The Purple Penguin

Right, the California Zephyr was a bit over 4 hours late. So we packed our stuff, checked our little roomette, and made sure we were ready to leave. The train stops in Emeryville and you then get a coach over to San Francisco – our driver told us that in the 4 years he’s worked for Amtrak the California Zephyr has never been on time. Must be some sort of record – latest running train ever? The Friday before the train got in at 4am. So nearly 5 hours isn’t too bad all things considered.

We drove into San Francisco over the Bay Bridge with the city spread out all lit up. Quite a view coming in. We got off the bus at Pier 39 at Fisherman’s Wharf and then got a taxi which took us to the wrong end of the street our hotel is on! But we got sorted out and found the hotel which is quite nice. It’s an old building that has been restored but still has period details. So nice rooms with floral wallpaper and wooden bed.

Got our bags dropped off at the room and headed out to find food. Everything closes early – it was about 10pm and we were having trouble finding some place that was still serving. Ended up having sandwiches at Extreme Pizza (yea, yea, should have had pizza, but we were tired). I made up for the lack of veggies in my meals by having a all veg sandwich which was marvy. Then back to the hotel and to bed.

Slept in (well a bit) and then took long showers and had a slow breakfast in the room. Joe ended up chatting with people as we were checking various things online (where to go, the weather, things like that). Turns out we’re having wonderful weather – bright blue sky, not a cloud in it, and warm. Lovely, but when you start climbing the hills it’s hard work. We decided to walk. So I let Joe lead. He took us up Lombard Street. Yes, up. Definitely up. Straight up. And then back down again. Then up. And stairs. There are stairs to get from one street to another. My legs and feet will never forgive me.

We ended up by the harbour (finally because that’s a bit flatter) and the piers. Walked along the water looking out at Alcatraz and all the boats and sea lions. Pier 39 is fun and we walked along the shops, had a coffee and watched people. Just generally bimbled along. Then headed toward Chinatown, via Coit Tower. That has lovely views and Joe took a load of photos. Down loads of steps to Grant Avenue and into Chinatown. We pretty much just walked Grant Avenue looking in shop windows and Joe chose a fast food Chinese restaurant for lunch.

We then had a slow walk back to our hotel, through Chinatown (off the main road), back up far too many steps, and along Union Street.

The architecture here is wonderful with some beautiful homes with great views. The views over the bay almost make all the steps worth it. The cable cars are nifty, but packed full of people so we haven’t tried riding one yet. But we’re suppose to have nice weather all weekend – so lots of walking (as I said, my legs will never forgive me!)