The American Tour Extended (1)

This was my first glimpse of San Francisco city from the car, so different from Los Angeles and Las Vegas, I think I like this city best (of course besides all the nature parks which would easily top my list).

Our first stop was to see the 75-year-old Golden Gate Bridge (as of 2012), Josh drove us to the start of the bridge and picked us up at the other end. So we had a nice stroll on the bridge where we spotted Alcatraz island. It was really windy and cold, and the rest of the days were just like that! When we gathered at the other end, Josh was explaining a little story about the bridge but I had to admit I wasn't listening. The tour was about to end in a few hours and I was just sad that the 7 days had gone by so fast! But it was about time to come back to the city life and then go attend a beautiful wedding.

Then Josh took us to the hotel where some of them would be staying and the rest of us would be heading our own ways. Before that, we took our group photos and also presented our accumulated tips to Josh (we also got our left over kitty fund back!). Josh obviously didn't leave us his contact (Syndy wanted it, of course ;)). But today I am still glad he was our guide, he's an awesome cook as well! This bunch of tour mates also made this trip a special one filled with lots of fun moments. This group photo is without me (haha) because I was the one taking it :)

As we bid each other goodbye sadly, we were sure we would somehow bump into each other the next days since we were still in San Francisco :) It was some time in the later afternoon, Syndy and me took the BART headed to the airport where my friend, Adam picked us up. We were staying at Hyatt Regency near the airport, thanks to Adam who sorted out all these hotel accommodations for me and some at very affordable rates! Even though it was faraway from the city, Adam rented a car to show us around the next days. That night, we had our dinner at an Italian restaurant nearby before retiring back in our rooms! Oh, finally a cosy nest after all the camping and motel! The only dislike I had about the hotel is we had to walk a long way back to our room (especially when it was in the centre of this circular corridor).

The next day, Adam was surely adamant about showing us the Golden Gate Bridge again. LOL. But our first stop was awesome, Twin Peaks, we had the most spectacular view on a beautiful day. Not too sunny, not too windy! You should be able to see the Golden Gate Bridge in the far left. The little houses all looked like lego blocks from the top. I also had my first experience in those automated public toilet, I was so lucky, I was the first after they did the cleaning! Next, we drove back down, the slopes in San Francisco city could easily trigger my motion sickness!

Our second stop was Lombard street, and we were going to drive through it! YAY! Along Lombard street, cars have to park at 90 degrees. Wow that seems harder than parallel parking! We saw the cable car too but hadn't got the chance to ride on it, but the one going up Lombard street would be a cool ride I believe! Then Adam began to take us to a few places to see different angles of the Golden Gate Bridge, the first place was somewhere near where Josh took us but further down and less touristy, in fact, it was a quiet little spot and we were practically looking up at the bridge. I had to say the best place for photos of the bridge. Then it was Syndy's turn for toilet, so we ended up at a cemetery while she went to the girls' room. We had a little walk and found lots of tombstones dedicated to those in the recent wars. We didn't have time to go to the cafes I researched as we had too many to see that day. I bugged Adam to take me to Sausalito, because the pictures of it totally took my breath away.

Sausalito is a picturesque waterfront city in San Francisco, I don't know why, but it sounds Italian to me. We only had an hour or two there, too short! The next time, I would easily spend a day there. It's just the place I will stay if I live there! It was past lunch time and we were all starving. We saw a hamburger place which had a long queue and decided to go for it, the burgers weren't amazing but good enough to satisfy. After that, I left both of them sitting on the bench by the waters while I went hunting for my dessert - Guava cheesecake ice cream! Oh, so good!!! I love this little place.

So we headed to Marin Headlands for more views of the bridge. By now, I got to admit I was sick of it! Hahahah. I had to tell Adam, no more places for the bridge please!! But Marin Headlands' a great pick too, also if you want to do a little trail and see the greens, this place is perfect. Then we headed back, on the way back, I thought we saw Chinatown or probably a more Asian part of the city with lots of Asian supermarkets. That night, Syndy decided to stay in so I went out with Adam to get some grocery and dinner. I had the most amazing Japanese takeway! We also booked ourselves for Alcatraz the following day!

Note: Trip was in May 2012.