Traveling Times - San Francisco
We're finally at San Francisco! About 20miles out of San Frans, we could already see the low lying clouds hanging over the city. I had thought that was smog, like the LA smog, but that turned out to be clouds, and the reason why they were lying so low, we soon found out when we entered the city, was that the temperature there was surprisingly low! It was even worse when the winds blew, and San Frans, being close to the sea, has its ample share of cold sea breeze. I wonder, if it was possible, that San Frans share some of this coldness with Singapore. Both cities would definitely be better off.
This is the entrance to CHINATOWN! Yes, we made it a point to visit all the Chinatowns of the cities that we are in. So far for me personally, the one in NYC, Washington DC, Philly, San Frans and then LA. The Chinatown here is much cleaner than the one in NYC but more touristy, so there wasn't much groceries to be bought, even if we wanted to. The Chinatown in NYC, though dirty, was definitely better stocked with Chinese goods and stuff. The one in Philly is kinda in between San Frans and NYC.
Along the streets in Chinatown.
We settled for lunch at a Chinese restaurant. Not too shabby. What's funny though, was that they called 'Guo Tie' 'pot-stickers'. It was like, a literal translation! In Singapore, we call them fried dumplings, which kinda makes more sense I feel. 'Pot-stickers' was really too literal, and sounds a little unhealthy if you ask me...so what made it stick to the pot? Over-cooking it?
My favourite part of San Frans has got to be the piers. Very cold, yes, but also very beautiful and very serene. Just strolling along the coastline, without much activities, is already eventful enough for me. Pier 39 is famous for all the sea lions come out to bask here, and they do draw quite a crowd.
Another thing why I like the piers is because of the abundance of seafood. Not very cheap to say, but rather affordable. I go crazy when I see shellfish and other seafood like squid. Jamie heard that Thailand has very cheap seafood, and is jio-ing people to go with her. Sounds like a good plan to me..!
This is it, the famous and touristy Fisherman's Wharf!
Having dinner at the cheapest restaurant we can find. I couldn't really go any further for I was hungry and the sea breeze was bone-chilling. But how about this huh? Having seafood dinner by the wharf with a view of the docks? That made my night; I couldn't ask for anything else. After dinner we went to watch one street performer for quite some time. That guy is Eric Cash, very sarcastic but definitely funny and mostly entertaining. A must watch if anyone manages to catch him performing.
The next day, we went to Castro, as Qiqi wanted very much to see parades and stuff. With rainbow flags all around, we knew we were in the territory. That was further confirmed when we saw men holding hands. 
The place where we dined for lunch. Alright, it wasn't a restaurant, but a diner. It was nonetheless a quiet little place and the food was good. I had a turkey burger. I saw policemen in Castro, and thought why would anyone need the police in Castro. Everyone seemed so civilised and friendly. Unless they are protecting the people of Castro from outsiders, ah, that I can understand.
This picture was taken at the Golden Gate Park. It was basically pretty flowers all around and man-made waterfalls. But some of the stuff, like the Japanese Tea Garden, requires an admission fee, so, of course, we didn't visit it. However, all other stuff are already good enough. 
This is the third day, the day where me, Qiqi and Xiaoyun would walk a lot towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Our first stop is this, the famous twisting and winding Lombard Street. I bet none of the locals use it, for it is just for tourists like us to take pictures and drive down on. Oh and did I mention the roads in San Francisco is terrible? Goodness...it can shoot out in so many different directions that I don't know which lane to follow, that was especially in Market Street. then all other streets are one way, then there are those slopes that goes horrendously steep. Although we were charged another day for our car rental (as we returned it late), we decided to return the car since I really didn't feel like driving. Parking the car on these roads is something else!
Lots of such historical ships and boats along the piers that we pass by on the way to Golden Gate Bridge.
Finally! After walking close to 3 miles, we arrived at the coveted Golden Gate Bridge! The weather wasn't too bad, at least it wasn't all that cloudy. I could see the azure of the sea, which is always a good thing.
