Monkeys Cruise To Alaska 2013: San Francisco

Sunday July 28, 2013

Our day started with an aborted landing at San Francisco airport. We were nearly on the ground when in the next minute we were climbing up again to do a "go around". The pilot said we would be 10 minutes early when we left Eugene and after the "go around" we were 15 minutes late.

We waited till everyone was off the plane and took a picture of the sign on the back of a seat that was upside down.

The flight attendant asked if we would like to take a picture with Sun and Malcolm in the cockpit......Of course! I guess we are off to a Monkey Mischief Day!

We hopped on BART to the Embarcadero and checked in at the Hyatt Regency at 9:00 am, normally check in is not till 3pm but they had a room ready on the 12th floor facing the bay so we put our things away and went up to the 18th floor to the Regency Room where the floor to ceiling window views have a 360 degree view of the bay and the city. Vince took a few pictures as one of the yachts was being towed to the starting area for qualifying of the Americas Cup 2013.

They served a light breakfast and once refreshed we decided to walk to Fisherman's Wharf. We walked to the end of several piers and then came to the Louis Vuitton Cup pavilions.

We listened to live music and walked to the end of the large dock area where people were gathering.

Spying an opening at the railing we positioned ourselves there for the next hour where we watched New Zealand and Italy racing. It was not even close and at the end of the race New Zealand coming in 3 1/2 minutes ahead sailed right up to the end of the pier as the crowed cheered. It was an amazing experience!

Off to Fisherman's Wharf at Pier 39 we waded through the crowds and found the vintage candy store I had scoped out on line. The Candy Baron
A huge bag of candy and a chunk of money later we made our way back to the hotel to rest before dinner.

San Francisco is eclectic in every way. Being in the center of such diversity is enlightening, exciting, happy and sad.....I had ALL the emotions! We saw throw backs to the 60's including a VW Bus painted with flowers and peace signs. We saw families, many gay lovers, tourists from France, Germany, China, and Japan.
We figured the Wharf is about 1 1/2 miles from the Ferry Building so including walking out to the end of several piers we logged about 5 miles. A quick nap and on to dinner at Boulevard.

On the way to dinner we saw a group of men dressed in FULL Fetish gear from head to toe. I asked if I could take their picture, they were very happy to let us.

Only in San Francisco in a matter of a few hours, can one have a conversation with one of the uber wealthy watching Americas Cup, see a Hippie Bus, smile at a cute gay couple holding hands and take pictures men in Fetish gear. I Love San Francisco!!!
Dinner at Boulevard was over the top amazing! It is located in the only original building still standing in the area from the 1906 earthquake. It oozes history and beauty with Art Deco decor and ambiance it feels like any minute a celebrity from the 20's to the 50's could be sitting at the table next to you.

Our waiter Brett presented us with an Amuse Bouche before our starter which was

yummy but I can't remember what it was.

Vince had the Abalone Starter, the Lamb Main and Cheesecake with corn and Lime Sorbet. Yes the corn was an unexpected surprise on the cheesecake! It was delicious!!!

I had the Lobster stuffed Calamari Starter, Pork Chop, and Strawberry and Mousse. The chop was melt in your mouth porky goodness with every bite!

Oh.....I forgot about the Lime Martini!

Back at the Regency Room we watched the lights twinkle on up and down the Bay Bridge as twilight came and went leaving the bridge and city lights in the distance a magical end to a very adventurous day!

Overheard: While in the Regency Room which is a round room with ceiling to floor windows we heard an elderly man tell his wife he was SURE we were turning! How drunk is he? The building does not turn.

Here are some other photos we took during the day in San Francisco.