Day 11-17: San Francisco

San Fran San Fran - the last time I was here, I burnt 1500 USD doing jack-all but smiling with wrestlers. The experience was good but wasteful and I could've saved some. This time round, spent a bit too but the experience was much fun and much enjoyed. :) I would like to go back San Fran again, if nothing else, to see what I didn't get to see, including the Golden Gate Park and its various museums, take a cable car, and maybe make it to the Napa Valley. But this trip was nice, slow and relaxing - and a pretty good way to spend a New Year's.

The tour started with shopping in San Fran, then shopping in a Factory Outlet the next day. At this juncture: Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts are simply the best in the world, and the Emporio Armani salesgirl is smoking hot. I can't put her name here but Wendy and I agree - there's nothing quite like a tall Japanese girl who looks good and speaks good and sounds good speaking it. :)

Day 13 was spent walking along the Embracadero and Fisherman's Wharf, while New Year's Eve was spent watching the fireworks over Coit Tower and playing silly drinking games with friends. Ghirardelli formed our itinerary for New Year's, but eating sundaes in the cold was... Not the best of ideas. But the rush of spending time with friends passed by a lot quicker than expected, and friends really make journeys and travels way worth it. Thank you two again - twas a lovely time and Wendy and I had much fun with you two over various cuisines and culinary delights. (even if she didn't enjoy some of the... experiences. :p)

Our final day in California was spent on The Rock. There's nothing quite like Alcatraz, both good and bad. It was a tinge weird at times, the ghosts of the past seeming to haunt the place and the unspoken secrets appearing to whisper from time to time. That said, it gave a spectacular view of the SF bay and was a 'had-to-see', and the walking tour was quite fun.

So at the end of 17 days, I am... Content, somewhat refreshed, not ready to reconquer the Winter Quarter, but comforted with the passing of the month and the wonderful memories it has brought. To 2008, and all that it has to offer. :)


Krispy Kreme Original Glazed Donuts - Heavenly and to-die-for.


The view from the Hilton Financial District on NYE night.


The same view the next morning. :D


Us at Ghirardelli Square.


As above with the bigger sign.


Wendy with Ghirardelli sundae - Nice treat but left the feeling of 'could-be-better'.


The Ghirardelli light-up at night. :D


The view of Coit Tower from the boat.


The view of the Golden Gate Bridge from the boat - which is NOT gold contrary to what some might say.


The even-more spectacular view of the Golden Gate Bridge from our hotel room. Ha!


Us on the boat.


The view of the San Fran skyscape from the boat.


The Rock!


The Guard Tower on Alcatraz.


Some tower on Alcatraz. Probably the watch tower or something. (quoting Wendy verbatim)


Observe the T-shirt. That's what Wendy says.


I'm starting to think I'm taking too many gay photos.


My girlfriend behind bars. Pink pink! :D


Singin' on a lamppost, bitches!


My girlfriend attempting the same shot.


I'm not ready for my closeup, dah-link!


Me and the... Thing that pretended to be a plane from Portland to Seattle.


Back in Seattle! :D