakfast in a casino, which is just almost thrilling. Plus we got to meet Carol and see her awesome Sedona home.
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