Day Four: Lots of walking

Thursday was our mix n’ match day. The day where we see all the things we wanted to see but didn’t have time to earlier in the week. It involved being out the door at 8:30am and walking; yes that’s right WALKING, all over the city until about 4pm. We started at Union Square Shopping Center. Most of the shops were three times out of our price range but it was fun to see the products and displays, much classier than Target. Union Square would be a great area for anyone who enjoys a good name brand shopping spree. Be careful because there are a few nice shops on the side roads as well like Gap and Lucky Jeans and you don’t want to miss them. If you’re like me and would rather see the little Ma and Pop shops you should still take this small detour and stop by Union Square.

Chinatown was next on our map and we walked the hundred blocks there with some amazing views of the city. Chinatown was just opening for the day so it was fairly quiet only a few other early riser couples like us. We had the chance to quietly browse through the shops at our own leisure. I added Jade and bone figurines to my collection for less than a dollar. And yes, that made my day. If you want the full experience of this neighborhood walk a few blocks off the beaten path for a less tourist experience. That’s all the warning I’m going to give.

On the way to lunch we detoured to Lombard Street, the crookedest street (actually its not, but it is the most famous). Unlike smart people we approached Lombard from the bottom and after taking some pictures realized we now had to walk up the 27% incline. While walking we were able to see the house used in filming the Real World – San Francisco. At the top, twenty minutes later we had some more great pictures. Unfortunately we weren’t able to rent a car to drive down it and when I suggested a GO CAR Matt wasn’t very receptive to the idea. I mean who wouldn’t want to take an open frame go cart down one heck of a steep hill?

After all that walking we walked some more to In & Out Burger. Only a fast food joint to most but a California haven to Matt and I. The history behind this stop begins almost three years earlier during our last trip to California. During that vacation we visited Los Angeles, San Diego, and Tijuana (not California – I know). On every block corner there was an In & Out Burger lined with cars. They were like Starbucks and even with them being so prevalent we were unable to eat at one during our stay. So of course on Tuesday when we saw the In & Out right after eating we vowed to return later in the week. In & Out Burger was California’s first drive-thru hamburger stand, now the dinner is decorated as a 1950’s dinner (imagine that). They even offer merchandise online.

After eating we walked to the cable car line and rode on one of the old lines. There are only three working cable car lines in San Francisco and some say the world. The car was fun and we had the best seats; hanging off the side. We paid five pucks a piece to get on at the turnaround point and received a commemorative ticket for our fee. But you don’t have to buy tickets you can jump on any of the old Trolley’s once they are on their route. Even though we were slightly taken on the whole ordeal I got a commemorative ticket - damn it! And I helped to keep the lines running plus I got some great shots while we waited at the station. So technically we paid ten bucks for the pictures, totally worth it… yeah – shut up.

As the day went on we walked; yes walked again, all over town and saw many of the areas famous houses. We stopped by the Octagon House; not that great but it’s painted a nice purple color. We also saw the house used in the movie Mrs. Doubtfire and not too far away the mansion romance author, Danielle Steele calls home, Spreckels Mansion. My favorite house on our little tour was the Atherton House of 1900 California. The Atherton house is claimed to be one of the most haunted homes in San Francisco. It’s believed the house is hounded by four ghosts of previous owners and even though we couldn’t go in for a tour and see any floating orbs or anything it was still interesting. In between seeing beautiful houses in Pacific Heights and walking Cow Hollow we strolled over to the Palace of Fine Arts next to the Exploratorium. The Palace was built for the 1915 re-dedication of San Francisco after the 1906 earthquake. It is amazing and worth the short trip there. The best part is, in a city where bagels cost four dollars the Palace of Fine Arts is FREE as well as the all our housing viewing, which is great when you’re on budget. After a full day of walking we did some online research and headed over to Ken’s Chinese for the best Chinese I have ever eaten. The Crab Rangoon (Puffs) were made with real crab and a wonderful pepper mix. They aren’t located in Chinatown but it’s worth it to stop in.