You have to admit that many times in our lives there is a need to do things in threes, especially taking touristy photos.
Exhibit 1: Although my mother and I seem to have managed to keep still like a mannequin, my little princess’ different looks were captured.
Exhibit 2: When kids get in the way, or the wind, the photographer must click until the perfect pic.
Exhibit 3: When your father is a photo-bomber and his expressions must be captured, the photographer must keep clicking.
Exhibit 4: Three clicks could capture a story of the best photo-bomber I have ever encountered.
Exhibit 5: And there are times when I get lucky and I don’t only have ONE, or TWO, but THREE great pictures of moi. Thank you very much. 🙂
I lie; I made up that taking pictures in threes. I don’t really do that, at least not deliberately. It’s more like we (me and family) have a tendency to be the click-happy tourists. Sometimes, pictures come in tens, too, and I delete the not-so-pretty ones. 🙂
I have posted a bit of San Francisco here although only of the Golden Gate. This post completes the trip to SanFran.
We came into San Francisco via the other San Francisco bridge, the one with possible a horrible complex because it is not famous or beautiful like the Golden Gate.
We didn’t stay downtown as the prices in San Francisco can be quite ridiculous. We found the more reasonable hotel of the Hilton family, The Hampton Inn & Suites, which is more suitable for those sticking to a budget. Although the family room in Hampton is smaller than the family room in Holiday Inn Express & Suites, the breakfast area is welcoming and we were able to chill there. Having options for coffee makes a difference, too. Most importantly, the staff members were most courteous and helpful. I would definitely not hesitate to go back to this specific Hampton.
The area is also quite nice. This is not far from the airport. The surrounding is inviting enough and my father went for a job.
For a bit of luxury, there is always the Westin around the corner.
I was hoping to see and experience a lot of the city but an evening, a whole day and a morning, if at all, would not be enough. It was just like a taste of what I might want to eat. I will have to go back to San Francisco for sure.
An important advice from me is to book for Alcatraz even before you get to the city, or the country. This can be done online. We didn’t know this and I was sure we could take that Alcatraz Cruise but the first availability was only in 4-days time. That was indeed silly of me. So much for my planning on an Excel spreadsheet, complete with costing, distance to travel, etc. So, all we got to see of Alcatraz can’t possibly get anyone excited, sadly.
I did have fun in the city, though. There were many opportunities to pose and every Kodak moment was taken advantage of. We did try to catch all the piers although that’s probably not possible.
Streets of San Francisco
My toddler even found a playground from where I found it tremendously tough to pull her away.
Then, it was time to pay a visit to the magnificent Golden Gate Bridge.
Golden Gate Bridge
And here we are
Here's an interesting read on the Two Bay Area Bridges
Last but not the least, being on holiday means eating whatever we want to eat so coming from Africa where there isn’t a single Jollibee or Goldilocks, we had to have these Filipino favorites while in SF.
Goldilocks was the best! I just love the Filipino food here and I wish I could have takes home a lot of treats, snacks and many other goodies but they do expire so I couldn’t really take any with me, not back to Africa. *sad face*
We also had some Buffalo Wings which were absolutely delicious. Buffalo Wild Wings rocks!
My most favourite thing to do on Earth- give advice of things to do in San Francisco.
You’ve got to explore the Golden Gate PARK. It’s huge and there are a ton of thing to see. The Japanese tea garden, conservatory of flowers, Academy of Sciences, Spreckels and other lakes. Spreckels the kids will love. Why? For that you need to check out my blog post https://sleightofthehand.wordpress.com/2016/10/22/san-francisco-memories/. Other than that Coit Tower, Ghirardelli Square, the farmers market at Ferry Building.
Cross the bridge to Sausalito for a fun, albeit expensive lunch.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Oh, fab! I’m definitely going to check out that post and will plan next trip with your advice. I can imagine how much better next time will be. Thanks so much! 😊💖🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person
Such a nice Holiday Spirit Post. Your Kiddo is too cute !!
LikeLiked by 3 people
Thanks so much, Cattie 💖😊🤗🎉
LikeLike
And, there is this really cheap hotel in downtown. Hotel Astoria. The elevator takes five minutes to reach the second floor, fits in no more than three but the location is fantastic and the price even better. It’s not scary but it’s old. However, it’s right next to the China town gate and well connected to all modes of public transport which is the only way one can get around downtown anyway.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! I’m not sure if you’re scaring me.. 😂😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
😃😃 No, just stating facts. You ought to be prepared 😃😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
Haha! True. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
😃
LikeLiked by 1 person
You also must try the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Boudin. It’s a San Franciscan speciality. I am vegetarian so I can’t give you too much insight into food but hit the Mission for authentic Mexican. Bi-rite ice cream is a MUST MUST. And sandwich at Ike’s place. Both will have a line but well worth the line!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I better take it easy with food before going there and must exercise even while on holiday. Sounds like a lot of extra weight I’ll be taking back home with me. 😄💖🤗
LikeLike
Oh trust me you won’t put on weight. You’ve seen the hills, need I say more? Oh you didn’t go to Crooked street??
LikeLiked by 1 person
Nope, sadly not. There’s a lot of SF that I am still to see and experience. And I’ll take your word for the weight thing. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
We skipped Alcatraz becos we only got into SF on the last minute plan. Perhaps the next opportunity to fly through, we’d do it! Its a promise to ourselves!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Same here, same here. 🙂 And I’m getting lots of recommendations so next trip will be much better and more jam-packed. I’ve realized that there are so many things to do anywhere and I don’t think one trip is enough for the very touristy big cities.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awesome advice and tips. Thanks for sharing.
LikeLiked by 2 people
My pleasure. And thank you so much for reading and for your comment. Much appreciated 🙂
LikeLike
This was funny and cute! Looks like you guys hit most of the touristy spots there!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Being the usual Asian tourists that we are 😂😆💖🤗
LikeLiked by 1 person