It’s all over but the flying

We had a sad little ride to the airport today. We all woke up slightly groggy, but managed to get packed and cleaned up. Our last outing in San Fran was a trip down the street for an Irish breakfast and some bloody marys. Now we are waiting for our long flight back home. It went so fast! But we are already thinking about next year – New York, Chicago…who knows???

I cannot believe it’s 2:00am and we are all going to kill Leann

Oy! Dinner at Ristorante Ideale was so yummy! We had great wine, a great antipasti, a fabulous dinner and even a nice panne cotta for desert. Msrna had the risotto, Terrsa had lasagna, LeAnn had veal stuffed tortellini and I had the pumpkin ravioli. It was all so good!

Then we went out for some good music and dancing. The agreement is that I will not show my video and Teresa will not show some photos.

We couldnt get on the Rock

First real bummer of the trip- Alcatraz was full – of tourists! We spent some time kicking ourselves for not getting tickets earlier then just had to turn our attitudes around and make new plans.

We stopped in a shop downtown and stocked up on some champagne and cheese, bread, and assorted sweets and caught the bus over to Golden Gate Park. We found a nice spot near the Rose Garden and the Japanese tea Garden and had a great picnic.

After that we had to make a trip through “The Haight” because why not – we were too close not to. We checked out the sights – each shop has the obligatory spray paint graffiti and plenty of Bob Marley murals just so you don’t forget how funky it is. We stopped off for a little sangria then headed back to the bus. It was cute and all but come on! The girls got mad at me for calling it hippy Disneyland. They think I am not getting to the spirit of things. I will admit I was being a little bit of an old person about the whole Haight/Ashbury thing.

Back into the city after a crazy bus ride full of real authentic crazy people and the girls were ready to pound the pavement for some more power shopping again. I know when I’ve had it and I didn’t have the energy to face another session. So I went back to the room and have just woken up from a nice nap! I’ll have a little wine and I expect they will be back bearing great shopping bags pretty quick!

Poll: Are all white tennis shoes “old lady shoes”?

We don’t need to know whose shoes are “best” but out of these four pairs of shoes, which ones say “old lady”?

Can you say “over done”?

The day started out beautifully- we couldn’t have asked San Fran for better weather!

We caught the bus to Fisherman’s Wharf to rent our bikes from Blazing Saddles. Armed with our maps we started our scenic route along the waterfront. After a leisurely ride we finally got to the bridge. Things got a little crazy – lots of bikes and pedestrians but spectacular views!

Once on the other side we were treated to a well deserved downhill coast into Sausalito. We spent our first hour there sitting next to the water and drinking some beers and soaking up the sun!

We finally roused ourselves for a little shopping, wine tasting and lunch. By about 4:30pm we grabbed our bikes and hopped the ferry back across the bay. After another 2 or 3 mile ride we arrived back at the bike rental shop. On the bus ride back to the hotel I think it started to hit us how tired we were.

We dragged ourselves into the showers with plans to do something big for the evening, but only made it as far as a Chinatown restaurant to stuff ourselves yet again (obligatory) and stagger back to the hotel.

I will freely admit that I am officially sore! I only expect it to feel worse tomorrow!

Whew! Big Wednesday!

Where to start? Today was pretty busy for us! We all slept in after out big night at Wicked last night (and no sleep the night before). We layed around this morning and then decided to start the day with some shopping. Macy’s got some of Leann’s money before we all headed up to the Cheesecake Factory for a great lunch out on the terrace overlooking Union Square.

After that we spent a productive hour or two at H&M. Better prices than Old Navy and we know no one in Tok will have the same stuff!

We moved on to Market Street to take the trolley car to Fisherman’s Wharf. The Wharf was fun but I had a blister from my dress shoes from last night so I had to make everyone go into a seafood restaurant to get a beer and some fresh oysters while I put a band aid on my poor toe.

We scoped out bike rentals for Sausalito tomorrow and Alcatraz tours for Friday.

Wrapped up with a little shopping in Ghirardelli Square then trolley back to Bush Street (now known here as “Obama Street”). Marna picked a great restaurant for dinner -Tadich- great seafood and nice service!

Finally back to the hotel for our own nightcap (we have a good bar here in our room)!

“Wicked” was wicked good!

Well when we bought our tickets to come to San Francisco this fall we also got tickets to “Wicked” which we found out was playing at the Orpheum on Market Street. It was just fantastic and despite being tired we were all blown away! Every single number was over the top and the costumes and staging were eye-popping. After intermission they announced that they were switching Elpheba’s but if they hadn’t said I doubt anyone would have known-she was just as strong! I can’t wait until I get to see it again one day and get the chance to take Stef.
Star turn bonus – Carol Kane played the part of Madame Morrible! Sorry – no pics from inside the theater!

Omigod i am so stuffed!

We just finished eating schwarma falafel baba gahnoush and it was delish! Before that we did some quick shopping at H&M and before that a little St. Pat’s beer and music at the Irish Bank. Although we started out slow because of all night flight we have stayed awake. We are getting ready to go to Wicked pretty quick. More later…

Are you going to San Francisco? Be sure to wear…

What are some good songs about San Francisco? We came up with about 3 or 4 that we didn’t know all the words to. We are tired but spirits are high!

All quiet on the school front

Finally- a silent classroom! I need some space to think and plan while they are away for the break. Too bad I’ll be in San Francisco having a great time!

Just kidding- I’m going to try a little more mobile blogging while I’m gone to have experiences to share with them when I get back. Until then the classroom can just be empty for the week!