Woke early, things to do, shave, shower, walk the dog (in the dark & rain).... Oh ! go on Holiday.... After the scare of last night everything went to plan today. Spent some time trying to put the out of Office on my Laptop using the iPad without any success, so had to dig out the Laptop and use web access but managed to do it without putting fist through it (the only heated moment).
With that done, just waited for the Taxi to pick us up, on time, train on time, what a miserable day, bye bye Didcot... Only a short ride to Reading and hop on the Heathrow coach, bye bye M4 (no hold ups). Arrived at T3, just a little wait to off load the luggage. On to security, manage to trigger the metal detector so had a good going over (studs in the jeans, these trendy brands). The terminal was busy (half-term still !) got a coffee, even had time to look around the stores before the gate opened, even that went smoothly, got called as we walked into the lounge, nice one. Best seats in economy, right at the back, no one to kick or rock the back of your chair.
Fell asleep during taxing but woke as soon I was thrown into the back of seat but managed to nod again. Though the flight was long (10 hrs 50) it went smoothly, I've had worse business trips. Took some pic's on my iPhone which automatically downloaded to the iPad when we got on to the Hotels WiFi (pleased with iOS & iCloud)
No guessing who our carrier was.
Over Greenland 3 hrs into our trip.
Just over Northern Canada.
Landed at San Francisco (SF) 15 min's early, and went through security quickly (a surprise in itself....), and outside it' was 23 C though it felt warmer. Into a Taxi and straight to the Hotel on Fisherman Wharf (Best Western - Tuscan Inn), no messing trying to find it, and $50 lighter (didn't seem that long in the Taxi...). Booking in was a dream and happy hour had started on wine tasting (free glass to start you off), though we went straight to the room to drop our gear off.
A little peckish now, so start to explore Fisherman Wharf, plenty of tourist shops selling the normal holiday tat, but also plenty of places to eat mainly sea food. Decide to look for Steve's recommendation of Nick's, and straight away we are standing in front of it (how about that !).
I need to describe it as in my rush I've left my camera & phone back at the Hotel (bugger!!!). It's called Nick's #5 Lighthouse, very small inside but pleasing and a good atmosphere, outside they are selling shell fish take away (smells excellent).
The staff are of the senior generation and first rate, no sooner seated iced water and bread on the table, drinks ordered, I go for a local beer, Steam beer. We are sat in the middle of the restaurant looking out on to the Wharf with boats and sail ships (3 masts) with the Golden Gate bridge in the distance. The interior is worn but nice, lots of model ships and nautical pictures, with the odd model plane hanging from the ceiling ??? The lighting is a first long rows of red and green grapes (must be something to do with wine theme with the Napa Valley not being far away) with Art Deco hanging chanderliers (wish I had my camera) an eclectic mix but some how appropriate.
The food is quick and very hot, Ali's warned me not over do it because of portion size but I don't listen (eyes bigger than my belly - hey steady on, I can see your faces now). Well I go for the Crab chowder in a bread bowl with oyster crackers (wow...), mains (this is where I get into trouble) a selection of sea food, crab, scallops, oysters, octopus, shrimp, local fish, well I struggle (told you so look from the good lady).
I waddle out of Nick's in little discomfort, a walk along the waterfront should see to that, it's dark now and sun setting behind the Golden Gate is a well worth seeing scene (wish I had a camera...). It's a warm evening, even spot a couple people swimming in the bay !! The buildings are made up with a lot of Art Deco, something else the US does well, we stop for a coffee (Ghirardelli) and sit outside people watching, listening to the sounds of SF including the world famous cable cars. Coffee drank and we make our way back to the Hotel (also in the Art deco style) through the neon streets filled with bars, restaurants, galleries and tat shops.
Well that's the end of the first day, been awake (except for the naps) for more 24 hrs now and it's caught up with us, so it's nighty from us, sleep tight.
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