We took the cable car back, because I was done with walking for the day, and Qiqi really wanted to give it a try.
The cable car conductor (actually 2 of them, black men, were really friendly and humourous) offered to help us take a picture, and was the one to suggest this pose. So he is both the cameraman and the director! haha
This is the entrance to CHINATOWN! Yes, we made it a point to visit all the Chinatowns of the cities that we are in. So far for me personally, the one in NYC, Washington DC, Philly, San Frans and then LA. The Chinatown here is much cleaner than the one in NYC but more touristy, so there wasn't much groceries to be bought, even if we wanted to. The Chinatown in NYC, though dirty, was definitely better stocked with Chinese goods and stuff. The one in Philly is kinda in between San Frans and NYC.
Along the streets in Chinatown.
We settled for lunch at a Chinese restaurant. Not too shabby. What's funny though, was that they called 'Guo Tie' 'pot-stickers'. It was like, a literal translation! In Singapore, we call them fried dumplings, which kinda makes more sense I feel. 'Pot-stickers' was really too literal, and sounds a little unhealthy if you ask me...so what made it stick to the pot? Over-cooking it?
My favourite part of San Frans has got to be the piers. Very cold, yes, but also very beautiful and very serene. Just strolling along the coastline, without much activities, is already eventful enough for me. Pier 39 is famous for all the sea lions come out to bask here, and they do draw quite a crowd.
Another thing why I like the piers is because of the abundance of seafood. Not very cheap to say, but rather affordable. I go crazy when I see shellfish and other seafood like squid. Jamie heard that Thailand has very cheap seafood, and is jio-ing people to go with her. Sounds like a good plan to me..!
This is it, the famous and touristy Fisherman's Wharf!
Having dinner at the cheapest restaurant we can find. I couldn't really go any further for I was hungry and the sea breeze was bone-chilling. But how about this huh? Having seafood dinner by the wharf with a view of the docks? That made my night; I couldn't ask for anything else. After dinner we went to watch one street performer for quite some time. That guy is Eric Cash, very sarcastic but definitely funny and mostly entertaining. A must watch if anyone manages to catch him performing.
The next day, we went to Castro, as Qiqi wanted very much to see parades and stuff. With rainbow flags all around, we knew we were in the territory. That was further confirmed when we saw men holding hands. 
The place where we dined for lunch. Alright, it wasn't a restaurant, but a diner. It was nonetheless a quiet little place and the food was good. I had a turkey burger. I saw policemen in Castro, and thought why would anyone need the police in Castro. Everyone seemed so civilised and friendly. Unless they are protecting the people of Castro from outsiders, ah, that I can understand.
This picture was taken at the Golden Gate Park. It was basically pretty flowers all around and man-made waterfalls. But some of the stuff, like the Japanese Tea Garden, requires an admission fee, so, of course, we didn't visit it. However, all other stuff are already good enough. 
This is the third day, the day where me, Qiqi and Xiaoyun would walk a lot towards the Golden Gate Bridge. Our first stop is this, the famous twisting and winding Lombard Street. I bet none of the locals use it, for it is just for tourists like us to take pictures and drive down on. Oh and did I mention the roads in San Francisco is terrible? Goodness...it can shoot out in so many different directions that I don't know which lane to follow, that was especially in Market Street. then all other streets are one way, then there are those slopes that goes horrendously steep. Although we were charged another day for our car rental (as we returned it late), we decided to return the car since I really didn't feel like driving. Parking the car on these roads is something else!
Lots of such historical ships and boats along the piers that we pass by on the way to Golden Gate Bridge.
Finally! After walking close to 3 miles, we arrived at the coveted Golden Gate Bridge! The weather wasn't too bad, at least it wasn't all that cloudy. I could see the azure of the sea, which is always a good thing.
We took the cable car back, because I was done with walking for the day, and Qiqi really wanted to give it a try.
The cable car conductor (actually 2 of them, black men, were really friendly and humourous) offered to help us take a picture, and was the one to suggest this pose. So he is both the cameraman and the director! haha
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