Backporch Beer - WE'VE CLOSED! THANKS FOR YOUR PATRONAGE!

Sam Francisco, open your golden gates

Today I arrived for my first real visit to San Francisco. I was here for half a day in 2003, having driven up from a conference in San Jose in a rented Mustang convertible. But the city that day was more of an afterthought to a beautiful top-down drive up highway 1 with a photo-op at the Golden Gate and a lot of worrying about bottoming out on hilly intersections.

This time, I’m car-less and staying in a small hotel in Union Square, which is kind of a shopping mall, but I think the views and old buildings make up for it. It’s nice so far.

Walking aimlessly is one of my favorite things to do, although not always compatible with a travel partner’s interests. My walk today took me through Chinatown, which despite what Jack Nicholson may say, seems about the same as every other Chinatown.
Bowing out of there led me up a long hill (Nob Hill, I believe) to Grace Cathedral and a quiet half hour sitting in a park, reading and watching people, including an asian man playing ball with his two pomeranians and one miniature poodle, black, but with neon-dyed ankle and tail poofs.

After a rest at my hotel, I stopped by the complimentary happy hour, where the Burmese bartender served up enough pizza that I didn’t even bother going out for dinner. I did however take a walk through Union Square which, Times Square West though it may be, was a blast of energy and excitement. Now I just have to get up tomorrow and begin my week of Mac geeking.

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