San Francisco, you beauty!

Do you guys often have lofty ambitions for keeping on top of work and blogging and what not while you travel? I totally did, but totally did not anticipate how generally busy I would be day-to-day in the States! Our days have literally been 10 hour marathons, combine that with morning flights (which mean early wake up calls to get to the airport) and we're both a wee bit flat out!

However, we're taking a break from the airport and instead are currently sitting on a train that's taking us from Portland to Seattle. It's a much nicer process of getting on the train, than it is to take a flight, and we get wifi the whole trip! Total win. 

Plus I now get to update you all on the delicious yummies I got to have in San Francisco. Hang tight for another photo spam...San Francisco had a lot to offer. 

It was both Brad and my first time to San Francisco, although I had heard a lot about the city and many, many, many people telling me that I would love the city, because it was very 'Ashley' (although I don't know what that encompasses really). 

Oddly enough though, I didn't really have any expectations going in (probably because I was so busy getting LA sorted out), and just fell in love with the sunshine, cool weather and abundance of rainbow flags that was San Francisco. 





After 6 hours of not eating (due to early flight), The Melt in SoMa greeted us with cheap and delicious grilled cheese goodness sandwiched between sourdough. Mine had an egg in it. It was brilliant.

A chocolate milkshake was devoured too.





We visited Union Square, which meant we also visited Macy's, which meant we also went to level three of Macy's to visit Yigit Pura's patisserie and dessert shop, Tout Sweet. For those of you who dont know, I'm a massive Top Chef fan and Yigit Pura won the first season of Top Chef: Just Desserts. So the geekery began. 





I suffered a meltdown after we returned from Union Square, as we tried to figure out what we wanted to do for dinner. So many recommendations, so little time.



But after collecting my wits and deciding that I needed rice, we visited R and G Lounge for some serious salt and pepper crab.

All the win. All the win!



Punch is a delicious affair at Novela, which felt like a super chic library. Mine had gin in it.



Alcatraz was visited, at 8:45am in the morning. 



It was a totally fascinating and worthwhile trip, I loved that the audio tour in the jail itself was narrated by ex-guards and ex-inmates who all still had that gangster drawl, that made you feel like you were listening to a period film or something. Completely brilliant!





And you get stunning views of San Francisco. Such a photogenic city!



We visited the sea lions on Pier 39 who were barking away happily or lounging about in the sun, so cute!



We waited two hours for brunch at Mama's.





But man, that French toast. Americans love this stuff, never see it as much at home!



I fell in love with San Francisco's architecture, there was so much character and detail and odd little surprises that would catch you off guard, mixed in with some newer elements. It was fascinating. 



Cars on a 45 degree angle also fascinated me as we climbed Russian Hill. 



Where we were rewarded with the most beautiful views.



Lombard Street also amused me, as all the cars played peek-a-boo.



The single tram that we rode, had to get fixed halfway through our ride. It was kind of fascinating. 





We had to squeeze in at least one sporting event, and why not the baseball? Although the smell of buttery popcorn tempted me constantly, we both knew it had to be garlic fries.





We crossed the Golden Gate Bridge, where we visited Napa Valley for a day.





V. Sattui was my favourite winery that we visited, as they had this amazing cheese store. 



And wine too I guess. Their aged Madeira was honeysuckle with richness, the Angelica dessert wine infused with cognac, strong on the nose, sweet and full on the palate. 



We also tried wine straight from the barrel!



Cute little cafes like this sung to my heart. 







I died and went to sugar heaven in Miette where an amazing ice-cream sandwich and so-so macarons were consumed.





We visited many colourful neighbourhoods. 





And ate like crazy when we hit Mission. Seriously. Food lovers heaven. Think Bi-Rite Creamery and Tartine Bakery.



And Bar Tartine itself, where we had one of the most lovely fish stews (amongst other delicious goods) ever. It's so far been one of my favourite meals, beautiful atmosphere and just delicious food for an incredibly reasonable price. 



Lots of clam chowder was generally consumed. 



And the general number of crabs that could be found at Fisherman's Wharf astounded me. I was gobsmacked watching this guy just fish out around 20 crabs out of his boiling pot of water in one session!



You forget that you could be in America in San Francisco's Chinatown. 



Our last night in San Francisco was spent with internet friends of mine, who took us drinking at Comstock Saloon, Specs and the Irish Bank (I think?). Every single guy on this table, I have met via the internet. Brad obviously through a dating site, the rest through a videogame forum. Isn't it a wonderfully small world?

I loved waking up everyday in San Francisco, hitting the pavement and breathing in the cool fresh air tumbling past, and always smiled stupidly as I looked up to the clear and blue sky. As Brad said, San Francisco was like a sunnier, happier version of Melbourne...someone take me back?

I guess I can always relive my experiences via my write-ups later...