San Francisco

The journey from the flowing green vine valleys of Napa to San Francisco was one of tranquil obscenity.
We were spoiled with the blessed beauty of our surroundings and entertained with our own state of meditated relaxation. As we rolled into the steep gradients of San Francisco we surrendered our car outside of Shellys ( my friend from school in Ireland).
We immediately charged into Castro a small Gay division of the city where our metro was located. Being from a small village this was the first time I had ever seen guys displaying intimacy in public. I took it in my stride and without a second glance headed to the underground metro.

The metro was a revelation making urban commuting a relaxing experience. Our carriage was pacified by the stories of ex Mexican prisoners , the drama of college girls, the odd gay with a lazy wrist and old women bringing their cats to the vet. Where else in the world can you get this in such a concentrated area? Our first destination was Pier 39 and Fisherman‘s Wharf. As we debarked we were engulfed with the smells and sounds of the wharf. The hustle and bustle of the buyers sneaking around each other to find the best deals and the sellers exercising there lungs to ensure everybody knew that they had the deal of the century.

As we lazily strolled down the wharf our mouths watered at the sight of the days catch of crabs being turned into chowder, Not to mention the bread which was being rolled and baked in front of our very eyes. With the echo of the sea loins calling in the distance, we gave in to our stomachs and bought two fresh chowder bread bowls and a quantity of shrimp, that could have fed the sea gulls of san fran for days all for under 15 dollars. We headed straight to the view of the bay with our feast. With Alcatraz to my right and the golden gate bridge to my left it’s a lunch I’ll never forget!!!

The evenings events were organized for us by the Irish girls. We had great crack with them at the house exchanging stories from our adventures along with the tales of their exciting summer in San Francisco . In the late hours we hit up Ireland 32, one of the local Irish bars. What a run down memory lane!! In the bar the DJ from Kerry spun the Wolf tones and all of our favorites hits all night. Unfortunately the local lads were drinking their sorrows away as they had just lost the Western division Hurling final that day. They were distraught. Dee the bar maid from Kilkenny energetically served them Guinness and gave them condolences. For me however it was a treat. I even got to meet another old friend from Cork who I stumbled across drinking at the bar. After a belly full of beer the girls decided it was time to go home as they had work in the morning. I was thinking to myself its almost bright outside; I’m glad its you and not me going to work in the morning.

The next morning the girls were up bright and early drinking Barry’s tea and eating toast daubed with Kerry gold butter. I was so impressed.. Only the Irish!! As I shook off a rough head I knew it was time to move on . We gave our appreciation for the most amazing night, and we got on our way!! However a little shopping was called for before we departed the city limits. We drove down Lombard road the windiest road in America past Haight Ashbury, www.lovehaight.org the alternative section of the city where tiny boutiques thrift stores, restaurants and pot stores were common place. Up Coit Tower road where the view
of the city was unchallenged and finally to our destination China town.

The indescribable fresh scent of herbs and dried fish flirted with our senses and the samples from budding traders filled our stomachs. The cries of women tried to draw us in their stores with promises of the best produce on the street. With a purchase of fresh lychee and bubble tea we were ready for food. The thought of noodle soup plagued our minds for attention. We went to a small restaurant with a capacity of less then ten and the restroom in the kitchen. Despite this it the best Vietnamese food I’ve ever tasted. The bright red peppers and tofu rushed through the broth which held an endless amount of noodles and beef. I’ve never had so much sweat seep out of me as I ate the chile and garnishes which surrounded the plate. Mandy laughed and refilled my water glass continuously.

Having satisfied our hunger we decided that some fresh Jasmine tea at the Japanese garden would quench our thirst (www.japenesegardensf.com). This garden is unique as it is the oldest Japanese garden in the United States designed and constructed by Makota Haigiwara in 1894. The garden is extremely vast containing a large collection of monuments and bridges along with a host of native Japanese plants and ponds. Our meditative cup of tea overlooking the secluded peaceful waters of the garden at the tea house was a great way to conclude our San Francisco experience. As the day progressed and our schedule shortened and we know the road was calling. so on we went on the next chapter of our adventure.