Things I Have Learned in San Francisco, Part II

[tealin]

1. Everything intersects with Market St.

2. Districts are closer together than they appear.

3. Russian and Telegraph Hills are up, Nob Hill is down.

4. The Exploratorium is exactly as wondrous as the name would imply. If you think it sounds awesome, you are right! If you think it sounds nerdy and boring, you probably wouldn't like it anyway.

5. KDFC is the Old Money radio station.

6. Please Hold On.

7. Collette from Ratatouille works at Zuni Cafe, on Market and Rose. If you look at the art book, they were going one direction with her design for a while, but what ended up in the movie is about 90° from the concept work. I believe it is because someone walked past the back of this restaurant, the kitchen of which has windows onto the street, and saw her. It cannot be a coincidence!

8. Some ports are good. Some ports are sublime. But the port my sister got at the wine bar was magical.

9. Pier 39 is not the same thing as Fisherman's Wharf.

10. The Powell/Hyde cable car goes from the posh downtown areas where one might find mansions, some of which burned down, to a beach that is sheltered enough to be able to skip stones and is often foggy. EVERYTHING IS COMING TOGETHER. If only I could find (or knew how to look for) the funny-looking building with the awesome abstract hedges that is pictured in the Unauthorized Autobiography, or in fact be assured of its continued existence. It must be (or have been) in the Bay Area somewhere. No other possibilities are allowed!

Comments

[sola.livejournal.com]

I think there are only three cities in the US i could live in: NYC, Seattle, and San Francisco. This list of lovely things pleases me immensely.

[ubiquitouspitt.livejournal.com]

Even a bad port becomes magical after two or three glasses :D That is the magic of port. I suggest a tawny - I prefer Warre's Warrior. In fact, I'm going off in search of some now... it's like alcoholic cough syrup!

[twirlynoodle.livejournal.com]

No, seriously, this ... at first sip it was only okay, a little tart, but as the flavour decayed in your mouth it turned into brown sugar.

[ubiquitouspitt.livejournal.com]

Gnnuhhh... *drool* ...might one of you have retained the name of this magnificent port?

[twirlynoodle.livejournal.com]

Vinhos Barbeito "Historical Series" from Portugal. It was very light colour, looking a bit more like sherry. SO GOOD. Probably not cheap.

[noodledaddy.livejournal.com]

When the weather is bad, the lower the quality of the port needs to be to be palatable. When the sun shines and there are puffy clouds in the sky you need a good bottle. When it drizzles, a lesser quality will do. When the wind is howling and rain comes down in sheets, whatever is available will suffice. Thus the origination of the phrase "Any old port in a storm."

[ubiquitouspitt.livejournal.com]

You have just auctioned all your credibility as a wine connoisseur in order to make one unforgivable pun.

I hope you can live with yourself.

[heidi-wiggin.livejournal.com]

I love San Francisco...

Have you found the secret bathrooms on the 6th floor of the Union Square Macy's yet?

[twirlynoodle.livejournal.com]

Unfortunately for some I avoid shopping like the plague, especially at large expensive department stores in Tourist Central. The challenge of finding secret bathrooms does pique my interest but it will have to wait for a later visit which will not be during the holiday shopping season.

[copperbadge.livejournal.com]

I read this and cracked up and then read it to Mum, and SHE cracked up. San Francisco approves of this list! :D

[twirlynoodle.livejournal.com]

I bask in approbation.

[maggielisette.livejournal.com]

Exploratorium for the win! Ohmalord did you try the Alice room?