Wednesday, April 7th.
What do you know? I cannot sleep. On vacation and I cannot seem to sleep in. I also had allergy issues that woke me up rather early. Today I was excited for several reasons. I had a tattoo appointment at noon in the "sunset" area. Don't know where that is but it sounds far away. Another reason for the excitement was because this was my first full day in the city. Enough with the jet-lag, let's explore.
So quick coffee at the hotel along with some shoddy directions on how many buses I needed and I jutted off. Several buses later, I was within a couple of blocks of the shop, however, I hadn't had breakfast. I stopped at the closest deli I could find - Toasties - and ordered a chicken wrap. It was lunch-style (read: cold cuts) chicken on a crunchy (possibly toasted) wrap with some strange sauces. Needless to say it was not very good. If I had known that I would meet several other restaurants along my way I would have held out a little while longer. But before I bumped into this one every other one along my way was either a Subway or a Blimpie, or just a cafe so I thought there was no hope for decent food. I spoke or "ate" too soon. So far my choice of food on this trip has not been lucky. San Fran being a city known for its good food, you have to want to experience the good and stay away from the bad.
A couple of trailways passed me so I stopped to take some pictures. Note the cyclist in this picture was actually my tattoo artist speeding past me. I only noticed this later that day as I admired my pictures.
The appointment went very well. I would recommend this place - One Shot Tattoo to anyone. This was miles better than my appointment in New York. Tattoo turned out beautiful, very friendly staff, very laid-back atmosphere. Just what you need on a Wednesday afternoon with good weather, on vacation in a beautiful city. My tattooist - Nakona was just the best. He gave me "detailed" directions to the Golden Gate Bridge which was actually not very far from their shop and tried to convince me to walk to it, "It's a beautiful day, nice weather, freshly tatted with all that adrenalin, why don't you walk to the bride and walk along it." Okay, then I said. Not a bad idea. I'm a little adventuresome.
I stopped for a quick drink to get over the initial pain of the tattoo. Nothing better than alcohol shots after a tattoo. It's a wicked feeling. I recommend it any day so much so that I even crave it. Park Chow was a little better than my breakfast sandwich but a little on the pricekey side. After dropping some moolah for my tatt I really didn't have that much to throw around on a pasta for $15, forgive me. Any other day I would, not today. Plus the bartender was a bit short with me. She had that typical New York attitude where they are irritated for no reason whatsoever and they can't wait for you to make up your mind on what you want. I had one beer, some local unknown pilsner and was well on my way to the Golden Gate Bridge. Squee!
I passed the botanical gardens, came by this statue and took some pictures. Gorgeous day for a walk.
Then, I got lost. Walked along the beaten path of the highway but was still lost. Checked my iPhone for directions, still lost. Then, I needed to pee. What could be worse? I perceived the fresh aroma of some freshly baked goods and instantly walked into the store where it emanated - House of Bagels. Fortunately for me they had other baked goods and a bathroom. After the quick dash to the bathroom, I ordered a superb macaroon and a blueberry scone for breakfast the next day. It was yummy goodness. My mouth waters just thinking about it. I had a quick chat with the shop attendant who was distracted by a very old, indecisive lady, then continued on my journey.
Much to my tattooist chagrin, I copped out and took a bus to the Golden Gate Bridge. Everyone I asked said it was much too far to walk. The bus driver vehemently said it was too far to walk and you can't argue with the bus driver now. Thus, I chickened out, I know. I was losing daylight and the winds were beginning to hurl. It was almost 5 pm by this time.
The Golden Gate bridge.
This deserves an entry in and of itself. Anything I say in here will not appropriately capture all that I was feeling and all that happened in a short amount of time. At first you think, it can't be that great, it's just an orange bridge. Yes, a huge orange bridge with a sidewalk for pedestrians and the most amazing view of an already gorgeous city. It's indescribable. It's like the ocean, everytime I see it I am floored by it. This was just as exhilarating. Mind you, I am afraid of heights in a bad way. I don't do foot bridges because I am afraid of looking down. But this is the Golden Gate Bridge, how can you visit San Fran and not at least walk on it. Fear of heights be damned. We flew 5 hours to get here, so why not. Words of encouragement from me to me, urging me to embark on this scary venture. With that, I began.
This is the hard part of vacationing alone. There are no pictures of me and the rusty orange bridge that highlights the bridge's awesome landscape and proves to everyone that yes, I did climb it. There's just this with me and a side of the orange pillars, looking very subdued. Inside me, I felt like screaming, letting out one of those exhilarating screams of joy, pleasure and sheer excitement. But I couldn't. There were way too many people - Loads of tourists, visitors, bikers, couples, families - it was generally crowded. Some of them almost ran me down. Halfway I turned around and didn't make it the whole way through - in all fairness it is quite a long bridge. Still, it was an amazing experience to infinity. It was the reason why I really needed to see this city again, with or without someone. It made it all worth it.
This deserves an entry in and of itself. Anything I say in here will not appropriately capture all that I was feeling and all that happened in a short amount of time. At first you think, it can't be that great, it's just an orange bridge. Yes, a huge orange bridge with a sidewalk for pedestrians and the most amazing view of an already gorgeous city. It's indescribable. It's like the ocean, everytime I see it I am floored by it. This was just as exhilarating. Mind you, I am afraid of heights in a bad way. I don't do foot bridges because I am afraid of looking down. But this is the Golden Gate Bridge, how can you visit San Fran and not at least walk on it. Fear of heights be damned. We flew 5 hours to get here, so why not. Words of encouragement from me to me, urging me to embark on this scary venture. With that, I began.
This is the hard part of vacationing alone. There are no pictures of me and the rusty orange bridge that highlights the bridge's awesome landscape and proves to everyone that yes, I did climb it. There's just this with me and a side of the orange pillars, looking very subdued. Inside me, I felt like screaming, letting out one of those exhilarating screams of joy, pleasure and sheer excitement. But I couldn't. There were way too many people - Loads of tourists, visitors, bikers, couples, families - it was generally crowded. Some of them almost ran me down. Halfway I turned around and didn't make it the whole way through - in all fairness it is quite a long bridge. Still, it was an amazing experience to infinity. It was the reason why I really needed to see this city again, with or without someone. It made it all worth it.
At this time, the winds were really beginning to hurl so I tore myself away from there and headed home, stopping once again to do the Fillmore District. This time I chose a seemingly nice place for dinner - 2001 Thai Stick. Nice ambiance, even nicer Manhattan. Ambiance notwithstanding, the food was blah! I've had better Pad Prik Thai in Gwinnett County.
Day 2 completed. Excitement level up, food choices definitely needs improvement.
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