San Francisco

Uprooted tree as a result of the storm.

Did I choose the wrong time to visit San Francisco? I should not think so, since I got to see the stormy, rainy, and sunny side of San Francisco all in one trip! :)

The flight to San Francisco was really exciting. I couldn't see a single thing that was outside the window. When it was time to land, it certainly felt like it was gonna be the end of my life. HAHA. of course I'm exaggerating, but let me tell you why.

Pilot:"Cabin crew, get ready to land".

10 mins later, we were still in the air, and the ride was bumpy. It was all but foggy outside. There wasn't a slightest hint that we were near land. The worst part of all, I felt nauseous and I had to go to the bathroom desperately. lol. Now you know why I felt like dying.

Another 15 mins later, we landed at SFO finally!

Air hostess:" WE MADE IT!" How apt a remark was that? lol.
Everyone burst out into laughter and heaved a sigh of relief.

The storm chose to "attack" SF on the day I arrived. Wind speed was about 70 miles an hour. I swear that I almost got blown away at one point in time when I was walking along the streets. Oh yes, I was crazy. I insisted on seeing parts of downtown despite the heavy heavy rain and high windspeed, but I would have missed out on the spectacular sight of the uprooted tree if I had stayed indoors.

Another interesting thing about SF. There are way too many hills. Almost everything is on hills. It's actually rather intimidating to be standing at the foot of the hill and take a peek upwards. Every driver would try as much as possible to avoid routes like this (below). Can u imagine being stuck in a traffic on this road?

Look at how the cars are parked. Amazing isn't it? Well... gungho me tried walking up the hills a few times. I was panting by the time I reached the top. But it's worth the hike especially since I lost a few calories after that (Heh, hopefully!)


SF is also well known for its cable car. Cables are below the cars, hence the name "Cable Car". DUH. haha. I enjoyed my rides on it since I got to sit down most of the time. Actually standing on the deck boards with half your body hanging outside the car can be exciting as well!


Where I'm standing, that's where the driver stands to control the car...


San Francisco's Chinatown! Not bad huh, given that most of these buildings are actually imitations, since most of them were destroyed in the earthquake in the past.


Let me introduce to you Lombard Street... The Crookedest Street! It's really amazing how cars can wind through the street everyday.

To give you an idea how steep the road is.... Here you go! A close-up view of the street.


Gorgeous views in San Francisco.
Beautiful isn't it?

The Palace of Fine Arts at Presidio

Sausalito bayside.

I wonder what this sign is supposed to mean?

And finally the golden gate bridge! Thank goodness the picture turned out well or I would have killed myself. To get a nice view of the bridge, I walked for about 30 mins along Crissy Field and 30 mins out just to take a picture of it close-up.

Well, San Francisco is my last destination in California before I head back to Philadelphia. I wish my winter break were longer so I could visit more places and accomplish more! Heh, I know I shouldn't be complaining, but I just can't help it. Bleh. =p


The End.