Travel Diary: San Francisco

Last week I had the opportunity to spend 7days in San Francisco with my awesome friend and business partner Tabitha. I hadn't been to California in over 26yrs (I was 2 and I don't remember it at all) and I was uber excited about exploring somewhere new.

I love big cities, I am always so taken by their diverse culture, their beautiful architecture, their rich history and their unique and eclectic blend of people. When I was younger I always thought I'd end up living in a city because of all of the above, but living in Chicago for 3months was enough time for me to realize that cities and I are better off as long distance loves, the kind that visit as often as they can but know they will never be in the same place for long. I may not be a full timer but I can't get over how alive you feel when you are in a city. I am sure it has something to do with the fact that there is always something going on, somewhere to go, something to see. It's an electric sort of energy.

One of my favorite ways to take in a big city is to go mega-tourist and jump on a big red open top bus, this seriously brings me soooo much joy. I am sure many of you are laughing at me, especially all of you city folk but I don't care how much you tease the tourist I love me a big red open top bus. I love that they are affordable, I love that the tickets last for two days, I love that they allow you to see the city from a different perspective and I love meeting and chatting with the tour guides. Tour guides are a gem. I like to ask them about their city; their favorite place to chill, eat, get coffee, explore, shop, etc. It is like having an old pal in a new city, they point you in the right direction to see all the best the city has to offer.

I had 3 days with the big red open top bus for this trip and I loved every minute. Because of the tour I was able to experience Union Square, the Tenderloin, China Town, North Beach, Lombard Street, Pier 39, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito, Golden Gate Park, Hayes Street, Alamo Square, Haight District, Market Street, Mission Street, Japan Town and the Bay Bridge on a budget. Below are just a few of the shots I was able to snap as we drove through the city streets.

I absolutely fell in love with San Francisco, definitely one of my new favorite cities. I will leave you with the amazing Tony Bennett's words...I can now say I have a better understanding of them.

The loveliness of Paris seems somehow sadly gay
The glory that was Rome is just another day
I've been terribly alone and forgotten in Manhattan
I'm going home to my city by the bay

I left my heart in San Francisco
High on a hill it calls to me
To be where little cable cars climb halfway to the stars
The morning fog may chill the air, I don't care

My love waits there in San Francisco
Above the blue and windy sea
When I come home to you, San Francisco
Your golden sun will shine for me