On the train to SF! I must've missed the morning rush hour commute...
Finally in SF after about a 45 minute train ride, which wasn't too bad considering it would've taken around the same time to get to Toronto using the GO Train (well, maybe a little shorter, but still...).
After exiting the station, I randomly boarded one of the buses that would take me near Ghirardelli Square at the north end of SF. It was interesting to see even the buses ran on cables, so they probably consume much less fuel than buses in other cities. When I figured I was near where I wanted to be, I got off and ended up in the mainly residential area of Russian Hill.
Interesting architecture, and very hilly haha.
I randomly wandered north, eventually reaching a residential look-out point that gave a great view of Alcatraz Island and the docks. The best part was the great weather!
Another crazy looking tree!
The fog was still pretty thick in certain areas, completely hindering the view of the Bay Bridge in the distance (it links SF to Oakland).
A street called just Francisco!
Getting closer to Ghirardelli Square.
Finally, Ghirardelli Square! It's an upscale square with small boutiques and restaurants, mainly for tourists, but the main attraction of course is the Ghirardelli shop (for those that don't know, Ghirardelli Chocolate Company is the US division of Lindt).
Inside the Ghirardelli shop. It was strange - the place was open, and there were a few staff inside, but nobody was in a serving capacity. It was like they just opened but weren't ready yet?!
Inside the actual square. It was morning, on a weekday, during "winter," so understandably the place was pretty empty.
At the far end of the square was another Ghirardelli shop, more focused on selling the chocolates and other products, and there was actually someone ready behind the counter haha. So I ordered something unique: hot cocoa made with Ghirardelli cocoa, topped with caramel and sea salt! Quite tasty, good balance of salty and sweet, there was still chocolate at the bottom that hadn't fully dissolved into the drink that was like a bonus (2nd photo), and nothing beats a hot drink on a cool morning!
The view of Alcatraz Island from Ghirardelli Square.
The water fountain in the square.
The Ghirardelli shop at the square's entrance (the one I first went into).
The main entrance into the square.
SF cable car parked at one of the cable car stations. I didn't bother riding one - it's a rip-off now ever since they raised their prices to $5 a ride!
Heading north to the piers.
Some things I found interesting as I randomly wandered onto Hyde Street Pier National Park, then continuing east towards Fisherman's Wharf.
At The Cannery.
I passed by an In-N-Out Burger while continuing east, and since it was almost noon, I figured I might as well stop for lunch! I had accidentally deleted the photos from my phone and I already knew my photos from the drive-thru were corrupted, so this made for the perfect opportunity to replace those photos. And of course, it never hurts that the food is good - to be honest, I probably would've eaten here anyway even if my photos from my phone hadn't been corrupted. What I tried to capture in one of my photos from the drive-thru was how simple the menu was; I actually prefer it this way because at least I know what they focus on and what they're good at making, not like most other fast food places...I think we all know the ones I'm talking about hahaha. I had the cheeseburger combo with a chocolate shake, and it was delicious and more importantly, it tasted fresh. I tried to get a photo of the custom potato slicer in the last photo, but the guy cutting the photos (at the very left) blocked most of it just as I took my photo!
In fact, it was so good, I picked up a double cheeseburger sandwich to go hahaha. When am I ever going to get a chance to try it again?
Back at Fisherman's Wharf.
Some views at Fisherman's Wharf I missed the last time.
Heading south back into the SF core, with views of Coit Tower to the left and the top part of the Transamerica Pyramid to the right.
Classic American cars in January - only possible in the south haha.
Interesting...!
More interesting architecture as I passed through an area known as North Beach.
"Table Tennis Robot"...uhhh!? I can only imagine what that is hahaha.
Didn't expect to see a huge basketball court here - I've now found out it's the North Beach Playground.
Another view of Coit Tower.
Sts. Peter & Paul Church.
Some of the monuments at Washington Square (right next to the church).
Interesting graffiti.
Passing through what looked like the Little Italy community.
I don't know why, but the building really didn't seem to look like a medical centre haha.
More hilly roads.
The Transamerica Pyramid building. Really sticks out doesn't it?
More views around the Little Italy, near where Little Italy meets Chinatown.
Interesting name...
More cool wall artwork. Doesn't it look like the books are really flying out of the wall?
Officially in Chinatown now. I didn't expect the Chinatown to be this big! Even at midday, the streets were busy with local shoppers.
I've never seen that, not even in Toronto's Chinatown! Suffice to say the Chinese population in SF must be huge.
More (very colourful) views as I continued to wander through Chinatown. I came across way too many shady looking electronics/souvenir shops aimed at tourists, similar to the ones in Times Square in NYC...I wonder if those places ever actually make any business.
I somehow managed to loop back around east out of Chinatown hahaha.
And this seems like a good place to take a break. More from SF to follow!
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