Not The Golden Gate

 This is the other bridge in San Fran 10 km down south. 

Took this shot on my morning walk, will have to wait till we are back from our 6 nights in the Napa Vally to see The Golden Gate Bridge.

Just so cute the boats, so thats it for me now as we need to pack and head to the ferry terminal heading to Vallejo to pick up our hire 🚙 

✅ Thats off the LIST as a BIG YUMO

This is one dish that I was wanting to try and last night sitting in a restaurant over looking the island of Algratraz with my two new friends was clam chowder in a sour dough bowl with a topping of 🦀. First made in San Fran around the 1880’s and not to different to this style of dish that all countries have all over the world. Creamy, cheesy sauce with potato, clams and onions DELICIOUS … managed to eat all the sour dough bowl…. Well at that price I was going to eat the plate too!

Todays newest Friends

 Where have you been all my life … you guys are awesome!

One of San Francisco’s most nostalgic landmarks

Down on the waterfront we came across an Antique Coin Operated Arcade, it was just some much fun.

They say that Laughing Sal has made people smile and/or terrified children for over 80 years and when you spend 

50cents her booming laugh is just infectious and can be heard all through the arcade … no wonder the kids went running 😂 

Granny was cute, but again a bit disconcerting for kids as to why is granny stuck in a box!

The English Execution where you can see the last rites performed is just down right freaky

And as for this one what can one say, disturbing.

Bring on some laughs PLEASE.

Now thats better

Fun

Romantic

Cute light I'm sure but I ran out of dimes!

SEXY … now we are entering the 1970’s and the last of the games

Fisherman’s Wharf

 A beautiful day spent wandering around Fisherman Wharf

Like any big city San Fran is full of an eclectic mix of interesting 🤔 people. Me being me I just seam to be drawn to the obscure so I could have taken a 💯 picture's. As it was one lady asked me did I get her best side? Oops I'm so sorry I didn’t think I got you in my picture, anyway between you and me … I'm not sure that she actually had a best side!! Bay-itch Pete.

But … if they are already posing for a photo it’s my duty to  capture the moment don't you think 🤔 or maybe fashion week is starting in San Fran soon.

 

USD $ to our AUS $ SUCKS BIG TIME

Ouch is all I can say!

We are quickly seeing the difference in the exchange rate and just how far …or not so far our AUS $$ will be going!!

We are so super blessed to have the opportunity to travel and are extremely lucky to live in Australia. 

The Tipping Culture here is a way of life in American, so once you understand that this is someones wage you are responsible for helping to pay your thoughts quickly change.

I was chatting to some American people on the plane … well working the room as I do! and got to ask the questions on tipping from Americans so we were able to understand how it works from day one and not offend anyone.

Unlike in Aus where all hospitality staff get an equal wage as a minimum to start, here in America tipping it is part of their actual wage.

Suggested trips are now starting at 18% and up to 25% which has just now changed to tax free for hospitality workers to help out these minimum wage earners.

But after amply ✈️ food and not having walked for 24 hours a glass of wine each with a shared meal looking over the sun setting on The Golden Gate Bridge was all that we needed anyway.

2 glasses wine

1 🦀 Enchiladas

6.5% San Fran Employers Mandate

+ other taxes

20% tip

Total 70.48 USD = $110.84 Aus 

So in Aussie $ a glass of house wine $25

1 meal $60

Looks like beans and rice tomorrow 😂 

San Francisco - Hotel Zoe

Arrived into San Fran at 1.30pm today Tuesday 18th March after leaving Sydney 2pm yesterday Tuesday 18th March…. We 
have gained a day flying over the international date line but that means that we will loose a day somewhere going home. 

Wow what an easy and quick exit through customs and before long we were whisked away for a 30min taxi trip into down town San Fran. Staying at Hotel Zoe in fisherman wharf only a few 100m from the water. Got to our room with a nice surprise of some bubbles waiting for us. 🥂 

Quick unpacking and then we hit the Fishermans wharf area for our first American dinner of 🦀 Enchiladas with a cheeky little  Napa Valley Chardonnay looking over the golden gate bridge.

As the sun was low in the sky behind the bridge and with too much of an ocean haze for a great clear pic. It was more of a romantic lighting but sucky for clear photos .. It was as you would say  … you had to be here sort of moment!

Tomorrow morning on my walk i’m sure i’ll get a photo opportunity so watch this space. 

🦀 was Yummy! with a great spicy hit, all that was needed after loads of ✈️ food and no walking for the past 24 hours.

The vibe is electric, street performers and loads of food venders and restaurants as you make your way around on the rustic timber walkways.

As you look over the beautiful  👁️ 🍬

you can see in the distance the tall buildings up the hills of San Fran and this is where we will be staying next week after we get back from the Napa Valley.

Spring is springing and the heady smell of sweet flowers in the air is amazing.

Pier 39 is also known for its seals that moved in in the late 1990’s, they are just so dam cute sunning themselves. As they are about 300kg its best to keep your distance.

But the ones in the gift shop are better suited for cuddles.