Yesterday started with coffee and almond croissants from the cafe in the hotel – it was all incredibly delicious, and I think I’ll be going back for another of those croissants sometime. Mom and I then went out to do a bit more shopping as we were meeting up with my aunt and my cousin from Hawaii later in the morning.
We wandered around Union Square, and made a few purchases. I found a beautiful Urban Outfitters a few blocks south of there, 4 stories high and full of all the usual unique items you expect to find in that store. We also found a great discount shoe store and scored a couple pairs each. Around noon, we met my cousin Leilani, my aunt Stacy, and Stacy’s friend Nicola back at the hotel. We all sat around and visited for a bit, and then decided to head out on the town.
We spent a couple hours in the afternoon roaming through Chinatown, only a few blocks from the hotel. It felt like I was in a completely different city or country. My little cousin found lots of little trinkets she was excited about, and luckily for her, none were too expensive. There was tons to look at, and it was fun to look through the little shops in search of some nicer treasures. At one point, a girl on the street asked me for directions to some station – I must look like I belong in San Francisco! Although, as my friend Whitney (@da_furmanator) points out, I may also just look friendly and helpful.
On the way back, I was able to have a much-anticipated experience: My first cable car ride! It was only a couple blocks, but I was so excited about riding a cable car at all that I didn’t care. We also weren’t entirely sure how to pay and no one asked us for money, so I guess we got a freebie out of it.
When we got back to the hotel, we just rested for awhile and then got ready for dinner. Nicola was taking Stacy, my mom, and myself to her husband’s restaurant.
Once evening rolled around, Nicola came to pick us all up from the hotel to head to the restaurant, Georges (http://www.georgessf.com/).
The food was absolutely spectacular. We ate and drank wine and talked and laughed, and I cannot remember the last time I had a meal that fantastic. Nicola’s husband, Michael, sent out dish after dish for us to try and it was just so enjoyable. I took so many pictures of all of our dishes… you will find a selection of photos below. I’ll definitely have to hit this place up again next time I’m in San Francisco. Because, obviously, I will have to come back.
We finished off the night with a drink at the hotel’s Tonga Room, and then went to bed.
Today dawned a foggy San Francisco morning. My mom, my aunt and I got rolling around 10 AM. We walked to Fisherman’s Wharf and acted like complete tourists for a couple hours. I thoroughly enjoyed the walk and got to see Alcatraz as well as eat some crappy chowder (which was not crappy, but in fact, delicious), as one should do in San Francisco. We got to see an art gallery and a museum, and we browsed a bunch of touristy shops. We ended up getting somewhat lost on the way back, but we did eventually make it to the hotel after zig zagging our way through, powering up and down hills along the way.
The afternoon was spent shopping yet again, and I definitely blew most of my shopping budget. Luckily, my mom and I are funding our spending money for the trip from our online jewelry sales (www.fireweedimpressions.etsy.com) from the past couple months. I made a few stellar purchases at H&M, Pacsun, and Fossil. The difference between the American and Canadian prices listed on items is insane! It’s nice to be paying the American price for once, even with the exchange rate.
My mom and I ended up having a late dinner at Pizzeria Delfina (http://pizzeriadelfina.com/), as recommended by my friend Raf, wholives in the San Francisco area. Definitely a good call by him to recommend the place – the pizza was phenomenal. We were shocked to pull up to a crowd of people outside waiting for tables. This pizza place is by far the busiest pizza place I have ever seen, and I can see why. The atmosphere is fun and trendy, and the food is amazing!
In summary, we have had a few action-packed days in San Francisco! We are leaving tomorrow to drive down to LA for a few days, and I have to say that I don’t think I’ve had enough time here. We do have one day to spend here next week, and I think I’ve convinced my mom that we should do a Hop-On, Hop-Off bus tour (totally reminds me of Kristin & Justine! – www.wonderandwanderlust.wordpress.com), which would be very awesome and touristy. For now, I’m looking forward to the excitement of Los Angeles!
Welcome to the land of fame excess… Am I gonna fit in?
xoxo
-KG
Yukon Girl in the World 
LOL at the old lady behind you in the cable car picture….
bhahahha I know….