September 16, 2019 – It’s a Monday in San Francisco after, for me a busy weekend. One of my dearest friends has been in town and I’ve been taking him out and about. Today was the first day back at the office and sudden responsibility realness; such is life.
The stops around town included; a GIANTS game, as my visitor hadn’t seen anything after Candlestick, drinks at the Fairmont, North Beach, small time theater (we can say that, as we’re both from NYC) a stop at the Castro and a few nostalgic. He lived in this left coast city in the late 70’s and marveled at how everything now is “built up”.
We walked through the Salesforce Tower transit skywalk, not unlike Manhattan’s skyline space, it was a remarkably pleasant green walk, among the giant cement and glass structures. The views were fraught with different flora to fawn over, even if it’s not tall enough to conceal the usual Starbucks intrusion.
On Sunday we visited North Beach, which is a neighborhood that I called home for about 10 years. The sun felt good with Karl around the corner and we he had some tasty slices of pizza at Tony’s (it’s really the best pizza in the city).
It was cool walking around my old hood, the coffee shop I used to hang out in is gone and a couple of restaurants have changed out but it’s still my beach with no beach. It’s as lively, as touristy as ever. Pass me that gelato.
After a muni ride up the hill, we were having Manhattans at the Fairmont Hotel. This was pricey and pleasant endeavor, good bartenders and a casual feel that will make you wonder why you go anywhere else. It’s fun up that hill and outside, it’s a buena vista on every side. Naturally, the view from the hill is iconic, giving you those side water views that the city enjoys fame for…they put it on their greeting cards here.
Anyway the workweek for me begins and my friend will make his way to Sausalito for a day trip. Back to reality after a nice timeout.
The Beard and the Cap 
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