"We're not in Kansas now, Toto"

Day 2a

My sister,having visited San Franciscoo a couple of weeks before us, advised us not to get out of bed before 7 oclock because the city was asleep until then. No sneaking off for an early breakfast, nothing would be open, the streets deserted,  your only companions the street cleaners and the homeless. I'm not sure she knew about the Starbucks around the corner or she simply wouldn't consider it, but having a nearly acceptable coffee there the previous evening and discovering it opened at 5:30, that's where we headed bright and early the next morning. The coffee wasn't quite so good this time, in fact that, so far, is our biggest disappointment;you simply can't get a decent coffee anywhere! But my porridge and fruit was fine; you know what to expect at Starbucks, and that for travel weary, sensory overloaded customers, is the biggest comfort.

It was still quite early when we walked  out the door of Starbucks, and the first thing we noticed was the cable car winding up and turning around, getting ready for its first trip for the day. We also noticed that there wasn't a queue, a rare occurren indeed. Acting on impulse (not like us at all) we jumped aboard. We figured we could get to the end of the line and back in time to start our guided bike tour of the bridge at 10. And we did, but we sure had to stride it out to make it in time.

We loved the cable car ride. It is an absolute must if you are in this city. Not only are they iconic, but you really get to see and get a sense of the feel of the place. And I'm sure glad I didn't have to walk up those hills.

Ding, ding.

Roundy windows.

Our trip ended in Union Square, a place we were told was worth a visit. It was ringed with towering stone buildings that housed shops like Macys and Louis Vuitton. Just about directly where we stopped was the T-Mobile shop, which was on my list of chores to be completed. Fortuitous, I thought. Unfortunately it was still shut and if we had waited around until it opened we would have missed our bike ride, and we couldn't have that happening. 

I felt for this guy. I wondered how it must feel to get up every morning and have to put on this ridiculous suit and hat brimmed with flowers, and, xI'm guessing here, but being paid the minimum wage which in the US is far lower than ours. That's why they rely so much on gratuities, it's necessary to make ends meet. One of our lovely Italian barmen explained the system to us, when to tip, and how much, and why. I dont think even they (the workers, I mean) think it is a very good system. I feel it's quite demeaning having to ask for tips and it must be so uncertain - not knowing how much you are going to earn from week to week.

I apologise for my poor photography skills, but at least the photos serve as a small reminder for me. I will look at them, then close my eyes and try to recollect the sounds and smells and feel of this beautiful, vibrant city.

( Here is a link to my sister's blog on San Fransisco if you are interested

http://cruise2wedding.blogspot.com/2013/10/we-were-going-to-san-francisco.html )