Summer Road Trip: San Francisco

I wouldn't say I left my heart in San Francisco, but after living there for four years during college, I'd say the City by the Bay certainly took a piece of it. That became clear to me when, during one introspective emotional moment at Pier 39, I found myself crying. I was looking at the boys against the backdrop of a place that meant so much to me, and I was overcome with this sense of coming full circle. As a college student, you don't think about what it will be like to share something special with your kids. But as a parent, when you get that opportunity, life kind of takes on a whole new meaning.

We started our adventure with a BART ride. Holden was still excited about trains, but it was becoming clear that Riley's overall exhaustion with our travels was continuing, and he pretty much clung tight and stayed quiet.

At Pier 39, we visited the Sea Lions. This was one of my favorite spots when I lived here. I'm fascinated with how they came to claim the docks, and love watching them. Could do without the smell, though.








We trekked from The Wharf to North Beach. It wasnt' a long walk, but I forgot about the hill factor. Riley, who'd pretty much walked the entire Pacific Northwest by now, asked for "up" about half-way there. My arms still feel like jelly from carrying him. He passed out on my shoulder - something he hasn't done in at least a year.
Our destination: Brandy Ho's. This place was an institution for me during my time in SF. I'd been craving it for the last eight years.

My favorite: Beef with onion in a spicy garlic wine sauce. Um, yum.



With our bellies full, we continued walking back to the BART station (after an unsuccessful time trying to find another diaper changing station and improvising on the counter of the Hilton restroom).