Whatever happened to the predictability, the milkman, the paperboy, the evening TV... 

One of the many places I had the blessing of visiting this summer was the city by the bay, San Francisco. The same city that Raven, Full House, Sister Act, The Princess Diaries, Mrs. Doubtfire & countless of film & television worlds are set. I am pretty sure everyone, one way or another is familiar with the city of the Golden Gate Bridge. Ever since I was a little girl this is a city I dreamed of visiting, traveling around the area with my sister last June it was no question we had to visit San Fran. Though it wasn't our main destination in California, I spend the entire day there deserves a post of it's own that I am more than happy to finally share this part of my travel.

San Francisco is a city rich in diversity & culture, there is so much to do that it is impossible to do everything in one day, but just even being there is already an experience. I visited many places that where on my bucket list & discovered places I didn't even fathom to love. The weather was a bit chilly from the warm southern heat I am use to but it was perfect for a first time destination.


First stop was the Golden Gate Bridge. There was quite a bit of traffic getting there but once you can spot the red bridge, the excitement just keeps growing, the wait is worth it. Yes it is one of the most cliche places in the world but there is a reason for that, the impressive architecture compliments the beauty of the Californian bay. We stop to see the bridge on the side that had a perfect view of the other bay landmark, the famous prison of Alcatraz. ( I took a few pics, but I can't find them). Alcatraz is a place I definitely want to visit in the future this time around it was too late to plan for it as tickets to go in were not available until the end of the summer.

We were able to view from Fort Point, which is a fort that was built right under the side of the bridge that views the prison. Not only is was it great to capture photos but it is quite historic & specially during the world wars. There wasn't a lot of people there which allowed for my sister & I to take it all in as first time visitors. We laughed as we began naming all the times we have seen that bridge destroyed. Seriously! it's like anything bad goes on the bridge goes down even in animation, Monster Vs. Aliens ring the bell.  It was a lovely time as we took pictures & enjoyed it all. It was a major check of the bucket list.

After that, we were all quite hungry & being at a new place why not try new food. Ale & her husband took us to The Cheesecake Factory on the top floor of the Macy's Tower in Union Square. I had heard if it from many people, I had high expectations & it surpass them. I had a Tomato Basil Pasta, which as simple as it sounds the taste was so delicious it was probably one of the best I've ever had. Of course you can't go there & not eat dessert, I had a delicious chocolate Godiva cheesecake, it was a chocolate lovers dream.

Took a totally not posed picture of my cousin Ale & her husband. 
My sister took a sneaky picture of me taking the photos above. 
After that delicious lunch, we made our way from Union Square to Chinatown. It is said that it is the largest chinatown outside of Asia, this must be true because I have never felt more of a culture shock than there, It was a beautiful place full of color & chinese culture. Almost everything was in chinese & there was a good amount of people that was very different that what I am use to. There where loads of shops that where all very similar to each other but still fun to see. They were all full of random little things & made for the best souvenirs.

 I don't know if it was because of the weather warming up, or the people, or not knowing what to do next,  or just taking everything in, I didn't enjoy it as much as I would have like to. If I am honest I think it was to do with my anxiety, traveling was already a major thing & I was proud of myself to have control everything until that point very well. Even if I was not all there, I am pretty happy that it didn't last long. 

Later we went to do a major bucket list must which were get on the Trolley in San Francisco. This was probably one of the fun parts of the day I got to know the city people in a whole new level. We waited in line for a bit not from from Union Square for a trolley that will take us all the way to the Wharf. I have heard that big city people can be quite rude, I never knew the level of the rudeness it gets. But I manage to make the best out of it & laughed about it all. On or ride, the conductors were yelling & demanding for the tickets, they almost crashed a car who was parallel parking, had a lady fall of & kept going, then get mad at the lady for not telling them that was her stop. I also managed to see & take photos of the beautiful streets & homes of San Francisco. 
I can understand why people fall in love with this place.

A little glimpse of  the Coit Tower.

We spend sometime walking around then rode the trolley back to leave in the late afternoon, a we still had two hours to get back to Monterey. I am happy with my experience in San Francisco it was great to have a taste of it but there is still much to explore, I look forward to the day I can come back & enjoy this city full of wonders. 

Have you ever been to San Fran? Ever thought of taking a trip here? Let me know your thoughts of the city on the bay.