dietsch

Still walkin'

Another full day, but a little quieter, which is nice. Colder, too, which is not so nice. Up to now, the weather here's been in the lower 70s, which I hear is balmy for SF at this time of year. Today, however, it was a good 10 - 15 degrees cooler and VERY windy. Still, though, with the sun shining and the sky cloudless, you won't hear me complain. In fact, this entire paragraph is me bragging about the weather up to now. I cable-carred up to Fisherman's Wharf this morning to reserve a ticket for Alcatraz tomorrow. I got to ride on the side again, which always makes me feel like a little kid. It's amazing that in a world that's so safety-oriented, you can still hang off the side of a San Francisco cable car as it climbs a steep hill. Next, I headed over to Columbus Street in North Beach, selected a charming little cafe, and sat outside with a scone and a double latte and read for about two hours. That was very relaxing, and with all the people about on a Sunday morning, it was quite enjoyable as well. Overall, I'm really charmed by how friendly people here tend to be. Next, I walked. And walked. And walked. I first hiked up to Telegraph Hill and photographed the surroundings. That might be one of the few places in San Francisco where you can look in one direction and see the Bay Bridge and look in the other and see Golden Gate. Gorgeous views. I was a little annoyed at all the people who drove up the hill instead of climbing it and I was even MORE annoyed at the couple who were all smoochy-smoochy over in the corner. As much fun as it is to travel, I get depressed sometimes that I spend so much of every day alone. Next, I hiked down Telegraph Hill, over to Lombard Street, and up to the curvy road you see in everyone's SF pictures. Don't be surprised: You'll see it in mine, too. Then, more walking. From Lombard, I strolled down to Market Street. I dunno how long that is, but it took me about an hour, so probably three miles at my pace. To my surprise and delight, the Farmers Market was happening today, so I grabbed a nice little picnic lunch. From there, I found the Cartoon Art Museum. Today was the last day of the Calvin and Hobbes Sunday comics display, a presentation for which Bill Watterson hand-picked Sunday strips. I was fascinated to see his original art, having been such a huge fan of his work for so long. In some cases you could still see his pencils under the inks. You could also see where he'd whited-out and redrawn certain things. For someone increasingly interested in how comics are created, to look so closely at the work of a proven master was fascinating and one of the highlights of my trip. Next, I headed out to the Castro and Mission Districts. Very cool. I loved all the great little shops in each and I really wish I had more time to really explore. I'm reminded again, though, of what a depressing monoculture Indiana really is. I had an early and wonderful dinner at Bagdad Cafe in the Castro. What a charming place. I took a window seat and was so mesmerized by people-watching that when the server brought my meal, I was startled. And I have to say, that place has the best French fries I've ever eaten. I'm not joking. They were perfectly crisp, a lovely golden-brown, and they tasted so good. Most French fries, to my taste, are bland. Not these. There was such a deep, rich, and complex earthy flavor to these, like a really fine roasted potato. I can't explain, but I was very happy. It's been a quiet day: sipping latte and reading this morning, visiting Telegraph Hill and the twisty Lombard Street, browsing the galleries at the Cartoon Art Museum, and exploring Mission and Castro. I'm back earlier than normal, so I'm going to write for a bit and then read. I've had such a satisfying day.