Bewitched by the San Francisco bay... Trip in California, U.S.A.

This will be annoying but atmospheric fog to make San Francisco so unique, it seems to dance on the city slowly revealing the unmistakable skyline, creating magical and memorable play of light. Or perhaps it is the beautiful bay that surrounds it, where the mountains in the distance looms a symbol orange of the Golden Gate, the bridge that seems suspended in a vacuum with high arches that soar above the low clouds. Or will its delineated and multi-ethnic neighborhoods? Switch between them seems to find a simple instant different worlds, each with its own very specific aspect, with views from its steep streets that not even dare to challenge the cars and buses, the undisputed territory of the Cable Car bells from where, clinging precariously, it seems to live longer a dream than a reality.

 

Sunday, San Francisco

The flight is on time and after the British acquired the Muni Passport, valid for all means of transportation ($ 18 x 3 days), we head for Bart that will lead up to Powell St.. And 'the most economical means which connects the airport to the center ($ 5.15), as well as be comfortable. Our hotel, Mark Twain ($ 80 triple, special offer directly on the site), is minutes from Powell and is a convenient and economical way to visit the city. Just enough time to settle down and not treating zone (it would be after midnight), leave for a first taste of the city. First stop Union Square, a modern and large square that faces some of the busiest streets. We walk to the terminus of the Powell St Cable Car, but quit to go up given its long tail and take the historic F line that runs through the immense Market St. to Ferry Building, where we go and take a walk. Unfortunately, it is Sunday and the area, busy on weekdays, it is pretty deserted. The skyline of the modern city is reminiscent of the classic American cities, we are indeed in the Financial Discrict characterized by modern skyscrapers and futuristic architecture. And 'the case of the impressive sight of the hotel lobby with lifts to Hyatt, and the Transamerica Pyramid, the tallest building and most unusual. Here, the tail, take the cable car that runs throughout California St through China Town to go up on the top of Nob Hill. Truly characteristic of these means, which cross the breathtaking hills of the city ringing constantly. Davidino holds good fatigue (for a big physical kid of 6 years ...) so get down to China Town and walk back towards Union Square. looking for some place for dinner. We opt for Lefty O 'Doul's, halfway between Irish pub and saloon cowboy, is one of the few inexpensive restaurants near Union Square. Serves excellent meats cooked and cut the time served in one dish with spaghetti, rice and vegetables at a price of about $ 10. After dinner we return quickly to the hotel when a bitter wind begins to blow (in Italy would be 6 in the morning!) And we have been up since 4!! Not bad for the first day.

Monday, San Francisco

The sky is cloudless, the temperature pleasant: good day in anticipation of the intense program today. First stop at Nob Hill, where we visit the majestic Grace Cathedral, built on the model of Notre-Dame de Paris. Skip to flying on a Cable Car and reach China Town, the most typical of the city, to visit with him quietly entering the temples, shops and in the more typical tourist and enjoy the atmosphere of the various ethnic alleys. Once we reach Blazing Saddles where to rent bikes ($ 25) for one of the most beautiful hikes mean the crossing of the Golden Gate to Sausalito, where it falls on ferry ($ 8.50). The path is very nice, with beautiful views over the city and bridge. After a stop Exploratorium, we go to Fort Point, where the clear sky suddenly turns into a mist that surrounds the Golden Gate. The climb to the bridge is pretty tiring but the views are gorgeous, as are the feelings that you try to cross the mythical orange bridge. The wind is very strong and cold, but as if by magic, came on the other side, here is the fog disappear to make place for a wonderful, warm sunshine and a magnificent view over the bay. The long downhill to Sausalito is much more pleasant than the climb and the village appears as an oasis of peace where you spend a pleasant couple of hours. Take the ferry to San Francisco, admiring the fog that seems to swallow up the Golden Gate and Sausalito, really impressive, as the Financial Center as seen from the sea. In the evening we go to dinner at Original Joe's, but with stylish Italian restaurant prices are not prohibitive, the first course of our home to classic main dishes including scallops, salmon or ribs in perfect American style. Dishes between 10 and $ 17.

Tuesday, San Francisco

The morning fog threat rather chilly but within a couple of hours here is the sun shine for a very pleasant day. First stop the Civic Center where we enter the City Hall, very elegant. We continue along the Golden Gate Park, where we visit the beautiful Japanese Garden. Returning to the center, we pause first to Haigh Asbury, beautiful streets with Victorian houses and quirky shops, then to Alamo Square, one of the most beautiful city, a lovely balcony overlooking the bay and the skyline as the backdrop to the "Seven Sisters" , a row of Victorian houses with white facades surrounded by a peaceful park. Back in Market St, do twenty minutes in a row to take the Cable Car line PH, one of the most picturesque locations, a continuous up and down steep roads for up to Lombardy St, more tortuous route in the world we walk on foot descent. We are close to Fisherman Wharf, where you can admire a colony of sea lions which occupies a pier. Last stop for a walk to Castro, home of the gay community in the city.